Bonzour! Inveterate world traveller Ros Freeman jump starts her African odyssey with an all-too-short stop in the Seychelles
I glimpse the Seychelles through my aircraft window, and instantly I have regrets. Why am I only spending four days in this tiny tropical haven? Why didn’t I allow more time?
The lure of Africa has gripped me once again. The Seychelles is the first stop of a five week, five country East African adventure that also includes Kenya, Uganda, Comoros and Malawi.
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Jean Moreau de Séchelles |
It was Vasco da Gama who first sighted the islands in 1502. Traders and pirates passed through, however it wasn’t until 1756 that the French took possession, naming the islands after Jean Moreau de Séchelles, Louis XV’s Minister of Finance. Before being discovered by Europeans, Seychelles was uninhabited. The colony was later surrendered to Britain. In 1976 independence was granted.
How many shades of blue can there be? I ponder as I gaze across the pristine white sands, over turquoise seas to a cerulean sky filled with swirling clouds. Where do Dulux colour namers go for their inspiration? No better place than Seychelles where various bays and coves conjure a laid-back ambience. Bel Ombré blue, Beau Belle blue, Eden Island blue, would all evoke a sense of peace and calm to any room.
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My little guest house is located by the water. Days begin and end with a walk along the beach. When not beach walking, wave gazing or spotting seashells on Seychelles seashore, there are adventures to be had. There is jet-skiing, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking and canoeing. However I seek my thrills riding the local buses. The bus drivers, I’ve decided, are aspiring racing-car drivers. Up the mountain, the buses labour, then down the other side, they shimmy. With each hairpin bend we swerve left, swerve right. Buttocks pressed against buttocks; especially when seated next to generously proportioned African ladies. The windows are all open, dreadlocks and braids flapping in the cool breeze.
Victoria, Seychelles’ capital on the island of Mahé, is a pretty, bustling city. It’s a 30-minute bus trip from Beau Vallon, where I’m staying. Although Queen Victoria didn’t set foot in Seychelles, her great, great, great, great-grandson, Prince William, and his bride Kate Middleton did, choosing one of Seychelles’ quieter islands for their honeymoon.
Saturday is market day in Victoria, the Seychellois come from all over the island to sell their wares. Tropical fruits are colorfully displayed and behind rows of shimmery fish, white egrets skulk. On Sundays the mood of the city changes. The city’s cathedral, temple, mosque and churches fill with well-dressed families. Passing the Pentecostal Assembly of Seychelles I’m am lured by the music. Notes of joy fly through the doors and windows, hallelujahs were in abundance. Inside there was singing and swaying as six singers sang to a five-piece band. Palms were raised to heaven.
Next door, the Botanic Gardens, was awash with Pentecostal music. The giant tortoises didn’t seem to mind. Then again who can tell what goes through the mind of a tortoise; although they do love having their necks tickled. Jonathan is the oldest Seychelles tortoise. Hatched in 1932 he’s now 191 years old and spends his days sleeping, eating and reminiscing.
Back at Beau Vallon, I took a late afternoon stroll. Feeling peckish I’d heard that curried fruit-bat was a popular local dish. In the distance, I spotted a food stall complete with bats. It was Madam Servine and Bella her pet fruit-bat. They formed a good team. Bella in charge of advertising and marketing and Madam Servine doing a brisk trade selling tropical fruit. As I peered into Bella’s tiny upside-down face, I thought, who could possibly eat you?
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Olivier Levasseur, The Buzzard |
Too soon my four days are up. I’ve seen much of the island, dined on delicious seafood and have been lulled to sleep each night by the sounds of the waves. I’ve met many friendly locals keen to share their stories and became nodding acquaintances with many more. So shall I return to the Seychelles? Maybe. But next time, I’ll stay at Bel Ombre, and maybe I’ll pack a spade.
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Where are the Seychelles? https://maps.app.goo.gl/qKywr4pvuJzKDxwQ6
Ros Freeman travelled independently at her own expense but would not go anywhere unless Kirsty at Flight Centre Eastgardens booked her flights.
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Disguised as a mild-mannered corporate employee, Ros lives a secret life as a world traveller and adventurer amassing a count of more than 150 UN-recognised countries. |
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