Seychelles Part 2

Date: 2014-01-24

A speckling of granite and coral islands scattered along the map off the southern African coast, the Seychelles are an escapist's fantasy, with all the luscious coastline and classic paradise like features you could want, and then some you could hardly dream of. You can spend a day exploring one of the globe's smallest capital cities, Victoria, venture out to some deep-sea fishing and go mountain biking along breath-taking trails. However may be more inclined to bathe in the crystal liquid of the Indian Ocean on a soft white beach in front of some peculiarly astonishing cliff faces, in the mostly brilliant of sunshines. However you choose to spend your time on these islands, you'll have one of the world's most romantic destinations as your backdrop.

The Seychelles is an archipelago, or scattering of some 115 islands, settled together along the equator just off the East coast of Africa. These lumps of granite and piles of coral hold captive in the curves of their shorelines, some of the best beaches in the world. The Seychelles offers pristine natural beauty like only a chocolate box can depict and is 'the' impeccable place to unwind.

There is a wonderful relaxed vibe from the local Seychellesoise people. Their exotic French accent and friendly demeanour adds an element of spice to the experience. The Seychelles people are really down to earth and have the habit of speaking their minds. If they laugh at your jokes it is because they think its funny. If your joke is not funny they are likely to tell you. If you speak French their smile seems to grow a little broader, even though it would seem sometimes that that was not possible. The totally approachable manner of the island people gives the Seychelles that sun tan lotion quality to the holiday experience.

Mahéis the largest island in the 115-island chain, home to the chain of Islands economic and political centre, also home to 90% of all Seychellois. All international flights arrive in Mahé. The country's only major town, Victoria, serves as the capitol and is one of the world's smallest capitals. It's charming, leisurely and quiet, with an interesting mix of French and British colonial architecture and an incredibly ornate Hindu temple.

Before we set off on our island hopping expedition we enjoyed researching the island's attractions. Everything we wanted to know about the Seychelles we could find on the Internet. The cheapest fares for flights, accommodation and entertainment facilities are advertised on the web. Here you will also find advertisements for special festivals and events, one thing that you will not find the Seychelles is, my dear readers, is not for the faint hearted. It is one of the most expensive places on earth and you have to come prepared.

Researching the adventure ahead added

Our first stop in Seychelles was on the main island on Mahe, La Fontaine Holiday Apartment and Villa, located in the north side of Mahe at Bel Ombre, just 5 minutes walk to Mahe's most famous beach of Beau Vallon. Offering elegant accommodation in a tranquil setting with a superb panoramic view of a rich tropical forested mountain. This property consists of 12 spacious self-catering 2-bedroom apartments and 2 fully equipped 3 and 4 bedroom Villas. Accommodation is on a room only basis with the option of breakfast. La Fontaine Holiday Apartment and Villa has a large swimming pool, which came in really handy when we needed to cool off after the short walk back from the beach. The apartment was air-conditioned and equipped with ceiling fans to help cope with the island climate.

I guess if you are planning to visit Seychelles for a long time this is the way to do it. Their apartments are clean and serviced daily. They are situated just across the road from the beach and a fifteen-minute walk from the supermarket. The kitchen is equipped with all the utensils, which we used to cook up the storm for a fraction of the price we would have to pay at a restaurant - think R295.00 for a Greek Salad, R60.00 for 500ml of water, R210.00 for a pizza.

The beach at Beau Vallon was not the best beach to swim in. There were many impurities and seaweed in the water making it rather unpleasant to swim, even the renowned beaches were filthy. When I asked our guide about it I was told that they had some big rains before we arrived and the debris was washed into the ocean and it being the Festive Season, the usual beach cleaning teams were not working, as it was the national public holidays.

So we hired a little Diahtsu Terios for R660.00 per day and we went in search of perfect beaches. Each day we packed our rucksack and cruised the island stopping at magnificent beaches, each one uniqueeach one more spectacular.

The Seychelles experience really lends itself to the beach lovers. Situated just seven degrees from the equator, this island offers an all year round warm climate with the temperatures varying between 24-31 degrees Celsius. Make sure that you pack just the lightest of clothing, a few sarongs, cossies and slops and if you are staying at the hotel you will be expected to dress smart casual for dinner, so include a little light black number and a light linen suit, as the temperatures soar even in the evenings.

While chatting to some locals we heard about Jungle Juice, a local brew made from Coconut and rumoured to be delightful. We almost got it right to purchase a bottle of this island brew but sadly it never happened. So we settled for Takamaka, the spirit of the islands, our favourite was definitely the coconut rum with lime on a pile of ice. As the sky went from orange to crimson to bruised grey, we sipped the coconut sundowners and witnessed the sun slipping into the ocean.

Seychelles is perfect all year roundtrust me even when it rains, you feel like you are reborn. The Seychelles islands have it all: a mellow climate year round, azure seas, white sand, groovy-looking fish, and rare birds. And guess what? Besides some shy sharks and a few petty criminals it has no known predators. Seychelles we were told, is safe for the tourists.

Seychelles Tourism contact Details : Tel: +27826945329 Email: seychelles@stoza.com

Physical Address: P.O.BOX 1262, Belombre, Victoria Mahe, Seychelles, Victoria, Seychelles, 0041

Seychelles Part 2

Springclean

Enlarge View Link

Nissan T5ekton

Enlarge View Link