This way to Paradise!

After stepping off the plane I immediately felt the warm air hit my face. I suddenly realized I had too many layers of clothes on coming from the cold temps and snow in Japan. I was greeted by beautiful brown faces that I would see so much of throughout the week. As I looked around, I was already in awe of this island’s beauty. This place was definitely unlike any other place I’ve been to. Welcome to MAHE ISLAND SEYCHELLES off the east coast of Africa!

A LITTLE BACKGROUND

The Republic of Seychelles is a 115 island country in the Indian Ocean. Mahe island is the main island which holds the capital, Victoria. Other popular islands to visit as Parslin, Silhouette Island, La Digue, Curieuse, Felicite, and Fregate. The climate is hot and humid. The hottest months are March and April. The islands are known for their amazing and unique wildlife. Seychelles is home to about 75 endemic plant species. Particullary well-known is the Coco de mer, a species of palm that grows only on the islands of Praslin. Coco de mer produces the world’s heaviest seed and is sometimes called the “love nut” because the shape of its “double” coconut resembles buttocks.

Coca De Mer

IMPRESSIVE VIEWS

This island is by far the most beautiful place I have ever seen. It looks just like every picture I saw before arriving. Jaw dropping mountain backdrops, clear blue waters with beautiful coastlines, and sunny blue skies. It was so easy to get lost in the relaxing sounds of nature and the crashing of the waves. As I sat on the beach I thought about how much God must love his people to create places like this! I had the pleasure of visiting Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.

Seychelles 2017

Crystal blue waters

Moutain view

Mountain view from resort

MARKETS

Colorful wet markets, fish markets, and clothing markets filled the area in downtown Victoria. Red snapper was plentiful and bread fruit was popular. The red snapper was delicious!!

Red snapper

Seasonings

Colorful clothes

Market

Bread Fruit

LITTLE BIG BEN

LittleBig Ben is a cast iron symbolic momument to Queen Victoria and the majestic link Seychelles has with the United Kingdom. Situated in the centre of the Seychelles capital.

Little Big Ben

THE BICENTENNIAL MONUMENT

This monument resembles three pairs of extending wings. It symbolises the African, European, and Asian orgins of the inhabitants of the Seychelles.

Bicentennial monument

WILDLIFE

Seychelles is home to some pretty unique wildlife! My favorite were the tortoises! Could not get enough of them!

Tortoise

GUANGZHOU GARDEN

I was very surprised to see a little bit of China in Seychelles! While visiting the Botanical gardens I recognized a statue that I once visited in Guangzhou, China. It was a small version of the five rams! Pretty cool to see this connection and for me to recognize it immediately!