Yes Its Hot Now So How To 'Kool'? Go Fish Man.

Late March & into April is always 'HOT' or '*So' (*Kreole for HOT) in the Seychelles! Beaches are calm. The sun is out, and burning so be careful and take care, and evenings can still be sweltering! Local folks like to chill in the evening with a cool bottle of SeyBrew by the beach as the stars twinkle above! (Mind those bats!) Those visiting our friendly shores are as well quite welcome to enjoy the night air and later retire to their airconditioned rooms. (Lucky you)

Most of us though have to sleep with the fan on and windows open. Hopefully a little bit of rain will fall later in the evening providing some comfort and cooling things down.

For all visitors though the temperature is just right. After all this is why they came to the islands.

One other way to fight the 'heat' is to do something that distracts you and occupies the mind. So go fishing just like this recent visitor to the islands did landing this 210 pound or 95 kilo marlin! Congrats to him and well done to the boat and crew of 'Island Girl' skippered by Antoine Hoareau!

If you would like to fish while on the islands drop me a line! I have a superb boat and crew in mind!

PS - Meaning of 'La Saler Careme'. Ever since we set foot on the islands way back when, it has always been hottest during the Easter period! So since Seychelles is about 90%+ Christian this common expression has blossomed as a means to explain what you are experiencing and to take the edge off! Tropics baby! Enjoy it.

* Other ways to 'Kool' on the islands :- under a shady takamaka tree on a beach somewhere!

(Photo Credit: Seychelles Nation) The Seychelles Nation is our daily newspaper!

My Flying Fox! Chauve Souris.

Good morning all! Last Sunday, March 22nd 2009, while on the topic of bananas I made a quick mention of the 'flying fox' of the islands.

Well this Sunday morning, 05:51hrs, as the sun rises, in the sky high above our island 'fying foxes' or the fruit bat, circles above, making their way back to their resting places after a long evening of dining out and tropical mischief.

Fruits mostly, as their name suggests, in the tree at night you can hear them feeding on the mango or some other tropical delight. Or just above the roof top in the night sky, hear them as they fly by. Be warned sometimes you will hear a crash on a nearby roof. No not a falling bat but rather some fruit or a mango falling from the clutches of one of these beautiful mammals.

Another warning as well for you. For on the rare occasion a local or a visitor has been 'annointed' or 'blessed' with what drops from the bat. And what drops is not from the mouth but rather from the opposite end! A rare occurence indeed. If it is to happen to you however do consider yourself 'lucky' and do immediately go out and buy that lottery ticket before the 'good luck' wears off!

I have been witness to such an occurence. Many years back indeed, which confirms the rarity of the event, for back on the islands I too had much experience during the night and had this been something frequent I would have fallen 'victim' to one splattering as well!(Another story another blog about my 'night time' adventures)Anyway we were gathered as a family enjoying good talk, tasty wine, and a delicious meal at a restaurant which at the time was called 'Winnie's Wagon Wheel' located at La Louise, on the way to La Misere.

Sitting outside little did we realise that 'luck' was about to call & strike one among us and with a loud 'splash'! And it did right on the person's head did it land. Surprise was soon replaced with laughter I recall by all except that most 'lucky' person among us who received the 'blessings'. After a clean up in the lavatory he too came to the see his 'good fortune' and laughed it off.

All the while sitting outside with thousands of bats above, who would have guessed what was to befall us? Not I and not he apparently.

The Seychelles Flying Fox is indeed a welcome sight in the early evening sky as it glides above, in hundreds, flocked together as they make their way to dine. In the morning time as well with the warming sun, they make their way home to rest for the day.

View the Seychelles Flying Fox at garden's through out the islands. As well take a visit to the Botanical Garden at Mont Fleuri for an upclose encounter.

The Seychelles Islands. So much to do, see and experience. Please do!

Earth Hour!

http://www.earthhour.org/home/

8:30PM local time, wherever you live on planet earth. Saturday 28 March 2009!

Current time in Seychelles at this posting:- 18:46hrs.

"Earth Hour has always been a positive campaign; it's always around street parties, not street protests, it's the idea of hope not despair. And I think that's something that's been incredibly important this year because there is so much despair around," he said. "On the other side of it, there's savings in cutting your power usage and being more sustainable and more efficient." Earth Hour executive director Andy Ridley.

Seychelles as well is all about sustainable development. It just makes sense!

(Photo: Victoria 's CLock Tower, modelled on London's 'Little Ben', in the center of the world's smallest capital city - Victoria, Mahe Seychelles. 'L'hor Loge' was restored by the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce a few years ago. The erection of the clock tower took nine days to complete. It was finished on March 27, 1903. The clock tower was originally black and oil lamps were fixed on the four sides. Four decades later the Victoria City Council decided that it should be painted with a lustrous silver and it has been in that colour ever since. Happy Birthday Clock Tower! You Are 106 years old!)

Come visit Seychelles and see the uniqueness of the place, the people and what it has to offer.

Seychelles' 'Top Secret' Tourism Retention Plan! (STSTRP)

Question? What Happens When You Eat A Breadfruit While In Seychelles? Answer shortly!

This was the question I asked yesterday and today I am about to provide the answer!

After making the posting asking the question I realised that I was probably opening a 'can of worms' as it were! After all this has long been the (STSTRP) for the 'gurus' who run and manage the tourism product for the islands and now I am about to reveal it to the world, something which has long been sought after by other paradise islands like Hawaii, Tahiti, Mauritius, Guam, Catalina, St. Croix, Trinidad & Tobago, and so on!

I had a sleepless night last night kicking myself! What to do? Luckily I thought long and hard and remembered a friend at the SBS or Seychelles Bureau of Standards back on the 'big' island of Mahe, Seychelles.

Presenting my problem to her she assured me that long ago those same 'gurus' appreciated that one day their (STSTRP) would come to light and realising this conducted extensive tests. The results showed that the soil content in the Seychelles was as well 'unique' contributing to the brilliance of the over-all 'secret' plan! She then told me that if I was to 'spill' the beans or 'duriz' - I love rice with my meals, a Seychellois thing - that this would not be a problem and would probably see a rise in consumption of this great tasting and natural product!

Today ladies and gentlemen, all who are considering to come to Seychelles or have been and are having this 'urge' to come back to the islands, I can reveal that YES indeed - that for many years all those tourists eating our Seychellois breadfruit when visiting will indeed want to come back to the Seychelles for many more visits!

Apparently our breadfruit + the lush soil + our rain water + mixed with the million year old granite rocks + the great tasting beer + the Seychellois way of preparing, compels you after consumption to come back to the islands!

Eat breadfruit as a chip, as a 'la daube', 'gratin', or my favourite 'grille' meaning picked from the tree, outside under the open sky, under twigs, leaves, coco-nuts, bake on a fire until the outside is cooked 'black' in colour! Open add butter, watch it melt then consume! Yum! Then drink a 'kool' SeyBrew, gaze at the tropikal night sky and chill!

Coming?

Seychelles Je t'aime!

I want to say thank you for all the emails received in support of this 'Blog'! I got to say don't be bashful though - while your emails are very much welcome you can always as well add a comment right here! Anyway behind the scenes we are still working hard for our site www.uniqueoffersseychelles.com despite my migraines and sinus! Never had that before? Must be an age thing? (Yuck)

I know that if I was back on the islands right now I would go for a dip at Beau Vallon! Always soothes the mind, body and soul taking care of my headache! Just around 5pm. And stay there soaking as the sun sets just beyond Silhouette Island. Perhaps the best show around. Take it from me nothing like it!

I will be coming back at you shortly with some really 'Kool' info on Aldabra and this great lottery out there that the Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF) is holding. I know you have heard of the Galapagos Islands right? Well consider Aldabra its cousin however thousands of miles away. A magical place to be and visit under strict conditions. Imagine a place with unique and rare fauna, a very large lagoon with thousands of species of marine life, and about 150,000 giant tortoises! (Seychelles only has about 85,000 folks on it) WoW!

Anyway check back real soon! Question? What Happens When You Eat A Breadfruit While In Seychelles? Answer shortly!

Getting To The Seychelles! Coming?

So you want to visit the Seychelles? Great! Hopefully we were part of that decision making process that 'persuaded' you to come on over!

So now that you are going how do you get there? Car-Train-AeroPlane? (You may strike two of them off although a few years back there was some talk about a light rail service - strictly for the 'Big' island of Mahe though so that will not be of help, and of late there is this car that also converts to a plane but this will not be for you.)

If you are sailing to the Seychelles you are of course most welcome. I will not even begin to advise you on what needs to be done there. I did sail (if you call it that) but this was on a large grey in colour ship. It hardly rolled in heavy seas thank goodness.

Anyway if you are sailing to the Seychelles - no probs. The main island of Mahe has several marinas that can host your sail boat providing you great support and services as you arrive to clear your immigration formalities. Later you can sail between the islands taking in the sights, and enjoying great SCUBA, snorkeling and fishing. Be mindful of the problems of Somalia. Sail clear away but rest assured of your safety within the island groups of the Seychelles! ( By the way -spear fishing - is not allowed in the Seychelles, but do try fly fishing! )

Now for the more traditional method of travel and I refer to flight! By the way Air Seychelles - (YES I do suggest that you try to connect to our national airline! Enjoy the 'Creole Spirit' even before arriving in Seychelles. Air Seychelles. Fly it and enjoy. I love the food aboard!) And while mentioning Air Seychelles, they just announced that they will now service Moscow! And I mean Moscow in Russia and not the one in Tennessee, USA! So this is just one more way to connect, if you find yourself in Moscow (Russia) and wanting to come to the Seychelles! Yes man please do.

So for Seychelles consider Air Seychelles, code sharing with Air France, you also have Kenya Airways (a great airline), Air Austral (seasonal), Emirates ( coming in from Dubai! ) Qatar from Doha, Condor from Germany. ( Did I forget any? Do tell me ) From the USA you can fly from Texas to Dubai then to Seychelles ( On Emirates ) or out of JFK. I like the connect out of Atlanta Georgia USA on Delta! Service as well from France, UK, Germany, Italy to the sunny shores of the Seychelles! This is not the exhaustive list of cities and countries - There is South Africa, Singapore, Mauritius + all to Seychelles!

For me after getting off the plane there is always this feeling of renewal as I take in the fresh tropic air at Pte.Larue International Airport. (By the way - No airbridge to connect the plane to the terminal. This is being planned.) So for now you will walk down onto the tarmac and walk to the terminal under nature's sky. Rain? no probs - A bus will meet you or umbrellas provided by the friendly and efficient ground staff! I would advise however not to be too heavily dressed - you know heavy coats etc. Be ready for the humidity and be prepared for the tropics to say hello! No worries the arrival hall is fully airconditioned so you will get the time to adjust!

Shop around for the best price on travel as they are out there! After you have done that - start counting down as you prepare to depart on your Seychelles adventure.

PS. If you want to offset your 'carbon footprint'consider taking an ox-cart ride on La Digue! Book through www.uniqueoffersseychelles.com and check out 'Go Green'!

You will get a certficate 'crediting' you with your choice and mode of travel! Just our little way of saying 'thank you' merci beaucoup! By the way another way you can help out is by planning ahead, taking a walk, bike riding, taxi and even bus! Later after you know the area a bit more go ahead and book a car! Spreading your consumption around a bit helps as well!

If you go let me know! Have fun!

Things To Do Today. Go Swim With A Tortoise!

Is it not time that you considered coming to the Seychelles Islands? So much to see, experience and cherish! Good morning World! Make it the best no matter the challenges. See you at my next update...... (For more info on our giant tortoises and the island of Aldabra),

might I suggest? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldabra_Island

Is 'Dat' A Banana In Your Pocket Or Are 'U' Happy To See Me?

Folks island life is 'kool' O! Just a little bit of 'pigeon' English to get things going. That is why I enjoyed Ghana as well! So many similar things, sights, and tastes. OK there are about 20 different dialects and 5 or 6 major languages spoken there, but still, when speaking 'd' English with my friends in Ghana, good times indeed 'O'! More later on Ghana as we get rolling on www.uniqueoffersghana.com/!

Now back to the question at hand and my promise of bananas! So many types of delicious fruits to be had on the islands that it promises to be a pleasure not only for the mouth and your taste buds, but you will probably leave much healthier as well!

As for 'banana in 'd' pocket? At this time I am on bananas the fruit only. I would not recommend carrying a banana in your pocket on the islands by the way especially at night! You see there are many 'Chauve -Souris' about in the air with excellent eyesight and they love to eat bananas!(wink) What is this animal you ask? Good question. At my next 'Blog' I promise to put up a picture of this wonderful animal for those who might not know the 'flying fox' of the islands, of the bat family.

You know this is a delicacy on the islands and very tasty meat to eat? Why not try it?

Now in the morning no matter where you might be on this glorious planet, start your day with a banana and while eating it think of the islands and perhaps plan on visiting? Why not? GotFunGo! Seychelles. Experience it. http://www.uniqueoffersseychelles.com/.

Photo: I took this while walking along the road on Praslin. Although tempted to pick one to eat I did not. Besides they were green and not ready as yet! Each little village will have a market or a stall by the road where fresh bananas can be bought, eaten and enjoyed. Back on Mahe the 'BIG' island, do visit Sir Selwyn Market in Victoria where there are many fruit vendors and much choice and variety. Best time to go to the market you ask? From 7 in the morning onwards. Perhaps the best day is Saturday. This is where almost the entire island populace of Mahe comes down to do their shopping for the week! Indeed a sight to see. Once again get there about 7 in the morning. Enjoy those bananas.

Good morning Seychelles ! It is now 1 am in the morning! And 'Hello' World!

All My Friends Everywhere. A Delightful Day.

Mahé, Indian Ocean 4°35 S, 55°40 E - Well it is just past 4:30 in the afternoon, a Sunday, here on the main island of Mahe. I awoke this morning after a light rain and took a walk in the garden of the establishment where I am staying. Rather small, but comfortable and the family taking care of the place, simply marvelous and attentive. What woke me was the sound of the rain gently tapping against my wooden shutters followed by the morning calls of the rooster somewhere far off in the distance. The walk in the garden was splendid. It seemed that the rain energised many of the small creatures about. The little red 'sren' and its mate, grey in colour. Many of them in fact. A humingbird taking its morning meal from a dew draped flower, and my favorite the turtle doves. All about in this tropical garden. Later a spot of tea and toast complimented with local jams, some cheese, fresh papaya and a mango! Quite simple but delicious. I had an interesting chat with my host. Arriving the other day late in the afternoon and rather tired from my trek on Cerf Island, I did not have much time to chat with her. I find this place so relaxing and fresh. I even look forward to the refreshing cold showers. The water coming from the nearby river which flows down into a small cascade. Later in the morning I sat and watched as the residents from the village walked by going off to church. A Roman Catholic church sits off the way and from my vantage point could see the tip of it. Its morning bells calling the faithful to its halls. A few greetings of 'good morning' & 'bonjour' as the children followed by their elders, mostly women and younger children smartly dressed and making their way smiling and a little wave allo. The sun could be felt strong against my back so I decided to pack a small meal with the help of my host, some water bought from the local shop down the road, and off I went. Smashing day really. No mobile phone, but I must admit to bringing my Ipod to listen to my favourite songs as I walked along the road, out and about to explore. I did not go far. I did not have to. I found this delightful little secluded beach, coconut trees and several other larger trees for shade, and calm water to seduce me to the place calling me to stay. I did for the remainder of the day simply drifting with the afternoon clouds high above. I love this place!

What's So Hot That Your Tongue Will Drop To The Floor?

Tante Fifille That's What!

Well some might think that it might be the sun or lava flowing from a volcano but really and take it from me what's really hot is Tante Fifille's 'La Saler'! Do you dare?

I like to think myself an 'afficianado' of the 'hot sauces' or 'pimant' and love to add the spice to my everyday dishes. In the Seychelles it is of course second nature. Take a look around and you will see almost everyone eating our 'pimant cabri' or the like, picked from the bush, washed, then eaten with their meal, lunch or dinner. Yum!

Made with four different types of 'pimant' and other natural ingredients, fresh to order, Tante Fifille's 'La Saler', now in 3 different varieties, promises to deliver the 'BURN' or your money back! WoW! Just a little will do believe me.

I would say that when you order ask for the product that has been aged at least for 3 months! Or you can do it yourself. Simply keep it in your cupboard and after a few months try it. WoW - Hot! Burns! Get the picture?

When in Seychelles try the hot stuff if you dare. Then sit back and enjoy the rest of the day on the islands.

WARNING: This Product Is Rated Sizzlin Hot! Remedy For Helping Burning Tongues. Eat Dry Bread. Then Drink Cool Water. TIP OF THE DAY! To Eat Hot 'Creole Style Chili's' Avoid Contact With Your Lips!

Eating Out In Seychelles? On Mahe do try Marie Antoinette Restaurant at St.Louis just up the hill from Victoria. Ask for Guyto and she will assure you a great dining experience for a fine Creole meal! Yumm!

Hey What About Those Bananas? What's UP?

An Island Is Surrounded By Water.

The Seychelles is of course what is known as a S.I.D.S or 'small island developing state'. Population - about 85,000. Islands - about 116 ( depends on the tides ?) Tortoises - 150,000 (On Aldabra mostly a World Heritage site ), and as a small island state surrounded by the beautiful Indian Ocean, water, drinking water is a resource which is treasured. It is my thinking that as island folks we understand perhaps more than anyone else - well maybe our cousins from the deserts have a leg up on us, the importance of clean drinking and abundant water supply! Without it what would the Seychelles be?

World Water Day is the 22nd of March 2009 - http://www.worldwaterday.org/

Enjoy your stay in the Seychelles Islands. Stay tuned, those 'bananas' are coming!

Wait A Minute! Beer? Tell Me More

OK - before I get back to the 'bananas' I realised that perhaps I should have mentioned more on the lokal beer from the islands. A picture is worth a thousand words! So here is the photo of what is a very good beer! But please don't come to the Seychelles just because of the beer? But if you must, you must and who is to stop you? Enjoy the islands! Stay tuned for 'Bananas'.

Love Bananas? Of Course You Do

Well its now late in the afternoon and you just spent a wonderful day taking your time to sight see and take in the lokal 'sights & sounds'! Hopefully you recorded them. Now to the question at hand. "Do you love bananas?" And the answer of course is a resounding ' YES '! Now if you hang on a bit I will direct you to where on the islands you can get those tasy fruits! Stay tuned..... be back shortly! ( You might just be surprised ) ( Or not ).....

Kool Books From Le Kool Kreole Book Shop.

Hi all. Seychelles time at this 'blog' entry is 0300hrs in the morning! Much stirring going as some folks prepare to start their day. For many this means getting the house in order, preparing meals, then rushing out to catch the morning bus to head into Victoria. Fishermen as well are stirring at this time getting ready to head to hopefully catch some great tasting fish. One thing you will find about this 'blog' is how I like to make mention of the great products and services on offer at http://www.uniqueoffersseychelles.com/. The very same approach will be used for Ghana and Kenya! I made mention of 'State House' earlier and our Seychellois presidents. By the way I am currently looking for great local authors to list their books with us. Know of any? Then drop me a line! In the meantime check the interesting 'read' at Le Kool Kreole Book Shop! Last month former President Mancham had a press release that he was now working on his autobiography! I am sure this will make for some interesting reading. Believe me the Seychelles Islands has much to tell. If only all those coco nut trees could talk on those secluded beaches! I am sure however that this book from Sir James on his life and works will be impactful and quite meaningful. Proceeds of the sales goes to the foundation working for Seychelles. If you would like more info on the book email the office of Sir James at surmer@seychelles.net .

Seychelles! More Than Beaches. History Too!

Quick mention. Whenever I travel I always like to get to know more about the place, its history, the culture of the people, and more. I am sure that all of you as well are the same way! A few however do come to the islands to simply find their ideal spot under a coco nut tree somewhere on a beach and close their eyes! This of course is very OK to do! However you need to know that Seychelles is not only beautiful to the eye with its God given natural settings but RICH, tres rich in HISTORY! Fascinating history. Take a tour around the islands! A great way to get to know the place better! Enjoy your visit! (Photo: State House. Seat of our President. Once this was the place where the Royal Governors lived and worked. From President Mancham to its current occupant, President Michel, it is the working office of our Seychellois Heads of State since independence on 29th June 1976. Interesting to note that the former French Royal Gouverneur, 'de Quincy', is still entombed there among the grounds magnificent gardens.) Coming?

The Day After St.Patrick's Now What?

I am currently in Milwaukee and this week-end we are about to have what we call our 'Blitz'! This is all about travel and getting people on board the travel industry. Believe it or not there is good news in this area depending what 'niche' you want to attract. Bargains? Now? Indeed! Anyway why I mentioned Milwaukee. Yesterday the city, one known for its great beer industry, celebrated St. Patty's day with great fanfare! Timely indeed as the warmer weather caused an upsurge of folks to come out and ENJOY the day!

Well in Seychelles the weather is mostly always GREAT! So the day after what did we see back on the islands? The sun was out, the market was bustling and folks were about enjoying the sights and scents of the tropics! Oh, by the way great beer to be had on the islands too! Have you tried a SeyBrew? Please do if you are above 18 of course!

So what else is on offer? Why not 'go green' really and enjoy an ox-cart ride! How 'kool' is that? Tres kool indeed! Coming? http://www.uniqueoffersseychelles.com/

Happy St Patrick's Day. Not In Seychelles Yet?

Well it is already going on 8pm in the Seychelles. So if you are not there yet or are still deciding to go to Seychelles for this St. Patrick's day you still have a bit of time left! The 'blarney' states that as long as you are on the plane and heading for that rainbow where a promise of treasure can be found you are OK! If you are by chance in Seychelles right now then I trust that you are on your way to Level 3 located by the New Port at Dock Land's. The spot to be in the Seychelles for this great day! Great beer, great sites and great company to be had not this night but on most tropical evenings! That is it for me right now! Hope to see you visiting us soon! Cheers

Another Something 'Unique' For You!

Well I was away for a few days! As I get used to this (my blog) I promise to keep it updated at least every 48 hours! However with all the 'social network' sites currently available and 'our' everyday 'struggles' it becomes quite difficult. We must do what we must do to survive though! At this time I wanted to make quick mention of http://www.uniqueoffers.rovia.com/ our latest and exciting addition!

The world of travel is moving from the 'brick & mortar' to 'click & order'!

More updates later! Ciao

UniqueSeychelles! Offering Seychelles To The World!

I made mention that I had wanted to go into business for myself. That was a reason but not the only one for going into the 'biz world' and using the ecommerce platform. The other was to do something positive for the islands. Enough of the 'bad' news from the islands. Surely Seychelles has something positive to offer? And you know what? She does! Getting this project off of the ground gave me a chance to visit many small enterprises on the islands. Some were skeptical thinking that this was either a pipe dream or a '419' scheme a-la Nigeria. (I mean no disrespect to the harding working and honest folks of Nigeria.) Very happy that for the most part those business folks that I did get an opportunity to speak with did take up my offer signing themselves with us! The result is that on one site the world now has the opportunity to visit Seychelles anytime they want! As of this time we are a few days old and depsite being launched we are still making some changes here and there so stay tuned! Just want to make a quick mention to Jeff of PowerSEOStrategy for the SEO work going on at this time, and Innocent and team at CFI! More updates shortly!

Finally www.uniqueoffersseychelles.com Is Launched!

Greetings 'Blog' compatriots and friends all over. Kindly accept my humble entry to the 'Blogosphere' as I talk about my adventures, going into business for myself, in trying times! ( This economic thing just kind of happened? ), and now Day 3 of our site launch. Still a few things to be done but for all intent and purpose - we are all systems go! Catch http://www.uniqueoffersseychelles.com/ and as well my blog on matters of interest! By the way now that our 'Seychelles' project is online we are now working to get http://www.uniqueoffersghana.com/ going! I spent several years there and now welcome the opportunity to share with my friends all over - magical West Africa, Ghana! I will be back shortly with some news and info to keep things moving along! Cheers and thanks for your feedback!