In Search Of A Perfect Beach- Victoria, Seychelles
March 19, 2014
Victoria, Mahe Island, Seychelles Islands
Conde Nast's description of Seychelles is that it has the most stunning beaches in the world. It is known for its dramatic beaches, with an abundance of granite formations, and contoured topography giving the site a peculiar sculpted look. The water is so blue and so warm, you could literally swim forever. Each beach has its particular style and particular characteristics. At both Praslin and La Digue Islands, you can find some of the most beautiful beaches. At Anse Lazio in Praslin, one finds romantic beaches which are picture perfect everywhere you look. They are the real Shangri-la, far away from the crowds, where Prince William and Kate spent their honeymoon.
Between the two mentioned spots there are still some other quiet beaches such as Beau Vallon on the Island of Mahe. So today, we were anxious to see what Seychelles has to offer, as our ship slowly inched its way into the port of Victoria, which is the capital of Mahe. At 3:00 pm our ship arrived at Mahe Island. Standing at the ship's rails, a few of us watched flying fish dart out of the water. They flew so fast as if they were jetting on the water. This was our first greeting as our ship docked. The second greeting was from a makeshift stand made up of palm leaves. Two female dancers with pearly white teeth were dancing and smiling before our cameras. Behind them were two guitarists and a a percussionist with the same pearly white teeth, enough to blind one not wearing sunglasses for the day.
We were staying overnight so we rented a six - seater cab for US$ 30.00, and headed to Beau Vallon, not far away from where we were docked on Mahe island. It is well known for its blonde sand backed by takamaka trees. The panoramic view point on the way to Beau Vallon is also highly appreciated by both the locals and tourists, especially lovers of superb sunsets. Tonight,there was also a Wednesday night market and some dancing and singing from the locals. For the next two hours we walked leisurely on the beach, and mingled with the locals in the market. There were many food and souvenir stalls. At a clearing just before the beach, a big boy had a table laden with fresh tropical fruit. One man started a fire on his grill. Soon skewered fresh fish were laid side by side on the grill, and the smoke and the smell permeated the atmosphere. Nearby, an old man was barbecuing mackerel on sticks for the equivalent of US$2.00 each. The huge tuna kabobs were also the same price. The fried plantain, sweet potatoes and taro chips were a mere dollar a bag. Fresh coconuts were US$2.00 each. A lady was skewering rabbit fish for BBQ, and her husband said that it is one of the best especially if served with shark and chili chutney. We sampled it, and he was right. I examined the tuna brochettes that Bert handed to me. It has a unique taste and tasted almost like meat. In between bites I smelled the other fish being cooked on the BBQ. Within seconds my tuna brochette was gone! And in a short time, I got very full from the snacks that we bought from various food stalls.
Meanwhile, many locals were eating ravenously in silence. Back on the beach, the very fine sand on my feet felt so good. I stood there on a strip where before us stretched the broad Indian Ocean. The silence was complete, except for the gentle lapping of the waves, and the rustling of palm leaves. With this slow motion ambiance, I thought I was walking in, my dreams.
The next morning, we decided not to take the Cat Coco ferries to Praslin Island because of the limited schedule and the one way price of 40.00 Euros per person. Instead, we took the shuttle bus to town and walked toward the Hindu temple, the Cathedral, and the local market. We had but a short distance to go and we walked through the market in the freshness of the morning. The stalls were full of people who smiled at us when we walked in. I've never seen fish so fresh selling so cheap! Big bunches of mackerel weighing about ten kilos, were selling for US$ 4.00 each. Long silvery barracuda lay side by side with jack fish, and skate wings. Opposite the fish stands were vegetable and fruit stalls. A few vendors were selling a combination of fruit, spices and tea.
On the second floor, there was a huge area where clothes and souvenirs were for sale. From the market, we took a taxi to the Botanical Garden where the Coco de Mer grow, and the giant tortoises roam around.
Back on the ship, everyone exclaimed that they had an outstanding time in Seychelles. Our sail away party was dramatic with the Seychelles sunset matched with gourmet pizza and the free wine, beer and soft drinks from the ship. This doesn't happen too often, so everybody had a merry day!
The beaches may be Seychelles number one developed tourists spot, but there was so much nature, culture, and beauty to experience on the island. But what I noticed more than this, was that the locals were very amiable. It truly exceeded my expectations.
Comments
What a beautiful place to visit! I can tell that the fish are truly fresh with their clear eyes and red gills, and the tropical fruits look inviting. Your vivid description made me feel I was there. Thank you for another piece of superb writing. From Kim L., on Mar 30, 2014 at 04:09 p.m