Category: John & Sandy

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Mahe, Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean.

MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES
The Seychelles: ex-iles de la Bourdonnais
Far from any busy shipping route, the Seychelles archipelago has long remained isolated from the rest of the world. While it is inevitable that Arab navigators were the first to approach its shores, it was the Portuguese and Vasco da Gama who, at the very beginning of the 16th century, were the first Europeans to set foot on the islands of Silhouette and Desroches, without however claiming ownership. With the increased trade with India, piracy naturally developed in the region. The Seychelles seem to have been, for a time, a haven for pirates, particularly on Mahé and Fregate Island.

In 1735, the French, already present in Reunion and Mauritius, decided to strengthen their regional colonies. From the first expedition in 1742, the archipelago inherited its first name, “Iles de la Bourdonnais,” and the main island, “Mahé,” from the name of the man who led the expedition, Bertrand-Francois Mahé de la Bourdonnais. However, it wasn’t until 1756 that the de la Bourdonnais islands, which the English were looking at a little too closely, officially became French and changed their name to that of Louis XV’s Minister of Finance, Jean Moreau de Séchelles. The first colony was established in 1770, and by 1788, Saint-Anne had around thirty French citizens and 200 black slaves cultivating the land and trading with passing ships.

After the French Revolution, the Seychelles became the home port of the privateers who plundered the English ships and their wealth from India. It was no surprise that England attacked the archipelago and seized it on 16 May 1794 before taking definitive possession in 1811. The British, who also took Mauritius as part of the deal, abolished slavery on the islands, which put a severe brake on the Seychelles economy, which would pick up again at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to the opening of the Suez Canal, which brought the European market much closer. The first part of the 20th century was difficult for the archipelago and its inhabitants, leading to the country’s independence in 1975 when it developed a socialist-inspired policy.

With an economy focused on luxury tourism, Seychelles now boasts one of Africa’s highest standards of living. French is still spoken by 30% of the population.

SIGHTS
• Beau Vallon Beach
• Betite Anse
• Anse Intendance
• Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
• Moyenne Island
• Copolia Trail
• Victoria Market
• Takamaka Rum Distillery
• Morne Blanc
• Anse Royale Beach
• Anse Major
• Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden

SHOPPING
Shoppers can find a variety of goods, from fresh produce to vibrant clothing. Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, famous for its fresh seafood and handcrafted items, is another must-visit for authentic Seychelles souvenirs. Praslin Island offers a more laid-back shopping scene.

Today’s Excursion – Jardin Du Roi & South Coast of Mahe
During this sun-drenched excursion, we discovered the exquisite tropical gardens and beaches along the south coast of Mahe.
Victoria, Scenic Drive, South Coast of Mahe, Photo Stops, Beautiful Beaches
We departed the pier for the scenic drive south to the Jardin de Roi. We took in stunning panoramic vistas of the south coast of Mahe and photo stops at beautiful beaches. Situated high in the rainforest valley of south Mahe is the picturesque 85-acre Jardin du Roi. This working plantation grows a splendid variety of spice plants, tropical fruit trees, essential oil plants, and endemic palms.

Jardin Du Roi History, Walking Tour
In 1771, the famous Pierre Poivre, or ‘Peter Pepper, decided that Seychelles’ Mahe Island was situated at the perfect latitude
for growing spices, an essential commodity. The site at the base of this hill was used initially for 10 years as a spice plantation. Still, it was burnt to the ground in 1780 by Lieutenant Romainville, the commandant of the French military, who feared a British ship was approaching. The site lay dormant until a new plantation was created in 1860 by Mr William Green Sr., who extended the plantation into the virgin rainforest of this valley; descendants of the Green family still manage this operating plantation today.

Anse Royale Beach, Indian Ocean, Sunbathing, Swimming
Next, re-board your coach and proceed to the nearby Anse Royale Beach, one of the finest beaches in the Seychelles. Upon
arrival, some free time is made available to soak up the warm, tropical sun and/or take a dip in the inviting, crystal-clear seas of
the Indian Ocean that kiss the shores of the Seychelles.

Dinner was in Alantide Restaurant

CASINO – THE MOST ICONIC CASINO ENTERTAINMENT OF ALL TIME
It features the music of Elvis Presley, The Rat Pack, and James Bond. Tonight’s performance celebrates the most iconic Casino Entertainment of all time. Join your Silversea Vocalists and the Silversea Dancers as we bring this Casino experience to life. Enjoy familiar hits such as Viva Las Vegas, Come Fly with Me, and Goldfinger, which are enhanced with modern choreography to entertain you truly!

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Mahe, Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean

MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES
Cerulean seas, miles and miles of beach, lush, tropical jungle, and surreal, natural beauty as far as the eye can see.
Few places on Earth can claim to have been as blessed by nature as Mahé. Set in the remote Seychelles archipelago over 1,500 kilometers east of Mombasa, Mahé is the largest of the 115 islands and home to many stunning attractions you won’t know where to begin.

For many, the Seychelles are the destination of a lifetime. They boast Cerulean seas, miles and miles of beach, lush tropical jungle, and surreal natural beauty as far as the eye can see. Not only does Mahé boast 68 pristine beaches, but the towering peaks of the Morne Seychellois National Park dominate it. This splendid National Park covers over 20% of the island and is home to many endemic flora and fauna, including the ultra-rare Seychelles Scops-owl.

Unsurprisingly, the crystal clear waters are a diver’s heaven, promising a colorful cornucopia of underwater life, regardless of how experienced you are. Despite the island being visited in 1609 by the British, Mahé did not feature on any maps until 1742, when Frenchman Lazare Picault explored the as-yet-unnamed islands. However, it took 14 years for the French to lay claim to the islands, with the arrival of naval ship Le Cerf, captained by Corneille Morphey, who christened the archipelago after Vicomte Moreau de Sechelles. He did this by setting down a Stone of Possession on display in the National Museum. The first settlers arrived in 1770, and 15 years later, the population had swelled to 130 – 7 Europeans and 123 slaves. Today, there are 80,000 Seychellois.

SIGHTS
• Beau Vallon Beach
• Betite Anse
• Anse Intendance
• Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
• Moyenne Island
• Copolia Trail
• Victoria Market
• Takamaka Rum Distillery
• Morne Blanc
• Anse Royale Beach
• Anse Major
• Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden

SHOPPING
Shoppers can find a variety of goods, from fresh produce to vibrant clothing. Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, famous for its fresh seafood and handcrafted items, is another must-visit for authentic Seychelles souvenirs. Praslin Island offers a more laid-back shopping scene.

Today’s Excursion – A Moment in Time

We enjoyed the highlights of one of the world’s smallest capitals. Our tour began with the drive past Independence House, which
adjoins a large roundabout. A winged sculpture to commemorate Victoria’s bicentennial (1770-1970) can be viewed from the
coach. The town’s central point is the silver-coloured clock tower, erected in 1903 as a replica of the tower at London’s
Vauxhall Bridge. Around the clock tower cluster bank buildings, the colonial-style law courts, and the Anglican Cathedral. Then,
pass the National Museum, constructed in 1911 with an endowment from the British-born steel magnate Andrew Carnegie.
After driving up the spectacular Sans Souci Road, discover some of the island’s cinnamon plantations before reaching your first
stop.

Mission Lodge Ruins
Originally known as Venn’s Town, the site was established as a school for children of freed slaves. Ruins blanketed with tropical
greenery and a magnificent avenue of endemic trees are the only reminders of the school. While the children received a basic
education, the adults worked as laborers in the surrounding plantations. A brief walk lets you enjoy this beautiful setting.
Following your visit, a short drive brings you to the Tea Tavern, where refreshments are served. Then, continue the scenic drive
along lower Sans Souci Road, with views of mountain slopes covered with tea shrubs. Pass through the coastal villages of Port
Glaud and Grand Anse on the south coast travel through the dense vegetation of the La Misère Mountain Pass, enjoying more spectacular views of Victoria and the inner islands.

Botanical Gardens
On the return trip, visit these lovely gardens located at the southern edge of Victoria. The gardens are protected from
development by their status as a national monument. Your guide shows you a remarkable variety of rare and colorful plants,
including the endemic coco de mar, giant land tortoises, and fruit bats.

Dinner was in Alantice Restaurant

EMOTIONS
A TASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME
We joined the Silversea Singers and Dancers to taste what’s to come.

We also meet some people who will keep you intrigued and entertained.