Sesel Sa January

THE VOICE OF SEYCHELLES TOURISM

Boating

in Seychelles

CREOLE

Affordable Seychelles

The mother tongue

FR EE

The mystical tale of the

The Cover was shot on location in the St Anne Marine Park, on board Nkalindau which is operated by Seychelles Yacht Charters (SYC) based at Wharf Hotel and Marina, Roch Caiman. For more information, please read our article on page 4.

Models and Crew

in a group photo

Gontier, Gonter, Martine meau, Jean Luc Ju e nager, Clo Ma ) et ht Fle rig (left to Captain and - Deckhand Gareth Dovey l Vosloo (sitting) rce Alisa Omblime, Ma , low Ma la Ny , ef Ch el nn Gizelle Ke

Marsha Dine Photographer

Foreword by Sherin Naiken CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board This is now the second edition of our new tourism magazine Sesel Sa! and I believe it is beginning to dawn on us that we are in the process of creating an excellent tool for promoting Seychelles and its tourism products.

I believe that Sesel Sa! is still evolving which is totally in keeping with the organic nature of the tourism industry itself and remain confident that the ongoing process of refining the design and the content of the magazine will make it the best publication that it can possibly be.

It is also an efficient vehicle for rolling out new initiatives and recently I was privileged to be involved in the East3Route expedition featured in this edition which consisted of a 50-car convoy travelling through Mozambique, Swaziland and Kwazulu Natal to boost cross border tourism and tourism related investment in those countries. As East3Route’s newest member, Seychelles is looking to benefit from the regional marketing clout of East3Route and I am excited by the possibilities.

We have a dynamic team working on Sesel Sa! and I am equally sure that, working together, we can raise the bar so that the Voice of Seychelles Tourism becomes ever more eloquent in spreading the word about Seychelles.

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CON TE N TS

1.................................Message from CEO 2.................................Table of Contents 4 - 8...........................Boating in Seychelles 10 - 14.....................Affordable Seychelles 15 - 16.....................Vanilla Island 17 - 19.....................Seychelles Carnival 20..............................In the News 22 & 23....................First Circus in Seychelles 24 & 25....................Alastair Maiden 26 & 27....................Recycling in Seychelles 29..............................Sey Club 30 - 35.....................Cakes, cakes and more cakes 37 & 38....................Chef Jimmy 39 - 42.....................Dining in Seychelles 44 & 45....................Holiday Factory 46 & 47....................A Small Hotel on Praslin

49..............................Calendar of Events 50 & 52....................Who are our STO's 51..............................News from Seychelles Travel Office 53 & 54....................Marine Conservation Society 56..............................Seychelles Tourism Academy 57 & 58....................Adventure Tourism 59 & 60....................Grande Barbe 61 & 62....................The Love Affair of the Coco d'Mer 63 & 64....................Citronelle - The Grass Healer 66 & 67....................The Creole Language 68..............................Must-Know Creole Phrases 69 & 70....................East 3 Route 71 - 74.....................Maps of Seychelles 76 - 79.....................Embassy and Consulates 80..............................STO Contacts 81..............................Important Contacts

Sesel Sa! is a joint collaboration with STB and Paradise Promotions Ltd.

For more information with regards to advertising and editorial, please contact; Ineke Camille | E: ineke@seychellespublications.com | Tel: +2482520937 Marie France Watson | E: marie-france@seychellespublications.com | Tel: +2482512477 Graphic Design and Layout | Olivia Michaud | E: info@angelcreativedesign.com Published by Paradise Promotions Ltd. P.O Box 1539, MahĂŠ, Seychelles Printed by ATLAS Sesel Sa Magazine

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SESEL SA! | JAN - MAR 2014 ISSUE NO. 2

A love affair

with the sea

Seychelles is an ocean lover’s paradise!

By Niki Gower Photo credit; SYC and Marsha Dine

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S

alt water runs through the veins that pump the heartbeat of life in the Seychelles. Before the first man set foot on these magical pearls strung in the expanse of the Indian Ocean, the ebb and flow of the tides lapped on the pristine shores, as giant tortoises roamed the land and millions of seabirds ruled the skies. Then men arrived, and it was upon the trade winds they came, blown from distant lands, aboard vessels made of wood and cloth. The ancestors of the Seychellois people arrived here by ship; they survived by returning to the ocean daily.

Today, this infallible link with the ocean remains. For some it’s dependence. For others it’s a romance that keeps the oceans' lovers whipped to her beckoning, returning time and time again. Whether it’s the lure of wind through your sails, the thrill of the catch, the magic beneath the surface or the sport to be had, under and on the sea, the Seychelles archipelago has plenty to offer.

Inner Island Sailing Seychelles’ calm, safe waters surrounding its Inner Islands group remain one of the most pleasant, scenic and relaxing places to sail. Sailing here offers easy access to the nation’s three main granitic islands - Mahé, Praslin and La Digue - as well as dozens of other islands and islets all within a few hours sailing between each other.

Marked by breath-taking backdrops, stunning scenes and hundreds of cosy bays and anchorages, sailing the inner islands group offers avid sailors and tagalong guests an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

Many local charter companies offer a range of live-aboard options, catering for various spectrums of budget. Complete with an experienced skipper to guide your adventure and a seasoned chef preparing local and international meals, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

Experienced sailor? Many companies also offer bare-boat charters, allowing you the opportunity to explore the archipelago at your leisure and be the master of your own adventure.

Sailing the Outer Islands For the adventurer at heart, Seychelles’ outer islands beckon. Far flung, uninhabited islands teeming with endemic species and rich biodiversity await any who embark on such an incredible journey. Visiting the outer islands, whether it’s to any of the world-class resorts or to seek out your own speck of land in the expanse of the ocean, is to step back in time. The outer islands are a nature lovers, a fisherman’s, a photographer’s and an explorer’s paradise.

With piracy close to the Seychelles’ seemingly dying down, thanks in part to the fact that many international anti-piracy navy vessels call to port in the Seychelles on a regular basis, sailing trips to the outer islands are once again on the rise. However, caution is always recommended and security on board is strongly advised.

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Diving Dip beneath the surface a whole new world awaits you. The Seychelles’ rich marine biodiversity and diverse under water landscapes make it a premium diving destination. From colourful coral gardens, to wrecks, to giant granitic underwater worlds, the Seychelles offers some of the safest and most memorable diving experiences in the world.

Dive centres are dotted around the main islands, and many resorts offer their own in-house diving facilities to guests. Various companies also offer live-aboard dive charters; combining a dive holiday with the iconic Seychelles island cruising experience. Not a diver? Not a problem, a short dive course will have you exploring a magical underwater world in no time.

Snorkelling is another opportunity to discover the beauty that lies beneath the surface. Whether it’s off one of the many beaches, or a boat trip to one of the popular reefs, snorkelling is a must-do activity in the Seychelles!

Whether its scuba diving or snorkelling, nothing beats diving off your charted yacht or boat, as you explore the world beneath the waves, before moving on to the next spot as unique as the last.

Fishing The Seychelles is fast becoming one of the world’s premium fishing destinations, thanks to its rich oceans, its diversity of species and the growing charter fishing industry. Serious fishermen and novices alike will relish at the Seychelles fishing experience.

Big Game Fishing is world class, with the promise of monster blue and black marlin, sailfish, big tuna, dorado, and barracuda luring scores of anglers to the Seychelles each year. Bottom fishing is great too, with scores of local species to covet and plenty of locations, some a little more secret than others to explore. Many fishing trips can be arranged to include everything to maximise your experience.

Arranging a fishing excursion in the Seychelles is easy, with plenty of charter companies offering various sized vessels complete with experienced skippers and guides to help you hunt down the catch of a lifetime.

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Kayaking Another great way to explore the islands and the hundreds of beaches, coves and inlets is by kayak. Many of the charter yachts and boats come kitted with these. There is something exhilarating about exploring the magnificent Seychelles by paddle power, and at your own leisure.

Surfing The Seychelles is not the first name that pops into any surfers head when planning a surf trip, thankfully. The rarity of decent sized swell has deterred the commercialisation of the archipelago as a surf destination. This keeps the crowds away, and when the swell does hit the Seychelles Islands, surfers and body-boarders are treated to uncrowded, world class waves, breaking hollow in tropical waters over shallow reefs. However, being a nation of islands, it is always off-shore somewhere and there is always a small and fun wave to be found if you seek it out.

Like most things, the best way to explore the islands reef breaks is by yacht or boat. As you circle around one of the many islands you are set to explore, you’re bound to come across an uncrowded wave just waiting to be surfed. And the best thing about being on a boat is there’s no need to paddle out, just jump overboard and you’ll be surfing your day away!

To be baptised by the ocean in the Seychelles is to be born again Even if the abundance of water-sports available to you in the Seychelles doesn’t appeal to your idea of an island getaway, and your perfect holiday in the Seychelles involves a little more than the occasional dip in the ocean in between cocktails, as you soak up the sun aboard your chartered boat or yacht, there is still something special that sets a swim in the Seychelles apart from anywhere else in the world.

There’s something magical about each and every time you enter the water in the Seychelles. As you emerge from beneath the warm, crystal clear waters and breathe in the fresh island air, as you open your eyes and look at the incredible beauty of the scene that surrounds you, you cannot help but feel aloof from the rest of the universe, frozen in a natural splendour as old as the earth itself.

(And be sure to schedule at least one sunrise / sunset swim into your itinerary – it will make for a memory you’ll never forget!)

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Seychelles Yacht Charter Seychelles Yacht Charter (SYC) is your one stop shop for boat charter in the Seychelles, with their own private fleet as well as an extensive networked brokerage, ensuring that they can assist you with securing your perfect boat and dream itinerary for your trip to the Seychelles.

S/Y Nkalindau is SYC’s fully equipped luxury Fountaine Pajot Eleuthera 60’ catamaran, offering the ultimate in privacy and comfort. She comfortably sleeps eight adults and two children, and is fully equipped with the latest entertainment and communication technologies, as well as water toys, including kayaks and snorkelling equipment. Manned by a wellqualified captain, seasoned in the Seychelles charter industry, ensuring a pleasurable and complete sailing experience. Nkalindau offers you your own private cordon bleu chef, bringing you a tantalising array of local and international fusion cuisine, as well as an outgoing hostess, ensuring your every whim is catered for.

M/Y uShaka, SYC’s Riviera 43, is kitted out with the best equipment, including snorkelling and fishing gear, and is the ultimate adventure vessel. uShaka can accommodate up to six passengers with two elegant cabins. Bringing class and elegance to sport fishing, and with the ability to cruise at high speeds, uShaka will not disappoint. Manned by a qualified local skipper with an extensive knowledge, as well as a young and vibrant deckhand to tend to your needs, your Seychelles adventure starts with uShaka.

SYC’s charter brokerage also offers a range of vessels across the spectrum of size, functionality and budget, and specialising in catamaran, monohull, motor yacht, fishing trips and excursions, ensuring that their friendly sales staff can find the best boat for you.

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So, whether its island cruising, diving, fishing or everything in between, the Seychelles will not disappoint you, and Seychelles Yacht Charter is your point of reference when designing your ultimate water-based island getaway.

Visit www.seychellesyachtcharter.com or email sales@syc.sc or lynn@syc.za to start designing your dream holiday today!

Affordable

Seychelles

Contributed by Professor Wolfgang H. Thome (Shortened version of the original article)

When talking about the Seychelles, and going by the feedback from my blog, now with just about 200.000 hits, it almost always’ evokes awe, envy at times, but for sure fires up the interest, and desire of my listeners and readers, wanting to go and explore this little paradise deep in the Indian Ocean themselves, comprising of 115 islands.

During a recent visit I explored two resorts in person, but added another one I stayed at before, and one more I just visited in passing, so that readers can see the range of options available for holidays, and perhaps go on the web and research more on such places, to eventually make this dream holiday of a life time, come true.

No wonder that it spurs instant interest to travel there, explore for themselves and yet, when they have gone on the internet and done a cyber visit to the islands, and the places I talked about, for many, the interest levels wane, and they challenge me next time we meet, with comments like ‘this is a millionaire’s island’ or ‘this is only for the rich’.

The Chalets D‘Anse Forbans comprises 14 self catering cottages, some of them only 20 metres from the beach, are fully-equipped for self catering, i.e. offer kitchen, and dining room besides a sitting room, an air-conditioned bedroom, and a verandah. Connecting doors are available for families or friends travelling together. The owners have kept the place in shipshape for nearly 20 years now; an almost private beach is as good as they come, and the extras the owners provide to guests here are what make the vacation experience complete.

I took those challenges seriously to heart, and spent time to carry out research while recently on the islands again to personally explore the lesser, almost unknown side of the archipelago’s tourism industry, the side where one gets close up and personal with the Seychellois people.

Photo credit; Gerard Larose

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Need a cook to prepare breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

Of course madam, happy to arrange for that, after all

why should you stand in the kitchen when otherwise frolicking at the beach. And by the way, fishermen come by to sell their fresh catch of the day, and the cook will of course buy, prepare, and serve it for you.

Shopping trips to a nearby supermarket are facilitated by special arrangements, whereby the owners of the supermarket send a car, upon prior arrangement, to pick up guests from the Chalets. Car hire is no problem: what colour would you like?

Exploring the islands by bus costs 5 Rupees per trip, regardless of the distance, and the bus stop is right outside the Chalets’ main gate.

Take away meals? Yes, there are some really good Seychellois-owned take away places not far from here, and a lunch box selection of salads, and a choice from several main courses costs just 50 Rupees, often enough to feed two even. Organized excursions, a fishing trip, a day trip to Praslin to see the Vallée de Mai, the most visited tourist attraction in the Seychelles?

Again no problem!

And for those intending to tie the knot, the Chalets D’Anse Forbans are ready to stage a beach side wedding too. They have in fact done plenty of those, so for anyone on a tighter budget, there is a real chance to enjoy their big day, followed by honeymoon at the

perfect beach, in a beach side villa, and with a cook (at a small extra cost) who arranges for all the meals, and even the washing up is taken care of, leaving those chores away from the newly-weds after they return home from an affordable dream holiday. And the above is available for between 120 and 150 Euros a night per room, minimum stay of 3 nights required, while a larger family cottage sets one back between 210 and 240 Euros a night, sleeping 4 in two bedrooms, with a joint sitting and dining plus kitchen area. Visit www.forbans.com/ for more details.

My second location was a beachside apartment complex, the Pieds dans L’Eau at Anse Royale, which included also a restaurant, a PADI dive shop, a boutique, a bank, and across the street some shops to buy provisions. The bus stop is less than a minute walk away, and here again I found a combination of a beach side location with excellent connectivity. Five (5) very spacious, and very well appointed apartments, balcony and sea view included in mine, though not in all others, one of them offering mountain view.

One apartment is large enough; around 65 to 110 sq ms, to accommodate up to 4 adults and 2 kids in two bedrooms, along with a fold out sofa bed in the sitting room, while other apartments are comfortable for anywhere between 2 and 4 occupants. Fully-equipped kitchenettes, in open plan with the dining and

Chalets Anse Forbans

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Raymond Sahuquet

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sitting room, tastefully furnished, air-conditioned of course, and really providing a home away from home, but at a beach on Mahé. At a sticker price of between 130 to 160 Euros a night for 2/3 persons (with a minimum stay of 3 nights), however, negotiable I understand, in particular during the low season, this again, when divided between 2 or more people, a perfect way to keep the cost of a holiday in the Seychelles down, and when eating in the restaurant, the prices there too are not over the top. They also host private functions such as wedding receptions, themed nights, for a maximum of 30 people. Not to forget, they also have a special Creole Buffet on Sundays, and Fish & Shrimp night on Fridays! No surprise that the establishment received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for 2012 (for the apartments), and again in 2013 for the restaurant, as that, and more, is fully deserved. For more details, visit www.piedansleau.sc/ Shopping for daily necessities from across the road is simple, and often nearer than back home, and with the cost of daily items, at least for tourists that is, equally affordable the overall cost of a 10 day holiday per person, air fare included, can be less than 2.000 US Dollars. Air fares of course vary depending on the distance, but when coming from anywhere around the world, and using the main Gulf carriers, there are always special deals to be had outside the peakest of the peak season, and both Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian do offer attractive fares from their destinations in Africa via their respective hubs in Nairobi and Addis Ababa.

a box of tea bags, depending on size and brand, goes for between 25 and 44 Rupees while instant coffee, again depending on brand and size, goes for between under 44 to 122 Rupees, the latter for Nescafe Decaf, the most expensive brand seen. Yogurts at 5 Rupees, sugar per kilo at 15 Rupees, and butter at 33 Rupees per 250 grams, go hand in hand with breakfast cereals from 27.50 Rupees, all that taking care of breakfast.

It is safe to assume, that taking into account some more fancied tastes of tourists in terms of brands or items, a week’s purchases will not cost them more (fruits, vegetables, pasta, flour and all included) than say 1.200 Rupees for a couple, or around 100 US Dollars in hard currency.

Add more if a daily bottle of wine is wanted, or a six pack of beers, or liquor. That includes fish, often purchased at low cost from fishermen at the beach, and meat products like sausages, burgers, chicken or beef, here again fillet requiring a top up premium. Given such prices, and considering the cost of take away, and taken an average of say 100 US Dollars per person per night for an apartment, or a self catering chalet Hanneman Holiday Residence

Pieds Dans L'Eau

A loaf of bread, and this was researched in a small local supermarket, an Indian owned corner shop, and one of the STC Supermarket (Seychelles Trading Corporation) in Victoria, costs between 11 and 12 Rupees, less than a Dollar, a baguette goes for 9 Rupees while eggs go for 3.50 Rupees each. UHT milk is found at between 21 and 25 Rupees, and

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Boat House

those command a premium when at a beach front, but are more affordable further off the beach, or higher up in the mountains, a week truly is possible for around 1.000 US Dollars, and less if opting for some of the off beach, and more simple establishments.

In fact, feedback from the island of La Digue would indicate that some rooms on self catering basis, albeit non-air-conditioned though with a ceiling fan, could go for as low as 40 Euros per night during the low season. To get to La Digue of course two ferry crossings can be required (unless opting for the option of going straight to La Digue), from Mahé to Praslin, and from Praslin to La Digue. Prices of commodities in the supermarkets or shops are higher due to the delivery cost of items from Mahé but, the overall expense of a week’s vacation should not significantly alter. And for those less adventurous, not wanting to cross the ocean in what will turn out to be a great experience on sunny days, even on Mahé itself rack rates for some establishments listed on the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) website are as low as 36 Euro a night, or about 50 US Dollars depending on the rate. Truly, no one can call it that expensive or unaffordable, given the location, and the fact alone of being in the Seychelles.

I have also stayed at the Bord Mer Residence in Beau Vallon Bay, only separated from the ocean by the road and the Boat House, one of the Seychelles most famous Creole specialty restaurants, and that little property too offers a small, yet fully-equipped kitchen, a dining area, a sitting and bedroom combined in open plan, and is also lovingly maintained and kept shining, attracting regular repeat business. This comprises of clients NOT wanting to spend a great deal of money on a 4 or 5 star resort but rather be independent, roam

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the island by bus, or self-drive vehicle, and eat out, or eat in as they feel like. Accommodation here includes a breakfast, prepared to order, and either delivered to the room, or else taken in the main lounge.

In the same category, also located in Beau Vallon Bay, is the Hanneman Holiday Residence, which while on the islands two weeks ago just got nominated by TripAdvisor to be the 4th best Bed & Breakfast (B&B) in the entire Africa, when the 2012 list of the 25 best B&Bs in Africa was published. Visit www.hannemanseychelles.com/ for more details.

With accolades like these, there is no doubt that the news will spread about this aspect of vacationing on the dream islands of the Seychelles, where there is a place for the rich and famous just as much as for ordinary folks wanting to make a dream become reality.

Pay the Creole island paradise of the Seychelles a cyber visit via their website www.seychelles.travel or go straight to www.seychelles.travel/en/plan_your_visit/ budget_holiday_accommodation.

Seychelles requires NO VISA AT ALL, just a return ticket, a confirmed booking for accommodation, funds to sustain the duration of the visit, and when coming from some parts of Africa, a valid Yellow Fever inoculation certificate. With a wide choice of airlines now flying to the international airport on Mahé on a daily basis, and with such splendid and affordable offers, surely I will see you someday soon on the islands?

UNION GROWS BIGGER

By April Hutchinson

The union of the “vanilla islands” in the Indian Ocean is set to grow stronger, with the addition of Maldives and possibly Sri Lanka, and has obtained funding from the EU to push its marketing forward.

The UNWTO formally recognised the Vanilla Islands Tourism Organisation as an entity this September and it is being driven by Seychelles’ minister of tourism and culture, Alain St Ange.

Speaking at the WTM, St Ange said Vanilla Islands had the full support of Taleb Rifai, World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) secretary-general, who is set to announce further details of the union today.

St Ange said: “People recognise the Caribbean as one tourism destination and that’s how we wish to be thought of. But to create a new tourism region is no easy feat. We now have €800,000 budget from the EU for the rest of the year to help us, and possibly more to come in 2014.”

The concept was born in August 2010 and unifies the islands of Comoros, Mauritius, Madagascar, La Reunion, Seychelles and most recently Maldives, and Mayotte.

Sri Lanka is also to be invited to join and the concept could extend to the African coast and islands such as Zanzibar and off the coast of India.

A chief executive and director of marketing have now been appointed and a brand campaign

“with the imagery of vanilla” at its core is being worked on, but no further details have been made available.

St Ange said another move would be to encourage low-impact smaller-ship cruising on Vanilla Island routes and whale watching.

For his own country, St Ange said Seychelles tourism is up by 13% year-on-year, against many long-haul trends and despite “economic issues in Europe.”

The island nation is expecting to make it to 240,000 arrivals by the end of the year. “This is a big number for us – we only have 87,000 people in Seychelles, so we have to carefully grow tourism,” said the minister.

Mihin Lanka, a government-owned low-cost carrier aligned to national airline Sri Lankan, is set to start flights between Colombo and Mahé on November 16.

St Ange said he was also hopeful of a new direct route from Paris this year, and would “love British Airways to return to Seychelles”.

For domestic connectivity, Air Seychelles has a new fleet of three Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 coming next year to upgrade inter-island services.

The article is credited to; TTG @WTM - The Business of World Travel Market Issue date: 06.11.2013 WTMLONDON.COM

Photo credit; Serge Marizy

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From the Committee by Derek Savy

With its operational budget disbursed, the Vanilla Islands Organisation has now set up its secretariat with Pascal Viroleau from La Reunion as CEO and Derek Savy from Seychelles as Director of Marketing.

Work has begun in earnest as the organisation starts to deploy its marketing strategies which will focus on promoting the Indian Ocean region as the next 'frontier' of world tourism. An extensive program of viral marketing with a comprehensive social networking package and an interactive website will be deployed over the next three months.

The organisation's prime objective is to promote the region to the world, educate tour operator partners and visitors on the diversity and complementarity of the islands, increase visibility and combination possibilities, improve on air connectivity, promote cruise ship itineraries, explore new trends and markets and increase the interchange of expertise and knowhow amongst the member island states.

The Vanilla Islands Organisation (VIO) gained the endorsement of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in September at the UNWTO Conference on Sustainable Tourism in Small Islands held in Reunion Island. The emergence of this newest tourism region was announced to the world at a joint press conference between VIO and UNWTO at London's World Travel Market in November.

Director of Marketing. Work has begun in earnest as the organisation starts to deploy its marketing strategies, which will focus on promoting the Indian Ocean region as the next ‘frontier’ of world tourism.

An extensive program of viral marketing with a comprehensive social networking package, and an interactive website, will be deployed over the next three months.

The organisation’s prime objective is to promote the region to the world; educate tour operator partners and visitors on the diversity, and complementarity of the islands; increase visibility and combination possibilities; improve on air connectivity; promote cruise ship itineraries; explore new trends and markets; and increase the interchange of expertise and knowhow amongst the member island states.

The Vanilla Islands Organisation (VIO) gained the endorsement of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in September 2013, at the UNWTO Conference on Sustainable Tourism in Small Islands, held in Reunion Island. The emergence of this newest tourism region was announced to the world at a joint press conference between VIO and UNWTO, at London’s World Travel Market in November 2013.

With its operational budget disbursed, the Vanilla Islands Organisation has now set up its secretariat, with Mr. Pascal Viroleau from La Reunion as CEO, and Mr. Derek Savy from the Seychelles Islands as

Joint meeting between VIO and UNWTO, September 2013 at La Reunion. L to r: Derek Savy (VIO Marketing Director), Taleb Rifai (UNWTO Secretary General, Alain St. Ange (VIO President), Didier Robert (President Region Reunion), Pascal Viroleau (VIO CEO).

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Carnaval International de Victoria

The Melting Pot of Cultures SEYCHELLES 25th-27th April, 2014

By Glynn Burridge

W

hen the Seychelles Islands were first settled, it was by a blend of varied ethnicities possessing different customs, and ways of life. Throughout its history, and down to this very day, the Seychelles Islands has continued to be a melting pot of people from the four corners of the planet, who have each contributed their particular thread to the fabric of this vibrant society, adding to it, and being themselves, subtly transformed in return.

Image credits; STB

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Against this background of multi-culturalism, diversity, and the coming together of people, it is fitting that the Seychelles should once again be the focal point of an annual ‘Carnival of Carnivals’ – bringing representatives from the world’s best carnivals to participate in 3 days of celebration, alongside cultural groups from the community of nations.

The Seychelles has a carnival tradition stretching back to the early 1970’s, with the opening of the Seychelles’ International Airport, when Seychelles’ first carnival was the initiative of the then Chief Minister of Seychelles, Mr. James Mancham. The guest of honor on that occasion was Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret, accompanied by her husband the Honorable Anthony Armstrong Jones. This was followed by a second carnival in 1976, as part of the Seychelles Independence Day Celebrations of 29th June, 1976, when the guests of honor were the Duke, and Duchess of Gloucester, representing the Queen, and the then President James Mancham, and Prime Minister Albert René.

After 3 more recent, highly successful, and widely acclaimed editions of the Carnaval International de Victoria, stretching back to 2011, the 4th edition of the Seychelles International Carnival of Victoria, will be held between 25th, and 27th April, 2014, when it will once again become a focal point for representatives from the world’s

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most famous carnivals who will be invited to the islands to take part in this exciting international event. So far, the Carnaval International de Victoria has seen participation from such international carnival heavyweights as Brazil, the Notting Hill carnival of UK, Dusseldorf, China, India, Italy, Indonesia, Russia, France, Trinidad & Tobago, while special guests have included singing legend Ms. Dionne Warwick, and UNWTO Head Taleb Rifai.

As per established tradition, the 2014 carnival will kick off with an official opening in central Victoria, attended by both international and local dignitaries, as well as Seychellois from the tourism trade, and a cross-section of local businesses. Live music performances, entertainment from home and abroad, and a wide choice of international food stalls will be the order of the day, against a backdrop of bright lights, colourful decorations, and levels of excitement appropriate for the ‘Carnival of Carnivals.’

Day two will be the carnival procession day, when all local, and foreign participants will join in a spectacular carnival procession through the streets of the capital amid huge numbers of locals, visitors, and crews from visiting navies, together echoing the carnival theme ‘The Melting Pot of Cultures’.

The third, and final day, will be one of pure family fun, as local hotels and caterers make their culinary specialities available to the public, while

live bands, both local and international, play into the night. A great day for everyone to interact, and bring the philosophy behind the carnival, vividly to life.

Once again, widespread international press coverage is expected for this colorful event, which is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, as it once more brings the lively ambiance of international carnival time to the islands.

If you would like to participate in one of the carnivals, please contact Ms. Beryl Matatiken Events and Conferencing Manager Seychelles Tourism Board Tel: + (248) 4 67 13 00 Email: beryl.matatiken@seychelles.travel or info@ seychelles.travel Website: www.seychelles.travel

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In The News Seychelles Tourism Board Director of Europe Recieves two prestigious Awards at TourMag.Com Event

The known and respected French site - Tour Mag.Com, hosted hundreds of Tourism Professionals in the Paris VIP Room to announce the winners of the Tourism Awards for 2013.This award ceremony coincided with the annual Top Resa Tourism Trade Fair bringing again the world of tourism to Paris.

Fabien Da Luz announced the nominations for the first category of the evening which was Destination Offices.

The winners voted by the tourism professionals of France went to Canada and Seychelles. It was a proud Bernadette Willemin, the Seychelles Tourism Board Director for Europe who went on stage to receive the trophy. Meanwhile Bernadette was honoured Manager 1998-2013.

Speaking after the award ceremony, Alain St.Ange,

Minister for Tourism and Culture who was leading the Seychelles Delegation to Top Resa 2013 said that he was proud to see a Seychelloise pull the trophy of Best Tour Manager 2013.

Richard Gold Media Come to Seychelles to Film New Destination Video The high end production company from London came to Seychelles during the months of October and November to film the new destination video of Seychelles for the Seychelles Tourism Board.

Not only will they be producing the new destination video, but will also develop and create brand concepts for online and offline marketing that will be finished around March 2014. With an intensive and busy schedule the 9 creatives, who are passionate about Seychelles and see it as their second and far more beautiful home travelled to Mahe, Praslin, La Digue and Bird Island to capture the beauty of Seychelles. With state of the art filming equipment, a feature film director of photography, creative cameramen and a director well experienced in the film industry, all aspects of what our tourism industry can offer has been captured on camera. And watch this space, the director, Richard Gold plans to return to Seychelles with a hit TV Show sometime soon.

Photo Credit Richard Gold Media

The Magic Circus of Samoa Wows Seychelles

Photo Credit Derrick Baccus

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Having gained worldwide recognition and after its success in the islands of the Pacific, the Magic Circus of Samoa brought jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, unicyclists, fire dancers and Toetu the Clown for the greatest and first ever Circus show in Seychelles. After an outstanding turn out that included sold out shows, the Circus truly brought some magic to locals and tourists alike. The owner of the Circus, Bruno Loyale coined the trip to Seychelles as a success and would definitely consider coming back again to spread the joys of the circus.

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The Magic Circus of Samoa Sesel Sa! talks to Mr. Bruno Loyale (the Ring Leader), Toetu the Clown and Ms. Talave Latai about their experience in the Seychelles.

Love the Seychelles

By Alexandria Faure

Having been the first country that they have travelled to that has never seen a circus before, and with an audience that has been described as incredibly receptive – the members of the Circus aren’t hesitant to comment on how much they love the Seychelles’ Islands, and how unique their experiences have been during their stay.

Talave is probably the only woman in the international circus scene that can juggle more than six rings, and she is currently aiming for seven.

Toetu the clown has been a part of the Circus troupe for 20 years, and is the performer that has been in the circus for Unicycle

the longest. As one of the original members of the circus, his acts are popular, and entertain both adults, and children.

The Ring Leader, Mr. Bruno Loyale founded The Magic Circus of Samoa, with the hopes of bringing circus magic to the South Pacific Islands, and now the Indian Ocean.

What is your best experience of the Seychelles’ Islands?

They answer with a smile.

Bruno: I enjoyed visiting Praslin, it was extremely beautiful. There are so many different experiences.

Boat House restaurant invited us for dinner, and we all got to taste the wonderful traditional dishes. The fruits and vegetables growing here can be found in Samoa, but what differs is that we cook it differently.

The food was exquisite, and the tastes were different to what we are used to.

Toetu: I like the shape of the island, it’s so different and unique.

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Photo credit (all) Derrick Baccus.

Candle stunt

Juggling

Seychelles is so beautiful, and even the people are beautiful, and friendly. Everyone is friendly, and it’s so nice to see the smiles on the children’s faces when they come to see the circus. I also enjoyed visiting the Botanical Garden- I took so many photos, especially with the big land tortoises there. They were as big as me!

Talave: The people. Every Monday we take a walk around town to buy souvenirs and look around, and the locals are friendly, sweet, and good hearted. They approached us, shook our hands, and congratulated us on our performances, especially at the market.

Talave Latai Bruno Loyale

Chair stunt

What is the best food you’ve tasted?

Talave: The food here in the Seychelles tastes so good, especially the grilled red snapper.

It’s the first time I tasted fish that is cooked like that, and I loved it!

Bruno: The breadfruit salad was delicious. I had never tasted anything like it.

Toetu: I loved the chicken coconut curry, and the breadfruit salad!

Toetu & audience

CEO of STB

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Sailing with

Seal Superyacht

We caught up with Mr. Alastair Maiden on his thoughts on the vital sailing industry, and how it has changed in the recent years.

How long have you been in the sailing industry, and in the Seychelles?

Almost 30 years (yes a long time). My parents are sailors, and so it is a part of who I am. My parents owned yachts while I was a child, and from a 6 month old baby I have been on the sea. Family holidays normally consisted of sailing around the Mediterranean on charter yachts. I turned my hobby into my profession at the age of 16 when I started working for a yacht charter company in Greece. I continued working with them for 21 years. This is what eventually brought me to the Seychelles.

Image credit; Alastair Maiden

What has changed the most from your early days?

The largest change would have to be the technology available.

My early days of navigation was more guess work with accuracy, a compass, a chart, and binoculars. These days there is an electronic gadget for everything. Simply with the touch of a button, and you know your exact position, the speed, direction you are going, what other vessels are around you, and even the temperature of the water. It is better, but it requires less seamanship skill.

What do you think the industry would benefit from?

That’s a difficult one, but in relation to the Seychelles, I would say more small docks around the islands. The swell on the beaches around the

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islands, even in calm seas, can make landing in a dinghy very difficult. If there were small docks, it would make it much easier for the clients to get ashore dry, to enjoy the culture, and ambiance of the Seychelles, and also be more confident to sail around more areas, giving them additional locations to venture to.

What has been your greatest challenge to date?

Without question the greatest challenge has been to persuade tourists, charter brokers, clients, and owners, that the Seychelles is still a safe destination to visit on a yacht, since piracy reared its ugly head.

Thankfully, that seems to be becoming an easier task, as piracy is declining, however there is a lot of unwanted, inaccurate, and misleading information available, and media sensationalism has not helped.

This has made the industry come together as one positive, but has also made us aware of how vital this industry is for the Seychelles, and what needs to be done to safeguard it for the future.

How would you like to see the industry evolve?

Maritime tourism is a vital source of revenue for the economy, and for Seychellois. There is a minimal amount of infrastructure required, and almost zero environmental impact. I would like to see the government embrace it, and assist more Seychellois to get involved in the industry at all levels at home, and abroad. We have many ideas, and developments that can be implemented with effort, and the right planning.

What is the plan for your company’s future?

Now that piracy is at bay, our plan for Seal Superyacht Seychelles, is to consolidate; continue the marketing strategy of Seychelles being the prime yachting destination in the Indian Ocean, and encourage more super yachts to visit paradise. We also have plans to get involved in a marina project a little further down the line.

What do you love the most about sailing?

There are many things to love, but generally the people in the industry are very like minded, professional, but also fun loving. The actual sailing is putting oneself against Mother Nature. You soon learn to respect, and admire her. It is one of the most wonderful activities to do in life. Get on a boat, and sail away into the sunset, everyone should do this more than once in the lifetime.

What do your clients love the most?

My clients love the diversity, friendliness of the culture, and scenery of the Seychelles! They appreciate the quality of diving and fishing, the warm temperatures on land, and in the sea. The Seychelles has so much to offer, it is hard to know where to start.

And complain about the most?

Some clients complain about the cost of living, but considering that everything has to be shipped into the island, it is no more expensive than Europe in general. Most complain about the rain in December, and January. Personally, I explain that if it didn’t rain, paradise would not be green, and I recommend they do research into the weather patterns before deciding on a destination.

How would you rate Seychelles sailing to the rest of the world?

There are many beautiful sailing destinations around the world, so it makes it very hard to answer this question, all have their plus, and minus points. I would however, rate the Seychelles in the top three of the many destinations I have had the pleasure of experiencing around the world, and certainly number one in the Indian Ocean.

For more information, please contact: Mr. Alastair Maiden Tel: + (248) 424 2066 Email: alastair@seal-superyachts.com seal@seychelles.net Website: www.seal-superyachts.com

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What To Do

WITH WASTE

A challenge for the Seychelles Islands As a small island state, the Seychelles’ Islands faces a major challenge in trying to find the most eco-friendly, and economical ways of dealing with waste. We have a very good waste collection system compared to many other island nations, but with each item that we purchase and discard, we add to the growing heaps of waste materials filling the landfills at Providence on Mahé, at Amitie on Praslin, and at L’Union Estate on La Digue. At present we generate about 48,000 tonnes of waste per year (about 500kg per capita), which includes waste from households, businesses, government offices, and hotels.

Landfills are a serious environmental problem anywhere, but especially for small islands. They produce toxic leachate when rainwater trickles through the rubbish, collecting hazardous and polluting contaminants along the way. The leachate can seep out into the surrounding sea if not properly contained.

Landfills also emit a variety of gases that can be harmful to surrounding environments, and contribute to global warming.

Food waste on landfills attracts disease-carrying insects, rats, and other pests. And landfills require large tracts of prized flat land that could otherwise be used for housing, farming, industrial, or recreational purposes.

The alternative is to reduce, re-use, and recycle waste, to avoid sending it to the landfill. Reducing waste is everyone’s business; residents, local businesses, government departments, even tourists can help by buying less, choosing items with less packaging, refusing plastic shopping bags, and choosing products sold in packaging that is locally recyclable.

Unlike larger countries overseas, the Seychelles’ Islands is still quite limited in terms of local recycling programs. This is not due to lack of awareness, or interest – it is mostly due to the fact that as a tiny country, we do not produce enough of many types of waste to make it economical for local businesses to export them to distant overseas markets, where recycling plants are located (e.g. India, and China).

That said, there are several types of waste that are collected, and exported for recycling, and everyone can help by sorting these out from their regular rubbish: locally produced plastic PET bottles (used for water and soft drinks), imported aluminium drink cans, and scrap metal. Locally bottled beer and soft drinks in glass bottles can be returned to shops for a SR2 deposit. Clearly, choosing local products is the ecoway to go, because none of the imported plastic and glass bottles for spirits, juice, wine, beer, etc. are recyclable in the Seychelles. Almost 50% of the waste stream is comprised

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Credit image: Marsha Dine

of organics like food and garden waste; therefore composting is also an important method that homes, businesses, and hotels can use to reduce their waste going to the landfill.

The tourism sector is responsible for a large proportion of the Seychelles’ waste stream, with a majority of hotels taking the easy route of sending everything to the landfill. Tourists can help by asking the hotel staff about their waste management practices, and advising hotels to do more to reduce, re-use, and recycle waste. The Seychelles recently introduced a Sustainability Label for the tourism sector, so now, anything hotels do to manage their

waste more sustainably helps them score points to earn the Sustainability Label, which can then be used for marketing their product as eco-friendly.

Contributed by Sustainability for Seychelles (S4S), a local NGO whose mission is to promote sustainable living in Seychelles. For more info about our work, contact us: Email: info@s4seychelles.com Tel. 4224072 / 251-9135. Address: Suite A9 Arpent Vert, Mont Fleuri. Website: www.s4seychelles.com or find us on Facebook. This article was supported by the GEF Small Grants Programme.

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© Frog974 Photographies

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SeyClub : A club with a Seychelles focus OR Russian Tour Operator going that extra mile for their clients.

By Karen Confait SeyClub is a Seychelles Club for Russians. 100% dedicated to the Seychelles islands, providing visitors the very best of on offer. Working primarily as a dedicated tour operator, they are truly a one stop point of call for up to date information on yearround recreation, comfortable living, and beneficial investment.

Images credit; Seyclub

‘Our company integrates personal attitude and professionalism, based on long term oriented relationship with clients. We create the most competitive proposals, both for individual persons, and for corporate clients with the highest standards of service’ says Tatiana Prolesko, the Executive Director.

The main objective of the organization is to save time and money for their clients. They have developed new strategies and innovative work structures, for the successful implementation of this purpose to the Russian market that you will not find elsewhere in the Russian tourism market.

One of these structures is the development of a special program of privileges for SeyClub clients, together with a selection of Seychelles partners. These partners are a range of restaurants, cafes, shops, sport centers, art galleries etc. Being a SeyClub member, one receives a discount membership card, which will provide the clients discounts, and privileges across all islands. ‘This is not so much to push the discount aspect, but to ensure that our visitors go to these places as soon as they arrive. The notion of receiving a small percentage off gives you a psychological reason to go, no matter how wealthy you are’ Tatiana Prolesko elaborates.

SeyClub have based professional business development, and real estate experts in the Seychelles to obtain the necessary research, and information to provide the world class consultation on tourism attractions, and in-depth small, to large investment opportunities.

‘Our partners are very large companies in the Russian Federation’ states Mrs. Julia Antat, a representative based in the Seychelles, ‘with very high turnovers, and they may be interested to invest in major projects in the Seychelles. Some of them have already shown their interest to such possibility’.

Currently SeyClub has partnered with VSK (www.vsk.ru), one of the five largest nationwide insurance companies in Russia.

Since 1992, VSK has been providing more than 100 kinds of insurance services for more than 130,000 companies, and 4.5 million Russian citizens. The reach through this partnership is substantial, and will receive many interested clientele.

SeyClub has its main office in SaintPetersburg, but are working with all regions of Russia, and main cities such as Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Tyumen, Chelyabinsk, Novosibirsk, Murmansk, Kemerovo, Kaliningrad, Vladivostok, Krasnodar, Kazan, Ufa, and many others.

The team of SeyClub has created a complete package for clients wishing to come for a vacation in the Seychelles, as well as for those who want to spend more time there, or have business, and permanent stay. Service list is being constantly improved, and extended.

For more information please visit www.seyclub.ru or contact Mrs. Julia Antat: + 248 2 515 202

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A Slice of Cake?

The traditional cuisine of Seychelles offers a blend of spices and ingredients. Our cakes are no different, with a blending of exotic fruits that present unique tastes for any occasion, you are sure to find a cake recipe to satisfy your taste buds.

The first rule in baking a cake is to exercise great care in measuring the ingredients called for by the recipe. And most importantly to enjoy the slice afterwards.

Delve into these next pages for all things cake in true Seychellois style.

By Alexandria Faure

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Photo credit; Dominic Elizabeth

All manner of heavenly creations in the kitchen can be made with banana smoothies, milkshakes, cookies, pancakes and cakes.

A true classic! The Seychellois banana cake is simple with no icing and decorations, but ultimately tastes fantastic. Soft, spongy and accented with vanilla, this is a super easy recipe to follow.

Gato Banann - Banana Cake Ingredients 125g Butter, softened 150g Sugar, brown 1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence 4 Ripe banana 190g Self Raising Flour 60ml Milk 3 Eggs Pinch of baking powder

Cooking Instructions Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C and lightly grease your preferred baking tray.

Crush the 4 bananas until smooth and mix together with the vanilla essence in a large bowl.

Whisk the sugar and the butter together until it becomes foamy in a separate bowl. Add the baking powder,eggs, self raising flour and milk and mix for 10mins.

Then add the banana paste with vanilla essence and mix all together.

Pour mixture into the greased cake mould and place in the oven to bake for 45 minutes.

45-50 minutes

6 Serves

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Gato Koko - Coconut Cake Not your usual round shaped spongy coconut cake. The Seychellois version comes in the form of cookies- but is still considered a cake. With a scrumptious, dry, chewy texture - they are perfect for tea time or for a quick snack with a cold fruit juice.

Also an all round good bite for parties, the lunch box (young and old), dessert option at picnics and for snacking in

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general while travelling, as they don’t mush up in your bag!

Ingredients 110g Butter, softened 110g Sugar, white or brown 200g Flour 75g Coconut, grated 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 Egg

Cooking Instructions Firstly beat the eggs and butter together until it becomes foamy. Then mix the flour, grated coconut, baking powder and the eggs together

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Photo credit; Dominic Elizabeth

until smooth and lump less dough.

After forming the dough take small portions and form into small round shapes. Sprinkle some grated coconut on the top and place evenly on the baking tray.

Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown.

40 minutes

6 Serves

Feyte - FeuilleteĂŠ

Photo credit; Dominic Elizabeth

The family favourite.

One of our most popular tea time treats, Feyte is available at any bakery in Seychelles.

Soft and sweet, you can’t go wrong with a cup of vanilla tea and a slice of Feyte.

Ingredients 1kg Flour 30g Yeast 100g Sugar, white 20g Salt 400ml Milk 200g Butter,softened 3 Eggs A tub of strawberry or raspberry jam

Cooking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C. Place flour, yeast,sugar and salt in a large bowl and mix together.

Once mixed, add milk, butter and the eggs to the bowl and whisk together to form the dough. Sprinkle some flour on your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. With a rolling pin,roll out the dough until it until it becomes one flat even rectangle layer. Then spread a generous layer of strawberry or raspberry jam onto the top layer of dough.

Then fold the dough in two,

resulting with the strawberry jam in the middle. Like a sandwich.

Then cut the folded large layer of dough into small rectangular servings, sprinkle some sugar on the top and place on a greased baking tray.

Bake them in a preheated oven until golden brown on the top for about 35-45 minutes.

60 minutes

10+ Serves

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Gato Papay - Papaya Cake This cake has a dark orange glow with a moist, dense and chewy center. It is softly aromatic and a lovely accompaniment with tea or a scoop of ice cream.

Papayas offer not only the luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics, but are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients.

So for those health puffs you can exchange the sugar ingredient to 3 tablespoons of honey

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and the cake transforms into a nutritious treat to promote health.

Ingredients 250g Butter, softened 150g Sugar 2-3 Drops of vanilla essence 4 Eggs 300g Plain flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 200g Papaya PurĂŠe

Cooking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C and lightly grease your preferred baking tray.

Firstly whisk the butter

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Photo credit; Dominic Elizabeth

and sugar in a bowl until it becomes a smooth and foamy paste. Add in the plain flour, baking powder, eggs and vanilla essence and mix it all together until smooth and creamy.

Lastly mix in the papaya purĂŠe and whisk altogether for 10 minutes.

Place it in a baking tray and bake it in the oven to bake for 50 minutes until a golden brown.

50 minutes

5 Serves

Photo credit; Dominic Elizabeth

A delicious way of turning a vegetable into a decadent dessert. Soft, smooth and sweet, Gato Patat has that 'melt in your mouth' kind of reputation.

This cake tastes amazing warm and is sure to make your taste buds thank you. You can add vanilla or chocolate sauce for something special to impress at that dinner party.

Gato Patat - Sweet Potato Cake Ingredients 200g Butter, softened 1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence 150g Sugar 200g Sweet Potato (boiled) 75g Self Raising Flour 3 Eggs Pinch of baking powder

Cooking Instructions Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C and lightly grease any cake mould of your choice.

Firstly boil the sweet potatoes until soft and crush in a blender.

Whisk the sugar and the

butter together until it becomes foamy in a separate bowl. Add the baking powder,eggs, self raising flour and whisk further for 10mins.

Then add the sweet potato paste with vanilla essence and mix all together for 10mins.

Pour mixture into the greased cake mould and place in the oven to bake for 45 minutes.

45-50 minutes

6 Serves

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A Chat In The Kitchen with Chef Jimmy Louise Sesel Sa! catches up with Chef Jimmy Louise, in the South of MahĂŠ, at Le MĂŠridien Barbarons Hotel. With over 20 years of experience, Chef Louise has hope that more young people will take up the passion of cooking in the tourism industry, and would love to see more Seychellois in the profession. He also has a dream of one day opening up his own Seychellois Creole Restaurant.

Image credit; Suzanne Verlaque

So, from your childhood moments of cooking in milk cans, when did your training start, and where did you train?

by Alexandria Faure

A lot of Chefs say they were interested in food from a very early age. Is this true for you?

Yes, for me I can remember from a very young age, I used to love cooking. I would cook all types of food in small milk cans. I used to get grounded because of that, as the right way to cook was in a pan, and obviously not milk cans. But I still persisted. I guess cooking runs in the family, I have an Uncle who was a very good Pastry Chef, and he would always encourage me.

Well, after attending the National Youth Service (NYS), I chose to pursue the field of Mechanics. I had many other options to choose from, and becoming a Chef was one of my last options. So, I chose Mechanics, and then later decided to change to cooking. At that time, the hotel tourism school (now Seychelles Tourism Academy) was at Bel Ombre, and the now Principal, Mr. Joubert was my teacher. I lived at Anse Boileau, so I had to take the bus very early in the morning to get to Bel Ombre to attend school. It was tough, but once at the school, I enjoyed being there, and learning the culinary arts.

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What do you specialise in then?

Here at Le Méridien Barbarons, I specialise in Creole food, however, I generally do everything from À La Carte, ladder, pastry, and general cuisine.

the Chicken Coconut Curry or Octopus Curry for locals or visitors here at Le Méridien Barbarons.

What’s your favourite Creole dish to cook at home?

My favourite is Octopus Curry. My lovely family devours it, and I love making it for them.

What are your favourite ingredients to cook with?

My favourite ingredient is coconut milk. With that I can make anything, and it truly forms the taste of a dish. I like to use the pure coconut milk, not the canned ones. This is an important tip - always strive to use fresh produce whenever you can. It will change the taste of your dish by leaps and bounds.

What’s your best piece of advice for home enthusiasts?

Nowadays there is a lot of talk on cardiovascular health. We should maybe control that by using healthier ingredients when cooking. For instance, grilling the food instead of frying it; using healthier oils, and adding less salt. Cutting down on processed ingredients, and using as much of raw, fresh produce as one can.

In this edition of Sesel Sa! we are doing a special on Creole cakes. Tell us, what is your favourite Creole cake to bake?

A banana cake is definitely the one. Just making it simple by using vanilla essence, banana, flour, and eggs, it will taste amazing. It’s my favourite cake. Made with the delicious Seychelles’ bananas of course!

What do you enjoy most about being a Chef?

What I enjoy the most is making my guests happy. It is such a pleasure to cook for other people, and I always try mixing up recipes, and play around with the presentation of food for that extra touch.

I love being creative with my work.

What is your favourite dish to cook on the menu here at Le Méridien Barbarons?

Hands down the Creole food, as it is my speciality! There are always’ guests who request dishes like KatKat Bannann, Fruit Bat Curry, and Banana Curry. They come to the Seychelles to experience our culture, our food, and they are always impressed. I would highly recommend 38

What is your advice for aspiring Chefs?

My advice would be to have patience, compassion, and the ability to listen, and observe. The kitchen is always evolving, and things are always done under pressure. Be open and ask questions, no matter how small.

Give us a ‘must try’ dish!

A lazy day dish - slice some avocados, smoked fish, and spring onions, and mix them together. Drizzle with some olive oil, and lemon zest. A perfectly healthy dish, that takes so little time, and effort.

What’s the plan for the future?

I have a dream of one day opening my own Creole restaurant, to be more precise, a pure Creole restaurant, where guests can eat the traditional recipes such as the barnacle, and the coconut curries. I think the Seychelles should have more of 100% authentique Creole dining options.

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The Station Sans Souci There is much to be admired when you enter a place with so much history. This ex-radio station is one of the oldest in Seychelles, which has been transformed into a trendy café style eatery on the Sans Souci road.

Definitely off the tourist track, the large colonial doors, open into the Lilly Moon, Holistic and Ayurvedic Healing Centre, instantly creates a sense of ‘zen’.

Hanging on the walls are old paintings of Victoria and other historical sites. As you walk into the eating area you are drawn to the restored French panel windows to admire the spectacular view of St Anne Marine Park.

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As you open the menu folded neatly on a clam shell, you will find one page dedicated to healthy eating. They “only use cold-pressed coconut oil - otherwise extra virgin olive oils.....� for example which intensifies the notion that you are being cleansed from the inside out. The big couches and small tables scattered throughout the hallway are tempting for an afternoon nap with the cool mountain breeze and sounds of birds and the occasional wind chime. A nourishing and cleansing experience inside and out.

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The Veranda Barbarons As your eyes fall on the period style building, you are taken back to a time of chivalry, elegance and class.

Built on the road side, opposite popular Le Méridien Barbarons hotel, and partnered with a sought after tourist stop, Pineapple Studio, curiosity is immediately aroused.

The Veranda is every husband’s dream. While the wife shops in the exquisitely designed tourist shop, the gentleman sips his coffee or has a bite to eat, to be joined by his lady after. The coffee stop soon evolves into a meal with delicious ‘home’ cooked meals with locally sourced vegetables and fruits (from down the road) whenever possible. Light meals are of course

also an option as are the delicious fresh juices.

The Veranda, is exactly that, and allows the customer to enjoy the comings and goings from the road but is quiet enough to also offer the solitude needed for a good book. It is the perfect spot for a quick bite, or for a lengthy meal for family and friends. The service is so thorough that should there be something special that you’d like to sample, you need only mention it and if within their control Jenny and Lynn will make it happen. The sister duo have created a spot where eating is made easy and requests are met.

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Comfort comes in many flavours Whether you have a taste for the familiar, or a taste for something completely new, we have a taste for pleasing your palate.

Hello to fine dining throughout your journey.

emirates.com/sc Generous baggage allowance

Gourmet cuisine

Award-winning service

For more information contact your local travel agent or Emirates on 4292 700 or visit emirates.com

The Holiday

Factory

Holiday Factory’s Ms. Margaret Park took some time out of her busy selling schedule, to chat about her last educational, and her expert opinion of our islands.

HOW MANY EDUCATIONAL TOURS HAVE YOU BEEN ON TO THE SEYCHELLES? I was in the Seychelles 5 years ago, and then recently in August last year. Our educational itineraries’ cover Mahé, and Praslin, as well as a day visit to La Digue, and at least one night on a private island to provide the fullest possible, of the Seychelles experience.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST HIGHLIGHT IN YOUR VISIT(S)?

The unspoilt nature of the islands, and the stunning scenery; whether mountains, forest, sea, or beach.

The one experience I really enjoyed was the ox-carts, and bicycles on La Digue – a very special and unique activity – and I was even lucky enough to witness a beautiful ox-cart wedding procession, and the bridal party on the beach at Anse Source d’Argent. If only that was the sole means of transportation it would really be an unbeatable to sell.

Image credit; The Holiday Factory South Africa - http://filegooi.co.za/get2/6fcb34cba63557b24dfbfba20d3f151f/Seychelles+Ed+pics.zip

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WHAT HAS BEEN SOMETHING THAT HAS STRUCK YOU AS A POINT THAT CAN BE IMPROVED?

The service in general, and the value for money can be questioned.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT SELLING THE SEYCHELLES? The private island options, the island hopping which is pretty unique to the Seychelles, and the knowledge that our guests will have a truly amazing holiday once they get there.

WHAT HAS CHANGED THE MOST IN THE SEYCHELLES, OR IN TOURISM, SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN SELLING THE SEYCHELLES? The perceived exclusivity of the destination is no longer there – years ago it was seen as very exclusive and elite with tourist numbers being virtually restricted to an annual maximum, whereas today it is perceived as just another mass market island destination. Therefore, the Seychelles must remain as pure, safe, and as natural, otherwise it will lose its appeal all together.

The Holiday Factory has been selling the Seychelles for four years, working closely with Mason’s Travel. They are based in Morningside in Johannesburg, South Africa. www.theholidayfactory.co.za

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Villas Du Voyageur

By Nathalie Hodgson

Tucked away at the end of Anse Kerlan, and nestled upon Cap Jean Marie, on Praslin Island, you will find a couple of elevated villas overlooking the garden, and beach, with surrounding views of neighboring islands such as Cousin, Cousine, MahĂŠ, Silhouette, and North.

These two fully self catered villas, make up Villas Du Voyageur. Set amongst the gigantic granite boulders, and natural vegetation right on the beach front, the secluded position offers total peace, and tranquility.

A family owned, and run self catering guest house, with renowned personal service that is always coupled with a smile.

The team is headed by Dagmar, the Manageress, originally from Germany, and has been living in the Seychelles for over the past 30 years. Natalie, her daughter, was born in Germany, and moved to the Seychelles as an infant where she grew up on Praslin.

Marcel, Natalie’s husband, is from Australia, and his parents are Seychellois.

Dagmar is no newbie to the industry with previous experience of managing a hotel on Praslin. Then, in 2009, she sold-up, and downscaled to pursue her dream to run a small guesthouse.

Natalie, once filling a high flying marketing role at Seychelles Tourism Board, and other private sector tourism based roles, felt it was time to come back home, and assist her Mum in running the family business.

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Credit images: Villas Du Voyageur

‘The best part of the job is to see the clients smile when you greet them. Meeting them every day, and getting updates on how enjoyable their stay has been. They feel at home, and this is the ultimate feedback we receive.’ Natalie remarks with an infectious smile. ‘Our guests become part of the family, we send them Christmas cards, and Birthday emails, and they even send us pictures from their stay. We have a very large return clientele database, and most of our advertising is word of mouth’.

Service is their number one priority. Dagmar and her team go out of their way to ensure that their guests are happy. From homemade chicken soup, and Panadol on standby when they catch a flu, to a surprise coconut drink on the beach, given, well just to watch the sunset. They will even do a trip to the grocery shop for anything they need.

Surprisingly, their largest clientele come from Germany, followed by a mixture of other nationalities, such as French, South Africans, Russians and Scandinavians, but mostly Europeans.

Guests enjoy the tranquility, and privacy of the bay, and location.

At their door step is the Anse Kerlan beach, where they participate in activities such as canoeing, snorkeling, surfing, or fishing. During the months of September through to February, they can even experience turtles laying eggs on the beach. Many guests hike up Cap Jean Marie, and search for the legend of buried pirates’ treasure, but most come to simply enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and take in the breathtaking views at sunset. With the knowledge, and experience of the hotel team, the guests can receive a full history lesson, and tourism update with inside local tips.

A true family run establishment.

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Out And About Calendar of Events 2014

By Alexandria Faure & Nathalie Hodgson

If you’re looking for more than sun, sea and sand, then plan out your holiday with our exciting upcoming events, to experience an additional touch of culture, and local entertainment.

Chinese Festival 31st January 2014

Discover the culture, music, fashion, paintings, and arts of China at this unique festival, in the Seychelles.

Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon 23rd February 2014

If you’re up for a challenge, then this is the event for you. Having taken place for the first time in 2008, the Eco-Friendly Marathon has become a popular pursuit. Structured for all fitness levels, participants can choose to run the 5km, 10km Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay Run of the Marathon. The participants set off from the famous Beau Vallon beach, and cover the scenic North, and North Eastern parts of the island of Mahé. The route covers other beautiful beaches, with the emphasis of the event on being active, and appreciating the natural beauty of the Seychelles. To register, visit the website for more information www.seychelles-marathon.com

Fête De La Francophonie 9th-22nd March 2014

This annual event features various exciting activities that include films, literature, arts & crafts, bazaar, and exhibitions. The week-long event is dedicated to celebrating the bonds that the Seychelles’ holds with French speaking countries around the world. This event provides the platform for members of the public to celebrate, and explore French culture, through various activities around the islands.

Journée Internationale de La Francophonie 20th March 2014

An international event celebrated during the week of la ‘Fête De La Francophonie’, to celebrate the global community of French speaking people. This day, and the week-long event, celebrates the French language, and the cultural, and linguistic diversity present in the Francophonie countries, as well as promoting special ties amongst French speaking nations.

Carnaval International de Victoria 25-27th April 2014

Carnival fun in the Seychelles! Bringing the world to the Seychelles – the melting pot of cultures! An exciting, and vibrant celebration of cultures, with a spectacular carnival procession through the capital city of Victoria, the carnival is guaranteed to be a thrilling experience for all!

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Fet Afrik 23rd-25th May 2014

The Seychelles’ very own vibrant and colorful celebration of the islands’ rich historical link with Africa. This is an opportunity to experience the African heritage of the Seychelles, through music, dance, arts & crafts, food, and fashion.

Africa Day 25th May 2014

A day dedicated to honor, and celebrate African unity within the continent. Also, to commemorate the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity, recognised today as the African Union.

Another World Beauty Pageant

Miss Seychelles…Another World Beauty Pageant 31st May 2014

With the aim of showcasing, and promoting the beauty of our islands to the world, the pageant will showcase a selection of island girls taking the stage for an opportunity to be crowned Miss Seychelles...Another World, and later compete in the Miss World Beauty Pageant. A wonderful evening of elegance; as well as celebrating ‘beauty with a purpose’! A great night out for any visitor to the islands.

Faces of STO

KAREN CONFAIT Karen Confait has been working with the Seychelles Tourism Board for 9 years, previously at HQ in Mahe where she started as E-Marketing Executive and was then promoted to E-Marketing Manager in 2007.

She was responsible for all online marketing and the development of the official destination website and online tools. In 2010 she moved to the Seychelles Tourist Office in Paris and since 2012, Karen has been appointed Marketing Manager for Benelux, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and Russia.

BERNADETTE WILLEMIN Bernadette joined the Tourism Industry in 1994 as Regional Manager for the Iberian Peninsula based in Madrid. She occupied this post for 9 years and was transferred to France to head the Paris office in 2003 to manage the France and the Benelux markets, whilst maintaining the responsibility of the Iberian market.

She was then promoted to Director Europe in 2010.

Prior to her career in tourism, Bernadette who holds a University degree in Information and Communication worked as Assistant Producer /Director and Presenter at the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation.

Continued on Page 52

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N e w s F ro m S TO STB Launch The Very First Russian Travel Manual

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) has launched the first edition of a Russian Travel Manual that was presented at the Otdykh Leisure Fair in Moscow, Russia, on the 17th September, 2013. Created from scratch by Ms Evgenia Russiyanova, the STB’s representative in Moscow, the manual was launched in a bid to widen our tourism market, and knowledge about the Seychelles on the Russian market.

The manual will be an invaluable tool that will be used in all promotional activities, workshops, and seminar training in Russia, and other Commonwealth of Independent State countries in the region. The Tourism Offices will also be using the manual for their own trainings, and seminars for their travel agencies.

Due to the different islands to sell, and different forms of transportation available, the Seychelles is often seen as a complex destination by many in the tourism platform, and therefore this manual will act as a perfect tool to provide general information, and tips on how to sell our products. Destination knowledge on the Russian market has been lacking, and there has been a demand for a tool that would present the beauty of the Seychelles, however, also providing all the necessary information for the market.

Mrs Karen Confait, the Account Manager for Russia, stated that she was very pleased with the outcome of the attractive manual, and the feedback they have received. “We are looking forward to having more local Trade Partners on board next year, as it is important for the Russian travel trade to know our wide range of local products.”

With successful and positive feedback from the Trade Partners, naturally it seems that the next step will be to produce the Seychelles website in Russian.

Photo credit; Raymond Sahuquet

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Continued from Page 50

MONETTE ROSE

Regional Manager, Italy Born in Baie Ste Anne, Praslin. The first daughter of eleven children. I studied up to primary school and thereafter left for Mahé for secondary school education at St Agnes, St Joseph Convent. A two years course at the Domestic Science at Mont Fleuri and later on a teaching course at the Seychelles Teacher Training

College. I taught in the primary school at my birth place and proceeded for La Digue primary school, which I tremendously enjoyed teaching the children on the beach and under the coconut trees. This seems like a dream for the country whereby I now reside.

I left Seychelles in 1970 for Italy and worked as an au pair with a very wealthy Italian family and travelled around Europe. Later on, I moved to an American family who helped me in moving for further studies in the UK where I stayed for 4 years up till I met my husband. Coming from a simple family in the Seychelles funds were really hard to get and I therefore worked as a receptionist/interviewer for International School specialized in teaching English as a foreign language.

I studied as a secretary typist/stenographer – to be precise ‘greg shorthand’. I worked at the first Seychelles Travel Agency SITA with other Seychelloise colleagues.

Married to an Italian architect who loves Seychelles and have been living in Italy ever since then. Worked four years as a Secretary to the Vice President of IFAD - UN ORGANIZATION based in Rome. My interest in the Travel Industry never ceased and decided to leave the UN to join Uganda Airlines whereby I worked for another four years up till I left to work for Air Seychelles. Proud to be the first Seychellois staff of my national carrier and certainly did lots of sacrifice (like drive 3 hours a day to get to work) up till I crossed the floor and joined STB as the STO representative for Italy. No matter how hard it can be at times, I sincerely enjoy the working for Seychelles Tourism Board.

My hobbies are reading, walking in the country side, cycling, cinemas and most of all theatre. Creating ethnic jewels which I love wearing is another of my interests.

Born and raised in the UAE, holding a Bachelor Degree in Hotels Management with diverse sales and strategic planning portfolio and a focused approach.

Results driven with a proven ability in managing projects, improving efficiency of operations, and adapting proven strategies to varied international conditions in the hospitality industry that spans over 14 years in the region.

Ahmed is highly organized and analytical and with his positive attitude, sound hotel sales experience allows him to offer his clients truly specialized services with great care. His ability to identify strengths and weaknesses in the product and service process and implement policies and procedures in order to improve and drive financial and service results.

AHMED FATHALLAH

Regional Manager Seychelles Tourism Office Middle East

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Prior to joining the Consultancy he worked with Hilton Hotels, The Ritz Carlton, Shangri–La Hotels & Resorts, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and was appointed as Regional Senior Manager for The Economist, The Guardian & The Observer in the region.

The Island That Belongs

to Birds The new virtual view of Cousin Island

By Nirmal Jivan Shah Cousin Island is a Seychelles’ Special Reserve, and is one of the “worlds’ great conservation success stories”, according to BirdLife International, the world’s leading expert on birds. Each year, only a few thousand people are allowed to visit this “priceless” island (in the words of the leading international magazine New Scientist), to discover its beauty, and diversity. On Cousin, the wildlife is so amazingly tame, that visitors are astonished to learn that it’s not a zoo! But this nature is fragile, and numbers of visitors are controlled.

Image by Martin Harvey

MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

The New Scientist says, “Cousin is a nature reserve managed by the organization - Nature Seychelles which goes to extraordinary lengths to restore, and preserve endangered species”. Now, in order to bring the beauty of Cousin closer to a worldwide audience, Nature Seychelles has launched a website for the

Image credits; Nature Seychelles

island, purposely designed for the traveller. www. cousinisland.net is the new online home of the island.

No matter what time of year you visit, you are sure to see a variety of nesting seabirds, tortoises cavorting in the marsh, foraging birds of the forest, lizards roaming about in the leaf litter in search of food, and a host of invertebrates such as crabs, spiders, and millipedes.

A history of the island is described in the first section of the website. The visit section tells you how to go there, and when to get there. In order to reduce the ecological footprint to this tiny island, visits are limited to a couple of hours in the mornings, Monday to Friday. A number of local tour operators who bring visitors to Cousin are listed.

Only Cousin Island boats are allowed to land on its shores, to prevent the accidental introduction of pests onto the Reserve, so the tour boats anchor offshore while visitors are brought on shore. The exhilarating landing is a major highlight of the visit.

Image by Peter Chadwick

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Image by Dave Rogers

Image by Peter Chadwick Image by Hervé Chellé

The cousin wildlife spectacle is showcased in the ‘discover’ section complete with a photo gallery of the major groups of fauna and flora to be found - land birds, seabirds, reptiles, shore birds, lizards, invertebrates, and vegetation.

Image by Dave Rogers

The conservation programme carried out on Cousin, involving research, monitoring, and management of the endemic wildlife, and habitats, is revealed in another section, while another outlines how one can contribute to the island’s activities through volunteering.

A news section keeps everyone updated with the island’s goings on, complete with volunteer, and staff experiences.

There is no doubt that visiting Cousin should be on anyone’s bucket list. But should you be unable to go, then, the next best thing is to visit the newly launched Cousin Island website.

Image by Hervé Chellé

The tour structure is also explained; 75 minutes of an experience which no visitor forgets, conducted in English and French, and depending on the presence of a foreign language, we volunteer also in other languages. A list of essentials which a visitor should bring for the short visit is provided.

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Where Am I? Do you think you know Seychelles?

This image is taken by the talented Dominic Shaun Elizabeth, somewhere, but where?

Send in your answers to email ineke@seychellespublications.com, along with why you love Seychelles in 200 words and you could win a Seychelles memorabilia from the Seychelles Tourism Board.

Good Luck.

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Hebei province in China establish links with Seychelles tourism industry Graduating students of STA will gain valuable insight on how to attract Chinese tourists to Seychelles.

Photo Credit: Vanessa Lucas

“THIS LATEST AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SEYCHELLES AND HEBEI COMES AT AN OPPORTUNE TIME; AS THE CHINESE MARKET IS ONE THAT IS CONTINUALLY GROWING IN THE INDIAN OCEAN STATE. SEYCHELLES AUTHORITIES HAVE RECORDED A 75 PERCENT INCREASE IN VISITORS COMING TO SEYCHELLES FROM CHINA THIS YEAR AS COMPARED TO 2012.”

Students and staff at the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) will now be exchanging expertise and work experiences through the signed agreement with the Hebei Tourism Vocational College.

The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture headquarters on 11 October 2013, by the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Sherin Naiken and the President of Hebei Tourism Vocational College, Professor YunHang Tang.

The College founded in Chengde City in the Hebei Province, is the only one in the province providing its students with the opportunity to develop their comprehensive vocational skills due to its relationship with over 400 employers in the region.

A large institution, with a faculty of over 800 and over 1000 students currently in-house.

The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St Ange, told members from the Hebei Tourism Vocational College that he was indeed appreciative of such an agreement being signed between the two parties. Mr St Ange also expressed both parties’ eagerness to begin working together.

A delegation from the Seychelles is also expected to fly to the Hebei province in 2014; so as to visit the area as well as meet important officials soon to be working with the young Seychellois students.

This latest agreement between the Seychelles and Hebei comes at an opportune time; as the Chinese market is one that is continually growing in the Indian Ocean state. Seychelles authorities have recorded a 75 percent increase in visitors coming to Seychelles from China this year as compared to 2012.

This will not only give the graduating students of STA vital ‘on the ground’ experience in this market but bring to Seychelles the knowledge and expertise to further enhance the marketing and tourism strategies to further grow the visitor arrival numbers to Seychelles from China.

http://www.seychellessecrets.com/index.php/news/167-hebei-province-in-china-establish-links-withseychelles-tourism-industry-representatives-sign-agreement-in-victoria

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Parasail Away

By Nathalie Hodgson

W

hile the waters around the Seychelles are renowned for their brilliant underwater show, you can also view a part of paradise from above on a parasailing adventure. Experience the thrill of floating high above Beau Vallon Bay, with the wind rushing through your hair, feeling weightless and secure over the open skies.

Ms. Lydia Bastienne from Mamilla Watersports (owned

by Mr. Danny Bastienne) has been running a variety of adventure water sports for about 9 years. From water skiing, jet skiing, banana boat rides and parasailing, are all enjoyable for a range of ages.

Ms. Bastienne explains that the busiest periods are when the navy ships are in port. Especially the American and Russian sailors, they are cooped up on these ships, and as soon as they are free they run to the nearest fun-filled adrenaline packed experience possible. Some of them go up twice a day for four, or five days.

‘Safety is our number one priority’ she adds. We have an impeccable track record, and do not want to lose it.

Their oldest parasailor was 92 years old, and youngest was six years old. We have honeymooners, and thrill seekers, all looking to enjoy the pleasure of flying, feeling weightless, and seeing the sites.

As I stood there in my life jacket and tight-fitting parasail harness, watching the guys’ layout the large bright yellow tarpaulin, I could not help but think back to my first experience on this very same beach, some 25 years ago. The company was called Watersports 2000, and I was only 10 years old. I was nervous, just as I was now, but I knew once I was up there I would be in my element.

A young Seychellois named Fabio (Mr. Bastienne’s son) gives me my pre-flight instructions, ‘Hold the harness handles from the inside tightly, elbows in. Once you are up you can let go, and you will be fully supported.

When the boat takes off it will pull you forward, you then start running down the beach as fast as you can.’

I could not help but think of the short distance between myself and the turquoise water shoreline.

Will it be enough of a run up? I trusted Fabio, ‘we are ready for take-off’ he said. The 320 horsepower speed

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boat was well equipped to do its job, I felt the tug and I hardly got the chance to take more than four steps when I felt my body lift, and I was airborne!

With wind racing round your ears, legs dangling, and torso supported by a comfortable harness, you float over paradise. The feeling of freedom is what makes parasailing so exhilarating. I let go of my arms, and dip my head back as far as I could, gazing at the parachute, and the blue skies. A lovely stretch, and an enlivening sense of liberation; just you and your thoughts 220 feet above the sea.

The sheer beauty of Beau Vallon Bay from the air, the glowing turquoise water, and the lush vegetation down below is breathtaking (even if you know every inch of this beach). Once airborne, your only job is to just sit back and relax, soak up this striking scenery, and if you have a waterproof camera maybe take a few photos. With Silhouette and North Island so clear on my left, we head towards south, and then do a 360 turn to go back down along the bay shoreline.

The boat starts slowing down, and I slowly drift down towards the ocean. They are dropping me off here, so far away from the shore? My feet enter the warm water, lovely and refreshing, and then I hear the revving of the boat, and I am immediately lifted up again, and I am in no time back up gliding in line with DutySTB031213.pdf 1 03-Dec-13 1:05:34 PM the boat.

STO NEWS

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With no idea of how long I had been flying, or what the route plan was, the boat slows down again, and this time I am dipped until my waistline, and I really thought this was the end of the ride as I feel the ropes gliding further down behind me, but again I am lifted back up, and at a greater speed than last time. The wind snuggles right up into the parachute shooting me up, and I figure that the guys are playing with me.

A nice game I could play all day.

As I gaze to the right, I see the construction sites just past Le Meridien Fishermen’s Cove, and then again of the Savoy Hotel. You can see so very much from this height! What will this beach be like when those major hotels have opened?

Now, the next time it was time to head back in. I am ever so gently placed into the water by the wind, and unhook my harness while I see the boys swing around to see if I am alright.

A lovely morning, and I would do it all over again anytime. I thoroughly recommend this experience, even if parasailing is not your thing.

You can contact Mamilla Watersports on the below for more details: Ms. Lydia Bastienne (+248) 252 60 81 Mr. Danny Bastienne (+248) 251 43 53

Zil Air Seychelles Ltd

Grande Barbe

I

magine a stretch of pristine white beach, completely to yourself with only your footsteps as proof that you were really there - Grande Barbe is the magic behind the hype, and arguably the Seychelles’ best-kept beach secret. Silhouette is famed for its biological diversity, and its home to a variety of unique habitats, and ecosystems. Hence the small research station based in the village of La Passe, which focuses on the conservation of giant tortoises and terrapins.

There are no roads, only two foot paths through four kilometers of equatorial forests separating it from La Passe, setting foot on Grande Barbe does not come easy. The rolling waves make mooring a boat challenging, so the 15minutes helicopter transfer is the most common form of transportation to the island.

The seldom-visited plateau runs almost parallel to La Passe, along Silhouette’s northwest coast. It is undoubtedly the most captivating part of the island, benefiting from the grandiose backdrop of Mount Dauban, the second highest peak in the country at 740m. It also exhibits one of the largest wetlands in the Seychelles: a sprawling mangrove forest that provides an important refuge for an abundance of aquatic life. Likewise, a stunning one kilometer stretch of beach extends along the shore, giving one the chance to sample a truly ‘deserted’ beach away from all types of civilization – the chance to do whatever you please with no one around you, just the sound of the waves crashing on the shoreline. The beach is also a turtle-nesting ground, with

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Tower Bell

over forty nests recorded each season, and growing.

Although beautiful and tempting, the sea currents can be quite strong, and high waves does not make it always ideal for swimming.

If trekking is how one would like to spend part of their day at Grande Barbe, then make sure to explore some of the Seychelles’ history, such as the ruins of the old plantation station, which was then turned into a coconut farming area. Passing through the plantation, will lead you into the forest, although abandoned, is still in relatively good condition and the naturally formed archway makes this trail not only historical but magical. First to meet on your little adventure will be the Church, which was built in 1969, but had the roof blow off from a storm during the 1980s, as well as the Tower Bell – which is still intact to date. The main house (Grande Case) was built in 1860 by the then island owners of the Dauban family. Grande Case was left abandoned for many years, and was said to be haunted.

Today, the restored plantation mansion houses the village’s outstanding Creole restaurant. Also on the todo-list, is a visit to the mausoleum which shelters the

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graves of the Dauban family. The path to La Passe is also a great walk to explore the islands flora and fauna (diverse environments of sandalwood, cinnamon, and giant albizia trees, luxurious orchids, and the unique Seychelles pitcher plant). Along the way exists a small shrine with a statue of the Virgin Mary, positioned in the middle of the forest, and the island’s largest river, the Seme, that eventually feeds into the sea.

The natural beauty of the Seychelles’ Islands can be experienced on Grande Barbe, away from everything, alone on your own beach, and alive with history and mysticism. It provides a chance to go back in time, and capture the feeling of an easier existence far from the hustle and bustle of many of our stressed lives – a chance to just breathe in the fresh unpolluted air, and feel at one with nature’s beauty.

Grande Case

Male Coco de Mer . Credit Gerard Larose Female Coco de Mer Nut. Credit Gerard Larose

Forbidden

By R.J Williams

Legend has it that, on a night lit by a full moon, in a tiny jungle forest on the isle of Praslin in the Indian Ocean archipelago of Seychelles, a rather bizarre mating ritual takes place between the forest’s principal inhabitants.

Below the canopy, the jungle is enveloped in a misty sweat as the lovers, locked in rhythm, sway back and forth in a primitive dance, while palm leaves rustle and tiny blooming flowers float through the air in a dazzling finish to a mystical ceremony that will ensure the forest dwellers of generations to come.

The ‘lovers’ in this case happen to be ancient, endemic palm trees, and so the ritual is more a figment of Seychellois folklore’s collective – and wildly entertaining – imagination more than anything else. But this rare palm found nowhere else in the world, with separate male and female plants, is one of nature’s most baffling specimens. The female plant bears the coco de mer, a double coconut that curiously resembles the female pelvis, and its male equivalent is nothing short of suggestive, either: a phallus that can grow up to a metre in length.

Fruit Symbolically, the coco de mer (often called the ‘love nut’) is perhaps Seychelles’ best ambassador to amorous travellers, because in many ways this rare and astonishing specimen represents all that is magical and surreal about the islands’ romantic charms.

The history of the coco de mer has its roots in myths and the unknown, and the strange coincidences surrounding its biology have done nothing but fuel its saga.

In fact, the coco de mer was among the principal reasons that British General Charles Gordon (of Khartoum fame), first spawned the theory that Praslin and its Vallée de Mai, a primeval forest where the coco de mer grows in abundance, was the original Garden of Eden.

General Gordon based his claim partly on the fact that the Seychelles were the only granitic (and thus the most ancient) of any mid-ocean islands in the world, being the highest peaks of a submerged remnant of an ancient continent that broke away from India and

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Africa, the last surviving relics of Gondwana. But his theory was also fuelled by his belief that the coco de mer palm was the tree of knowledge of good and evil. With the coco de mer nut’s erotic curves in mind, his assertion gave rise to a new meaning for ‘forbidden fruit.’

The Vallée de Mai is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mostly because of its overall status as a preserved natural forest that hosts a range of rare species (including the coco de mer), that are unique to Seychelles.

Male coco de mer palms grow up to 30 metres, while female palms can grow to 24 metres. The nut itself is listed as the world’s largest seed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Until the true source of the nut was discovered in 1768, the coco de mer was believed by many to grow on a mythical tree at the bottom of the sea.

Photo credit: Serge Marizy

This was because rotted-out coco de mer that had fallen and found their way into the sea would drift and mysteriously wash up on faraway shores. European nobles before the 17th century would go to great lengths to acquire one for their private galleries, and often adorned the nuts with jewels.

Its longstanding reputation as an aphrodisiac may only have been derived simply from its evocative shape, strongly resembling that of the female pelvis, but the exact properties of its flesh are still being investigated.

Old Seychellois legends aside, the spores on the outside of the male plant are in fact responsible for pollinating the female plant, but contrary to the myth a full moon is not a pre-requisite for its “love-making.” Rather, a strong breeze is what really helps – some 80 percent of germination is carried out by wind, with the other 20 percent the work of insects.

Waterfall Vallee de Mai. Credit Gerard Larose

Persistent rumours of the palm’s alleged mating habits did spur a short mission some time ago to investigate what actually happens in the valley at midnight, but the observers found nothing out of the ordinary.

The most stringent procedures are enlisted to ensure the protection of the species, and coco de mers are only sold with a special tag and permit indicating it was harvested legally. Illegal poaching of the coco de mer can result in a steep fine and imprisonment.

That kind of protection ensures the coco de mer a continued, though altogether rare, existence in the world, and as one of the most unique souvenirs the world over.

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The Grass

By Nathalie Hodgson

Healer

“Wash it all down with some herbal tea – simply steep fresh or dried citronelle in hot water”. You will find a majority of restaurants offering this at the end of your meal in the Seychelles. But this wonderful grass can cleanse more than just the pallet.

The scientific name is Cymbopogon nardus, a grassy plant. The citronella has slightly wider leaf blades compared to that of the lemon grass, most commonly known in Thai cooking recipes.

The grass is grown commercially as a source of aromatic oil in many tropical areas. It was originally used as mosquito repellent. Much of the insect repellent market, however, has been lost to more effective synthetic products. Current mass production of the oil is used as a scenting agent for inexpensive cleaning products, including detergents and sprays. As well as to adulterate lemon oil and to scent soaps, hair oils, and herbal baths and many other aromatherapy techniques.

The exact date of when the plant was introduced into Seychelles is unknown. Madame Georges from Jardin du Roi explains, ‘it was planted as hedges in the plantations to keep the insect pests at bay.

There are traces in the history books of the planters and the plantation owners bathing in Citronelle to break a fever. We use it in our homemade icecream range and it’s so popular with tourist and locals alike’.

Today you will find the majority of the Citronelle bush grown up in the tea plantation of Sans Souci and even more so in most hotel landscaping, spice and household gardens across all islands as its health benefits are still widely used:

Some of its beneficial qualities include: •

• • • •

•

•

The citrus flavor has an uplifting effect on your mood Antiseptic qualities to combat cold and flu Help with digestive complaints and weight loss Helps combat excessive perspiration Helps tone the muscles of the stomach and intestines, aiding in the overall digestive process Ramps up the functioning of the bladder, acting as a diuretic, and therefore helping to cleanse the body of toxic buildup and fat deposits.

Pure Citronella oil is an excellent complexion aid.

This is not harvested or distilled in Seychelles however found in many spa and tourist boutiques: •

•

•

•

Prevents infection and to help with reducing scar tissue Helps tone the skin, and it will tighten the pores combats acne and irritated skin issues Use a few drops on a bandage to help a wound heal more quickly and to prevent tetanus and other harmful infections.

If you’re struggling with acne mix it with chamomile, tea-tree oil or lavender essential oil, or use it directly on the skin. Put a few drops on a cotton ball and apply them directly to problem areas after washing the face each day.

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Citronella aromatherapy

Use in an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporiser to relieve chest congestion and the headaches that come with respiratory diseases. It can also be used in a diffuser with peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil, both of which are also good for chesty problems.

Household uses of citronella oil

Citronelle Tea After a nice meal, one would recommend a nice hot cup of Citronelle Tea, so as to ease the digestion process. A simple procedure, that takes about 15minutes or less to prepare.

Used in a spray bottle, citronella oil can disinfect surfaces around the home.

It’s also a fungicidal, so it can be an excellent alternative to commercial cleaners meant for bathroom showers and other places that tend to grow fungi and moulds.

On top of this, citronella oil will both kill the bacteria that cause bad odors and will cover over rank smells with its own refreshing scent.

As citronella is much cheaper than many essential oils, using it around the house is more economical.

You will need: • A bunch of

Citronelle leaves • Water • Sugar Process: Add the Citronelle leaves in a pot of water, and leave to boil for about 10minutes or so. Once the water has boiled (which by now will be a lime color), pour in a tea cup, add 2 teaspoons of sugar, and stir. Enjoy!

MICHAEL ADAMS PAINTINGS

P.O BOX 405, VICTORIA, MAHE, SEYCHELLES TELEPHONE 4361006, TELEFAX 4361200. adams@seychelles.net www.michaeladamsart.com 64

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The Kreol Language Most kreol (creole) languages, particularly those of French origin, are said to have developed on plantations in the Caribbean, and Indian Ocean, in the 15th century as the colonial masters had to communicate with their slaves, mainly of African origin.So how does the Seychelles kreol differentiate from the others? And how did the Seychelles maintain its’ language heritage while other colonies did not?

Throughout the colonial period (1770-1977), the kreol language in the Seychelles was described as a “patois.”

One visitor to the colony in 1892, Captain Kenedy, wrote that the language of the people was “a French patois, or bad French”. Another visitor in 1895, Mr. Charles Anastas stated…. ‘La langue la plus usitée aux Seychelles est la langue française. Les personnes qui n’ont pas reçu de l’instruction parlent le patois créole formé de français altéré, mêlé ā une foule de termes et d’expressions empruntés aux idiomes cafre, malgache, indien…” (Bradley 1940:299) Mr. Roy Lewis, who is said to have written much on Creole in Sierra Leone, would agree that the Creole spoken in the Seychelles is a language in its own right.

“It is an honest, thorough, and comprehensive reconstruction of French from its roots to suit African requirements, and idiom. It contains within itself, an African accommodation to western civilization. It is not an impoverished dialect which is insusceptible of precision of meaning, it has a full set of words or expressions for casual or conditional events, and Creole speakers are able to express themselves adequately and fluently in all matters affecting their daily lives” (Webb 1964:44).

The Census Report of 1960 indicated that kreol had become the mother tongue of 94 % of the Seychelles population. It stated that it is ”used exclusively by more than 90% of the population in all private informal situations, conversations within the family, with friends and colleagues, on social occasions, in shops, in the school playground, at the doctor’s, and so on. It is used for broadcasts every day, and is now used in some churches - the Bible is being translated in creole, religion is being taught in creole. Most public speeches are in Creole - at the recent ceremony for the opening of the New Port, all speeches were translated in Creole” (Bollée 1977:13).

The first book published in kreol was ‘Levangile Saint Marc’, which sparked some interest at a higher level as Sir James Richard Marie MANCHAM, Chief Minister of Seychelles at the time, stated in a speech that……“soon the Minister for Social Services would be appointing a committee to look into the question of language in relation to the future of education in Seychelles…” (The Seychelles Bulletin - 26 July 1974).

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Although there was some interest, not everyone was on board with embracing, and protecting the language. Madame Danielle d’OFFAY, who with Monsieur Guy LIONNET, wrote the first KREOL –FRENCH dictionary in 1977, noted at that time that…….”there was a gradual change in the attitude of people towards Creole. The switch from French or English to Creole, used to imply some form of superior/inferior relationship, she noted, and people were ashamed to be heard speaking Creole, and children would be punished for using Creole in school…..”.

The British historian, and first archivist of the Seychelles in the 1960s, further noted that some will always militate against the development of Creole into a written language with a literature of its own, but he added “….to attempt to eradicate it as some now advocate…would…be a deprivation of the great and notable achievement of our “black” population, since wrested from their ancestral homes…the tradition of oral kreol as a mother tongue should surely be encouraged to continue strong and living in the homesteads; for it enshrines the songs and language of childhood, of the plantations, of love and courtship of the wisdom of the wise, of family reunion. Above all it stands as a monument to how one section of humanity, struck down by adversity, rose to creative

stature. It deserves at least our tolerance and our respect” (Webb 1964:44).

It may be from passion that the Seychellois possess of their country, and every aspect of it that has sustained the language, and safe guarded it from periling into the colonized societies.

This love and maternal shielding of the language began way before Independence. A Seychellois teacher from Anse Boileau, Miss Rodolphine Young who died in 1932, wrote a catechism in kreol and translated some forty nine famous fables of Jean De Lafontaine in Seychellois kreol for the moral education of the kreol children: “SENK FAB LAFONTAINE AN KREOL SESELWA”. (Rodolphine YOUNG)(1932). She pioneered this literature movement and development which is still going strong in the Seychelles and across the globe.

SOURCE PRIVATE ARCHIVES Language (Introductory Readings).Clark. V. P, Eschholz, P. A.,Rosa. A.F. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1985. An Introduction to Language. Fromkin, V., Rodman, R. New York: CBS College Publishing, 1983. ©Jean-Claude,’Zan Klod’, Pascal MAHOUNE (Anthropologist/Political Scientist) (PHD Student)

“Victoria, Seychelles is the Creole Capital of the world and with the ‘Festival Kreol’ rallies to bring all the Creole nations together to celebrate their joint identity through music, theater, poetry, story telling and so much more. Together during the festival, we are one.”

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Good morning Bonzour

Excuse me Eskiz mwan

Where is the internet café?

Oli internet café?

Good afternoon Bon Apremidi

Pardon me/ sorry Pardon

Where is the bathroom?

Oli kabinen?

Good evening Bon swar

Food/eat Manze

Hello Alo

Water Delo

How much does that cost please?

Konbyen silvouple?

Goodbye Orevwar

I don't understand Mon pa konpran

Thank you Mersi Thank you very much Mersi bokou You're welcome Padekwa Please Silvouple Yes Wi No Non

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Do you speak English?

Ou koz angle?

What's your name?

Ki manyer ou apele?

How are you?

Konman sava?

Where is the bus top?

Oli bus stop?

Where is the taxi stand?

Oli taxi stand?

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Is there wi-fi?

I annan wi-fi?

Can you help me?

Ou kapab ed mwan?

I’m lost Mon’n perdi Help me Ed mwan Open Ouver Closed Fermen What is the time?

Ki ler i ete?

Beach

Lans Sun Soley Doctor Dokter Hospital Lopital Pharmacy Farmasi Child/ren Zanfan Adult Adilt Man Zonm Woman Fanm Girl Fiy Boy Garson

Seychelles on an EAST3ROUTE CONVOY THROUGH SOUTHERN AFRICA

By Glynn Burridge

Recently, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Sherin Naiken, joined myself and another 200 delegates from the African continent in a 50-vehicle convoy on a 6-day, overland expedition through Mozambique, Swaziland and Kwazulu Natal to promote cross-border tourism and tourism investment among these South African countries.

We flew into Maputo, Mozambique on Sunday 13th October where we joined the other delegates for a networking dinner and briefing before setting out the next day on the 6-day trek in which we covered a total of 2500 kms, studying certain tourism products of the three territories and possibilities for cross border investment.

Heading north through Mozambique, our convoy stopped at Bilene where a colourful welcoming committee was waiting in the town square before continuing to visit newly finished Humula Lodge with its luxurious conference centre and magnificent location on the shores of a magnificent, almost Seychelles-style lagoon, reminding us that Mozambique has strong tourism products and will soon become a regional competitor.

Mozambican-owned Humula has a superb location and, with its spacious rooms and full suite of facilities, is showing Mozambican tourism the way forward.

Blessed with a scenic coastline, great game and legendary seafood, this southern African state has

a lot to offer and with an economy growing at 8%, might soon be a significant tourism player. Their infrastructure is growing as well, as we saw only too well at the magnificent, new Chinese-built stadium before leaving the ‘Brazil of Africa’ in the direction of Swaziland, widely known as the ‘Switzerland of Africa’.

As we ascend the picturesque, mountain road towards Pigg’s Peak, Sherin and I concur that the epithet is well-earned. Spread before us on all sides and for as far as the eye can see, are rolling forests, gorgeous valleys and quaint hamlets, interspersed by sites of industrial development demonstrating that Swaziland, too, continues to make striking progress

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under its monarchy. With its offering of drop-dead gorgeous inland lakes, rivers and excellent roads, this is another African country that possesses magnificent tourism attributes and with an infrastructure to match.

The investment forum that next took place at the Royal Swazi Hotel, just outside the capital, Mbabane, was tagged as one of the highlights of the expedition and, with its lineup of distinguished panelists who included Ms. Naiken, it certainly did not disappoint. Here, many issues were tackled in front of a packed audience including obstacles to doing business in Africa, African banks’ financing of projects and Sherin’s excellent introduction of Seychelles as the East3Route’s newest member. It was clear that the curiosity of many in the

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audience regarding Seychelles and what the islands have to offer to investors was well and truly piqued as could be gauged by the growing number of media requests for interviews with the new CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board.

Leaving the ‘Switzerland of Africa’ behind, our convoy headed south on the final leg of its journey, crossing the border into Kwazulu Natal and heading down to inspect the new Zulu Heritage site at KwaBulawayo, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park (the oldest game park in the world), the famous Shakaland compound where the film of the same name was made and finally the beautiful museum at Nongqai Fort.

There is no place like Zululand to showcase how culture can play a powerful role in a nation’s tourism and few countries can claim to count such a flamboyant people as the Zulus among their number. The way the history, culture and traditions of this amazing tribe are being worked into the fabric of Kwazulu natal’s tourism is a lesson to us all and what can be achieved by keeping communities at the heart of tourism products.

Wending our way through this spectacular land of the Zulus, we are now into the very final stage of our trek, destination: Richard’s Bay, where we conclude with a de-briefing, Gala Dinner and several press conferences, including a very valuable opportunity for Sherin Naiken to appear on SABC, the premier South African broadcasting network where she was quizzed about Seychelles’ future role in the East3Route initiative and her perspective on her recent expedition and the opportunity she sees for Seychelles to benefit.

At a packed gala dinner, Ms. Naiken was once again called on stage to give one of her, by now, popular addresses in which she gave a succinct account of Seychelles’ interest in and also mooted, future participation in the East3Route movement to an extremely receptive audience.

HONORARY CONSULS

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF NETHERLANDS AND DEAN OF THE CONSULAR CORPS Sunset Beach Hotel, Glacis, P. O. Box 372, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 426 12 00 / (248) 426 11 11 Fax №: (+248) 426 12 21

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK BODCO Building, New Port, P. O. Box 270, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 428 57 00

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN BODCO Building, New Port, P. O. Box 270, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 428 57 00

Fax №: (+248) 422 40 65

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF SPAIN c/o Hunt Deltel, Trinity House, P. O. Box 14, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 438 03 00 Fax №: (+248) 422 53 67

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY The Centre for Environment and Education, Nature Seychelles, Roche Caiman, P. O. Box 1310, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 460 11 00 Fax №: (+248) 460 11 02

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE SULTANATE OF OMAN c/o BMI Offshore Bank, P. O. Box 672, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 432 56 60 Fax №: (+248) 432 54 90

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC c/o Kreolor, Le Rocher, P. O. Box 499, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 434 45 51 Fax №: (+248) 434 47 54

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA c/o Tirant Associates, Room 104, 1st Floor, Ocean Gate House, P. O. Box 31, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 422 48 35 / 422 50 77 Fax №: (+248) 422 51 56

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO c/o Allied Builders (Seychelles) Limited, Les Mamelles, P.O. Box 215, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 438 07 00 Fax №: (+248) 434 45 60

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF MAURITIUS Conservation Centre, Roche Caiman, P. O. Box 1310, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 460 11 00 / (248) 460 11 01 Fax №: (+248) 278 01 42

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY c/o 7° South, Kingsgate House, Independence Avenue, P. O. Box 475, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 429 28 00 Fax №: (+248) 429 28 99

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA Serret Road, St. Louis, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 251 52 00

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WITH JURISDICTIONS IN THE SEYCHELLES

HONORARY CONSUL OF SWITZERLAND MG Building, Providence Industrial Estate, P. O. Box 935, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 437 42 78 Fax №: (+248) 437 43 04

HONORARY CONSUL OF SERBIA Glacis, P. O. Box 1001, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 426 11 75 Fax №: (+248) 441 06 00

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND Fisherman’s Cove Estate, House No.69, Bel Ombre, P. O. Box 1191, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 271 98 30

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND BODCO Building, New Port, P. O. Box 933, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (248) 422 45 47 Fax №: (+248) 432 38 88

HONORARY CONSUL OF SLOVAC REPUBLIC c/o Creole Travel Services, Orion Mall Building, P. O. Box 611, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 429 70 00 Fax №: (+248) 422 58 17

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS AND DEAN OF THE CONSULAR CORPS SkyChef, Seychelles Airport, P. O. Box 450, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 437 30 50 / 437 31 55 / 438 17 50 Fax №: (+248) 437 34 56

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM 1st Floor, Eden Marina House, Eden Island, Roche Caiman, P. O. Box 232, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 434 61 61 / (+248) 251 11 05 Fax №: (+248) 434 61 00

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA Quincy Street, P. O. Box 88, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 432 26 39 Fax №: (+248) 432 61 00

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC (Greece) Docklands Building, New Port, P. O .Box 743, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 271 51 96

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES P. O. Box 63, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 424 71 77 Fax №: (+248) 424 76 76

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY Office C3, Trainon Apts, Serret Road, St. Louis, P. O. Box 723, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 251 22 20

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (South Korea) New Port, P. O. Box 222, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 429 06 00 Fax: (+248) 422 44 56

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RESIDENT FOREIGN AMBASSADOR HIGH COMMISSIONERS IN SEYCHELLES

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HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA Francis Rachel Street P. O. Box 488 Victoria, Mahé Tel № : (+248) 461 03 01 Fax №: (+248) 461 03 08

EMBASSY OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA St. Louis P. O. Box 680 Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 467 17 00 Fax №: (+248) 467 17 30

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION 3rd Floor, Oliaji Trade Centre, P. O. Box 161w Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 428 36 66 Fax №: (+248) 428 36 57

AMBASSADE DE FRANCE 1er Etage, La Ciotat, Mont Fleuri P. O. Box 478 Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 438 25 00 Fax №: (+248) 438 25 10

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA Bel Eau P. O. Box 730 Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 422 40 94

EMBASSY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION Le Niole, St. Louis P. O. Box 632 Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 426 65 90 Fax №: (+248) 426 66 53

AMBASSADE DE L’ORDRE SOUVERAIN MILITAIRE DE MALTE Clarence House, Vista Bay Estate Glacis P. O. Box 642 Victoria, Mahé Tel № : (+248) 426 11 37 Fax № : (+248) 426 11 37

EMBASSY OF LIBYA Transvaal House, Beau Vallon P. O. Box 1177 Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 462 06 67 Fax №: (+248) 462 04 44

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SEYCHELLES DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS ABROAD BELGIUM Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles 1st Floor, 28 Boulevard Saint Michel Box 23, 1040 Brussels, Belgium Telephone №: (322) 733 60 55 Telefax №: (322) 732 60 22 Email: brussels@seychellesgov.com

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles Room 1105, The Spaces № 8 Dongdaqiao Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020 People’s Republic of China Telephone №: (8610) 5870 1192 Telefax №: (8610) 5870 1219 Email: amb.legall@yahoo.com

ETHIOPIA Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles Bole, Woreda 13, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Telephone №: (25111) 62 97 721 Email: j.nourrice@gmail.com

FRANCE Ambassade de la République des Seychelles 51, Avenue Mozart, 75016 Paris, France Numéro de téléphone: (331) 42 30 57 47 Numéro de téléfax: (331) 42 30 57 40 Email: contact@ambsey.fr

GENEVA Permanent Mission to the UN Office and other International Organisations in Geneva Chemin Louis-Dunant 15b, 1202 Geneva Switzerland Telephone №: (41) 22 730 17 28 Telefax №: (41) 22 730 17 29 Email: geneva@seymission.ch

INDIA High Commission of the Republic of Seychelles F-4, Anand Niketan New Delhi – 110 021, India Telephone №: (9111) 241 141 02 Telefax №: (9111) 241 141 03 Email: seychelleshighcommission@gmail.com

INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to the Indian Ocean Islands Maison Quéau de Quinssy, P. O. Box 656 Mont Fleuri, Mahé, Seychelles Telephone №: (248) 428 35 00 Telefax №: (248) 422 48 45 Email: cdoffay@mfa.gov.sc

SOUTH AFRICA Seychelles High Commission Unit D 02/01, The Village, Cnr Gleenwood & Oberon Avenue, Faerie Glen, 0043 Pretoria, Republic of South Africa Telephone №: (27) 12 34 80 270 (27) 12 34 80 720 Telefax №: (27) 12 34 069 Email: sez@seychelleshc.co.za

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles Villa № 6/1, Murror Area, 23rd Street, P. O. Box 43107, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates Telephone №: (9712) 491 77 55 Telefax №: (9712) 491 77 14/18 Email: seychellesembuae@gmail.com

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND High Commission of the Republic of Seychelles 4th Floor, 11 Grosvenor Crescent, London SW1X 7EE, England Telephone №: (44) 207 245 06 80 Telefax №: (44) 207 235 75 09 Email: seyhc.london@btconnect.com

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles Suite 400C, 4th Floor 800 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 United States of America Telephone №: (1212) 972 1785 Telefax №: (1212) 972 1786 Email: seychelles@un.int

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Climate Change and Small Island Developing State Issues c/o Permanent Mission of the Republic of Seychelles to the United Nations, Suite 400C 4th Floor, 800 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 United States of America Telephone №: (1212) 972 1785 Telefax №: (1212) 972 1786 Email: seychelles@un.int

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Seychelles Tourist Offices & Representatives Worldwide HEADQUARTERS Chief Executive Officer Seychelles Tourism Board P.O. Box 1262 • Victoria Mahé • Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4 671 300 Fax: (+248) 4 620 620 / (+248) 4 620 640 e-mail: info@seychelles.travel sherin.naiken@seychelles.travel SEYCHELLES NEWS BUREAU Seychelles Tourism Board Bel Ombre, P.O. Box 1262 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4 671 300 Fax: (+248) 4 620 620 glynn.burridge@seychelles.travel lena.hoareau@uksto.co.uk E-MARKETING Seychelles Tourism Board Bel Ombre, P.O. Box 1262 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4 671 300 Fax: (+248) 4 620 620 email: info@seychelles.travel www.seychelles.travel FRANCE Office du Tourisme des Seychelles 18 Rue de Mogador - 75009 Paris • France Tel: (+33) 1 44 53 93 20 Fax: (+33) 1 44 53 93 32 e-mail: info-tourisme.fr@seychelles.travel GERMANY Seychelles Tourist Office Hochstrasse 17 60313 Frankfurt am Main • Germany Tel: +49 (0) 69 297 207 89 Fax: +49 (0) 69 297 207 92 e-mail: info@seychelles-service-center.de

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ITALY Seychelles Tourism Board Via Pindaro 28N Axa• 00125 Rome Italy Tel: + 39 06 50 90 135 Fax: + 39 06 50 93 52 01 e-mail: info-turismo.it @seychelles.travel MIDDLE EAST Mohamed Al Geziry Consultancy 100 Al Fattan Plaza • P.O. Box 36345 Dubai • U.A.E. Tel: (+971) 4 2865586 Fax: (+971) 4 2865589 e-mail: info-tourism.me@ seychelles.travel SPAIN Calle princesa, 40 28008 Madrid • Spain Tel: (+34) 91 702 08 04 Fax: (+34) 91 702 23 74 e-mail: info@turismoseychelles.com SOUTH AFRICA Cape Holiday Services 36 Union Road • Milnerton 7441 Capetown South Africa Tel: (+27) 21 551 5855 Fax: (+27) 21 551 5898 e-mail: seychelles@stoza.com SOUTH KOREA #411, Doosan We’ve Pavillion 58 Susong-dong • Jongno-gu Seoul • South Korea Tel: +82 2 737 3235 Fax: +82 2 737 3236 e-mail: consul@seychellestour.co.kr sey@seychellestour.co.kr

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UNITED KINGDOM Seychelles Tourist Office Fourth Floor, 130-132 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SA United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 724 561 06 e-mail: info-tourism.uk @seychelles.travel CHINA Seychelles Tourism Board #8 Dongdaqiao Road, The Spaces Chaoyang District, Room 1105 Beijing, 100020 China Tel: +8610 5870 1192 Fax: +8610 5870 1219 e-mail: lrjll.sey@gmail.com ABU DHABI Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles, Villa number 6/1, Plot number 8, Muroor Area, Street 23 Abu Dhabi, UAE.Tel: + 00971 2 4917755 Fax: +971 2 4917718 e-mail: aliette.esther@seychelles.travel RUSSIA Access Russia Vorotnikovskiy Lane 8, bld. 1 of 12 1270006 Moscow Russia Tel: (7) 495 699 9351 Email: erussiayanova@accessrussia.ru SOUTH AMERICA BRAZIL Global Vision Access Rua Manoel da Nobrega 111# 41 Paraiso, Sao Paolo SP 04001-080 Brazil Tel: (55) 11 2367.3170 Fax: (55) 11 99627.3160 Email: gisele@globalvisionaccess.com

Contacts PHONE OPERATORS

EMERGENCY

AIRLINES

Cable & Wireless (Seychelles) Ltd. Francis Rachel Street Victoria P.O. Box 4 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4284000 Fax: (+248) 4322777 W: www.cwseychelles.com

Central Police Station Victoria P.O. Box 46 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 428000 Fax: (+248) 4224412 Emergency: 999 Hotline: 133 / 112 E: office@police.gov.sc W: www.police.gov.sc

Emirates Airline Caravelle House Victoria P.O. Box 152 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4292700 / 4373008 E: ekseychelles@emirates.com W: www.emirates.com

Airtel Telecom (Seychelles) Emerald Building Providence P.O. Box 1358 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4600600 Fax: (+248) 4601602 W: www.africa.airtel.com/seychelles AIR SEYCHELLES Air Seychelles Ltd. (International & Domestic) Head Office Seychelles International Airport Pointe Larue P.O. Box 386 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4391000 Fax: (+248) 4391229 E: webinfo@airseychelles.com W: www.airseychelles.com Praslin Airport Amitié Praslin P.O. Box 386 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4284666 Fax: (+248) 4233055 International Flight Information Seychelles International Airport Point Larue P.O. Box 386 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4391200 Fax: (+248) 4391229 Immigration Office (Airport) Seychelles International Airport Pointe Larue P.O. Box 430 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 2713193 E: asupervisor@gov.sc

Baie St. Anne Police Station Baie St. Anne Praslin P.O. Box 46 Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4232332 Fax: (+248) 4232075 E: baiestanne-stn@seypolice.sc W: www.police.gov.sc Grand Anse Police Station Grand Anse Praslin P.O. Box 46 Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4233251 Fax: (+248) 4233933 E: grandanse-stn@seypolice.sc W: www.police.gov.sc

Kenya Airways Kingsgate Travel Centre Independence Avenue Victoria P.O. Box 288 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4323903 Fax: (+248) 4324162 E: sez.sales@kenya-airways.com W: www.kenya-airways.com Ethiopian Airline Mason’s Travel Building Revolution Avenue Victoria P.O. Box 459 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4288907 E: marenaud@masonstravel.com W: www.ethiopianairlines.com ZIL AIR

La Digue Police Station La Passe La Digue P.O. Box 46 Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4234251 Fax: (+248) 4234031 E: ladigue-stn@seypolice.sc W: www.police.gov.sc

Zil Air (Pty) Ltd. Pointe Larue P.O. Box 1110 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4375100 Fax: (+248) 4375101 E: info@zilair.com book@zilair.com W: www.zilair.com

Seychelles Hospital Mt. Fleuri P.O. Box 52 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4388000 Fax: (+248) 4388000 E: office@moh.gov.sc W: www.health.gov.sc

FERRY

Baie Ste Anne Praslin Hospital: 4233414 Logan La Digue Hospital : 4234255

Cat Cocos Ferry - Inter Island Boats Ltd Po Box 356 Kingsgate House,Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (248) 4297164 Fax: (+248) 4324845 Reservation: (+248) 4324843 Email: reservation@catcocos.com W: www.catcocos.com Praslin to La Digue Ferry Inter Island Ferry Ltd Tel: (+248) 4322329

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SESEL SA! | JAN - MAR 2014 ISSUE NO. 2