Well this was my second time to the Seychelles and little has changed in the past few years. The folks are very friendly, the food is realatively good and the beaches are still very nice. The shopping area around the Pirate's Arm Cafe is nice and so is the food in the area. Just around the corner is a large outdoor market place where they sell fresh fish, fruits, veggies and other local gift ideas. Though there are many beaches if you are looking for seashells as souvenirs then this is the place to go!! There are a few casino's on the island with slots and very few table games. Prices are a bit more expensive than normal but not outrageous. The Plantation Hotel is probably the best on the island but a good drive (45 minutes) from the center of town. The Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort & Casino, is the best place to just hang out by the beach. With it's beach front bar and dining area, watersports, and a glass bottom boat all in this area it is great for all ages.

Today I turned the T.V. on to watch the news for the first time in whatever how mnay days ive been here. The first news were tagged as 'a dramatic and worying increase in violent acts in the country.' As for the suicide rates, in 2002 three people had committed suicide and in 2003 there had already been four. (!!!) And an old man killed his wife by pushing her off the cliff. They recalled the last murder which has happened in 1999, three years ago.
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Once in Seychells you HAVE to discover the tropical underwater world. It is so amazing to see all the colorfull fish, corals and the granite rocks. Around 70 spots are available around the Inner Islands (Mahe, Praslin and La Digue). With water temperatures around 30°C a short diving suite with 3mm will be enough. In the right season you might be able to see a whale shark passing by. They can become up to 12 meters big. Season is between September and December. Dolphins, Manta Rays, pufferfish and eels can be seen all year long. I can recommend the Angel Fish Diving Center at Roche Caiman (very close to Victoria). The people over there are very, very nice. Taking good care about everybody. The diving groups are not too big (6-8 divers), the equipment is in a very good state... One dive will cost around 70 Euro including the equipment, the drive with the boat, water and some small snacks on board. For more information just google for the diving center or send me an email.

If you are interested in nature and you have some time while in Seychelles, you shouldn't miss to visit the most north island of the archipel, which is called "Bird Island". No cellphones, no TV, no radio, no aircondition. This lodge is really great for people that would like to see the nature, the 2 million birds and want to be away from the civilization for at leat 2 days. Please find a close describtion of the lodge here: www.birdislandseychelles.com The price will be around 200 Pound Sterling per night, on fullboard, including the flight from Mahe to Bird Island and back. There is only one flight per day, so Bird Island is nothing for a full day excursion. If you want to go, you have to go and stay at least one night. Trust me you will love it! Also very good for photographers, as you will be able to watch the birds very closely and you will be able to take some great shots!!!

If you are lucky to visit the Seychelles for your holidays I would like to recommend you some trips and excursions. I stayed in Seychelles for around 10 months and I worked as a Guest Relation Officer in one of the 5* hotels over there. So also for all other questions please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. So please find here the must DO's while you are in Seychelles: - Visit the neighbour islands Praslin and La Digue (reachable by ferry or plane from the main island Mahe). The plane will take around 15 minutes to reach Praslin. By ferry it will take you around 1 hour. Ensure that the sea is not too rough, otherwise you might be seasick by reaching the islands! On Praslin you will be able to visit the famous "Vallée de Mai", which is a kind of a tropical rainforest, where the worlds biggest coconut (Coco de Mer) is growing. Continue your full day excursion with another ferry to the next island La Digue and see the most beautiful beach of the world, which is the "Anse Source D'Argent". White sandy beach, with amazing granit rocks and palm trees. The Seychellois are very, very friendly and helpful as well. The flight to Praslin will cost around 120 Euro per person (roundtrip), the ferry to La Digue another 20 Euro and the trip from Mahe to Praslin by ferry around 90 Euro per person for the round trip. - Beside taking the "official" transport system you can also reach most of the islands with a private yacht or a helicopter. Depending on the distance, the helicopter will cost between 600 and 3500 Euro for 4 persons. A private yacht can take up to 8 people (depending on it's size) and will cost between 1600 Euro (big game fishing boat) to 2200 Euro for a full day trip (8 hours, including all meals, softdrinks and snorkeling equipment). Detailed information are available with Helicopter Seychelles or with Water World Yacht Charter on Mahe.

   Most of these are taken in The Indian Ocean. They are not from the Seychelles per se but from across the ocean. I love sunsets. Been taking pictures of them for a long time