Confirmed, nobody selling seashells by the seashore in the Seychelles.

Shame, shame, shame, we haven't posted since arrival in the Seychelles. 

To describe it, the place is a very expensive island with nice beaches, although not spectacular (personal opinion) very well suited to honeymooners and special occasions (including a very healthy bank account). A nice private unit along the beach is $3000 a night see below), yes, you read that right. And I am not talking about the private huts over the water that we all see in advertisements.

Normally in every port there will be local drivers that can make a very nice earning out of tourists coming off the ships, and this was no exception.

We bargained one of them down to 50 Euro per person to take us around the island in a large air conditioned van.

The temperature was HOT, but at least we stopped at multiple beaches for a swim. I also snorkeled around the rocks but once again sealife was fairly well destroyed by tourism despite the attempts by the locals and government to keep the place clean and pristine.

Apart from that the best description to give is driving through the Dandenongs, coming down a hill and there is an inlet with a beach.

Over the next hill, same again all around the island which takes approx 3 hours if driving continually. Further scenery or activities very sparse.

The driver was knowledgeable about the local life but not forthcoming; Only when we asked questions.

We asked him for a nice place for lunch,  so at one point he said, ok, this is your lunch stop, I have booked a table for you in advance.

We looked at each other as the place looked like a local hang out to grab a sandwich or a drink which also would have been fine.

When we walked in we were pleasantly greeted by the waitress and escorted to our table. We were with the four of us, including Judy and Steven, our traveling companions.

We could not have been further wrong about the place being a sandwich shop, seriously this was chef hat quality service and food. From the start, impeccable service, a menu to dream off and a setting over the water which we could not get enough of, but with a very casual feel.

Complimentary fresh baked bread with a home made chilli/garlic paste Creole style. Nuts, olives and pickled veg to pick at. 

The ship food is ok, but lacking spice and flavour as they cook for a 3500 passenger majority, so to get some authentic Creole food with FLAVOUR was omg.

Steve and Judy shared a whole fish in curry sauce with rice and various accompaniments, which was picked clean to the last flake of fish. Wendy had a Vegetable curry which she tells me was the best she had had in a long time and I had the Red Snapper cooked in banana leave with a salsa and lemongrass emulsion sauce and a green mango salad. It was finished at the table, which added a bit of show; the chef could have done the same in the kitchen though 😉

Desert could not be bypassed and I had the rum Baba, flamed at the table and served with a shot of the local Takamaka rum.

Wow, talk about fire water, but very nice.

The waitress enjoyed our banter and compliments about her services and that we would like to take her back to Aus. She told us that she also had worked at as private butler.

She ended the meal with a complimentary shot of white rum steeped with pepper, chilli and lemon. That truely blew our head off.

I know I am raving on about the lunch but that was the highlight of the day and the best meal anywhere in a long time.👍👍

We ended the day on a beach watching the sunset, unfortunately a long wait of over an hour, but nice to see.

Back at the ship it was  time for a fresh shower and cool off.

The next day we stayed on the ship and enjoyed a swim, lazing around and playing some games with the entertainment team..

In the afternoon a storm rolled in over the mountains in front of us and departure was delayed by 5 hours due to 50 knot (90 km hr) winds out on the ocean.

After departure the long haul of 7 days at sea has begun on our way to Aqaba in Jordan where we will visit the ancient city of Petra.

Today is day 4 and we are just south of Yemen in the gulf of Aden, before entering the Red Sea.

Days at sea are covered by a late breakfast, mostly just a coffee followed by 10 am Trivia, a swim in the pool, some games on deck.

Occasionally followed by a light lunch, more relaxing as above and dinner at six, theatre show at 9 and playing cards with our travel companions.

On day 1 at sea we also crossed the equator which is always celebrated with the king Neptune party.

Wendy and I, Steven and Judy joined in.

 In order to cross the equator King Neptune must hand over the key to the ship's captain, but not without making some sacrifices. That's where we came in with another 50 odd  passengers on the edge of the pool being bombarded with champagne,  cream, baked beans, flour and cocoa as a sacrifice.

At the end I felt like a giant chocolate muffin ready to be baked.

Lots of fun, a massive food fight which ends in the pool.

You just have to participate,  put all your worries and inhibitions aside and laugh.

A shower and multiple hair (for whatever I have left) washes were needed afterwards.

Last night there was a game called King of the seas, an adults only game which was also great fun with the entertainment team.

Well, that is about all from the ocean where time doesn't matter, lazing and having fun is a must.

Sunrise off the Somalian coast.

beach life

Till next time, adios!!