The Seychelles is made up of 115 islands and we arrived at Mahe, the biggest island. The port was Victoria which is the capital and with a population of 26,000 houses one quarter of the Seychelles population.

We’re on an organised bus tour of the island and the city is our first stop. A walk through the Sir Selwyn-Clarke market highlighted the fresh fish (competing with the flies and birds), fruit and vegetables and the wonderful aroma of fresh spices wafting through. Our guide told us that the market is a social meeting place for the locals as well.

Out of the market several historic buildings were pointed out but the city’s real claim to fame is a mini Big Ben clock tower modelled on the London version.

We then meandered up in the hills for scenic views. Everything was so lush and green and there were some very impressive residences along the way. I couldn’t help but think that this city was doing ok.

The view back to the ocean from up high was very picturesque.

It was very hot and the lemon iced tea we had at the tea plantation in the National Park stop really hit the spot. Even the late Queen Elizabeth has sipped tea in the Seychelles.

We had planned to swim at a waterfall stop but it wasn’t that inviting so gave it a miss. Our hunger pangs from continuously eating on the ship were beginning to show and the guide wisely stopped the bus for lunch. We shared lunch and interesting stories with a couple from Finland.

Next stop was a spice farm where we had pics with the world’s biggest nut. One that grows here on a tree that is!

Besides all the flora and fauna there were some giants living here also. Ruthie loves a good tortoise and the Giant Seychelles tortoises did not disappoint. I had to drag her away. The adults were huge, they can grow up to 4 feet long and can live over 100 years, then came the 5-10 year olds (probably the size of a green sea turtle) then the teenagers which were bigger again.

Our last stop was at the Takamaka rum distillery. This stop was especially popular since we had a free tasting. The rum alcohol content of the tastings varied between 23 and 69%!

We had an eventful day on board. First our next stop in the Seychelles was meant to be a tender spot to La Digue Island. We had planned to hire bikes, swim and snorkel at their beautiful beaches. Unfortunately, the weather gods weren’t on our side and the stop was cancelled. Then there was a fire onboard in a cabin but that was controlled very quickly. And thirdly, not only was La Digue cancelled due to weather but a cyclone forming off the coast of Madagascar prevented us getting there too. Ruthie was disappointed but so were the grandchildren who were very excited for us when we originally told them we were going to Madagascar!

That’s what you get cruising the high seas!

I have been to so many 70’s theme cruise parties that the John Travolta dance moves come naturally to me. So I thought….. but alas, it’s harder than you think when you’ve got 2 left feet! Just the same a great party night was had and Ruthie collected some more disco flashing rings.