January 2016 47 www.bahrainthismonth.com souvenirs such as clothing, local spices and herbs. However, most impressive is the fact it’s against a stunning backdrop of hills. The focal point of the city centre is a diminutive replica of London’s Big Ben, which was brought to Victoria in 1903 when the Seychelles became a crown colony. When we returned to the hotel, we were greeted with what can only be described as an education in the use of coconuts. Our friendly guide proceeded to show us an unbelievable number of products they can be used for … from hats to toys, cutlery to brooms, this is the fruit that keeps on giving. No trip to the Seychelles would be complete without spending some quality time with The Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea), from the islands of the Aldabra Atoll. We caught a glimpse of several of them in a special viewing area at the Kempinski, they don’t move much but are still amazing creatures that can live for more than a hundred years. The next day we headed across the island to The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach. This resort is your gateway to a world filled with lustre, immersed in unique essence. After unpacking, we headed to the beach to meet a boat that was going to take us on a fishing adventure. Seychelles has some of the richest fishing grounds in the world and you do not have to venture far from the shore to break fishing records. During a relaxing afternoon of trawling, we caught a massive kingfish and headed to a cove on a nearby island. Our boat captain and his first mate then proceeded to turn the catch of the day into the most amazing meal I’ve ever eaten. After gutting, descaling and marinating the fish, it was barbequed to perfection … even writing about it makes me drool. Later the same evening, after yet another magnificent meal at one of the H Resort’s eateries, we were treated to a dance show by the staff. Now, prior to this trip, I thought sega was a pioneering games console, famous for a hyperactive hedgehog, but it turns out it is also one of the major music genres of the country. It has origins in the music of slaves on the island and is usually sung in creole, the French-based language of the Seychelles – truly a spectacular experience. After the show, we headed to one of the country’s nightlife hotspots. With a name like Tequila Boom, you can probably imagine what this club looks like during the weekend. I grew up in West London, a bustling concrete jungle that exemplifies the term rat race. Everyone’s in a rush with sour expressions plastered on their faces as they scurry through the day, working jobs they hate so they can afford things they don’t need. The Seychelles is the antithesis. On my last morning, I woke up early to watch the sunrise on the beach. With my toes firmly dug into the sand and the gently lapping waters of the sea serenading my ears, the world seemed to be so simple. No sooner had I arrived home in Bahrain than I began to miss the island paradise. Fortunately, whenever I miss the Seychelles, all I have to do now is wait for my screensaver to kick in so I can remind myself I was there. Kempinski Seychelles Resort The Olympic-length swimming pool Mountain top picnic spot The Kempinski from the air
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