Any Travels

The Seychelles are right in the heart of the Indian Ocean between the African East Coast and India. They are a bit closer to Africa geographically speaking but culturally and geologically speaking it is maybe closer to the Indian subcontinent. The Seychelles are the only granitic islands in the world (all the others are volcanic or biological in origin) which accounts for it's unusual rock formations. The islands were "left behind" as the Indian sub-continent moved northward on its way to collide with Asia. The seychelles consist of 115 islands, all of the type "tropical paradise used in Bounty commercial".

Mahe is the biggest island. It is dominated by a mountain range that forms the backbone of the island. The highest peak, Morne Seychellois, reaches a height of 905metres and provides a perfect backdrop to the capital city Victoria. Nearby is the beautiful Ste Anne Marine National Park.

Praslin is the second biggest island. One century ago, General Gordon (of Khartoum) visited this island and became convinced that it was the location of the original earthly paradise, the Garden of Eden.

But La Digue is probably the most beautiful island. An aura of charm and tranquillity surrounds La Digue. This island is accessible by boat and helicopter; about two and a half hours from Mahe and thirty minutes from Praslin. For years the way of life on La Digue has remained unchanged, transport is mainly by ox-cart or bicycle. On La Digue, time seems to stand still.

Culture

About 90% of the Seychellois people live on Mahe Island. Most others live on Praslin and La Digue, with the remaining smaller islands either sparsely populated or uninhabited.

Most Seychellois are descendants of early French settlers and the African slaves brought to the Seychelles in the 19th century by the British, who freed them from slave ships on the East African coast. Indians and Chinese (1.1% of the population) account for the other permanent inhabitants. About 4,000 (2002) expatriates live and work in Seychelles. Of those, about 35 are American.

Seychelles culture is a mixture of French and African (Creole) influences. Creole is the native language of 94% of the people, however, English and French are commonly used. English remains the language of government and commerce.

About 88% of the adult population is literate, and the literacy rate of school-aged children has risen to well over 98%. Increases are expected, as nearly all children of primary school age attend school, and the government encourages adult education.

For a small country, there are several very well known painters residing there. Perhaps the best of these is Michael Adams who has a studio and gallery on the southwest coast of Mahe. The Daily Telegraph said "Adams catches the spirit of the islands, his brilliantly colored silk-screens prints throb with life, pattern, activity and fun. Every surface is worked over again and again with animals, people, rampant vegetation and crisp white buildings..." The silkscreen shown here is "Anse Royale," presented courtesy of Mango's Fine Art Gallery in Barbados which exhibits a retrospective of Michael's works.

Other artists are Leon Radegonde, Gerard Devoud and Marc Duc.

In Victoria you'll find the National Museum on Independence Avenue, the History Museum on State House Avenue and both the National Library and National Archives are on Francis Rachel Street.

The National Museum exhibits local cultural and natural history along with artifacts including ship wreckage, coral, voodoo implements, stuffed tortoises, old musical instruments and household objects and various possessions of the pirates who once roamed the waters.