Reconnect with Roots: A Family Adventure in La Digue
Day 12: Island History and Underwater Wonders: A Day of Discovery in Seychelles
Explore the historical Venn's Town and the vibrant marine life of Saint-Anne Marine National Park. A day of Seychellois culture and natural beauty.
From Ruins to Reefs: A Seychellois Journey
Today was a day of contrasts, a beautiful blend of history and natural splendor that only the Seychelles can offer. Hans and I set out to explore both the land and the sea, diving into the heart of what makes this island nation so unique. It was a day filled with Creole flavors, poignant history, and breathtaking underwater sights.
Our day began, as most do here, with a delightful breakfast at Moutya. The fresh fruit and Creole spices were the perfect start to fuel our adventures. I savored every bite, reminiscing about the mornings I spent with my grandmother in Anse Boileau, her kitchen always filled with the same vibrant aromas. It’s these small, familiar comforts that make me feel so connected to home, even after all these years in Germany.
Experience authentic Creole cuisine at Moutya in Baie Lazare—where every meal is a celebration of Seychelles' rich culinary heritage.
With our bellies full and spirits high, Hans and I set off to Mahé to explore the historic Venn's Town - Mission Lodge. The drive itself was an experience, winding through lush greenery and offering glimpses of the coastline. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as we ascended, eager to share this piece of Seychellois history with Hans.
The best preparation of all is to obey God and to love our neighbour.
Arriving at Venn's Town, I was immediately struck by the serene atmosphere. The remnants of the mission stood as a testament to a complex past, a place where freed African slave children were given a new beginning. Walking through the ruins, I imagined what life must have been like for those children, their resilience and hope echoing through the centuries.
Explore the historical richness and stunning views of Venn's Town - Mission Lodge in Seychelles, a true gem for tourists seeking culture and nature.
The views from the Mission Lodge were simply breathtaking. From our vantage point, we could see the lush mountainsides and the vast azure ocean, tropical birds gliding gracefully in the distance. It was a moment of tranquility, a chance to reflect on the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving our history. I shared stories with Hans about the island's past, the blend of cultures that have shaped the Seychelles, and the ongoing efforts to protect our heritage.
After soaking in the history and the views, we drove back to La Digue for lunch at The Copper Pot. I had heard so much about their authentic Indian cuisine, and I was eager to try it. The restaurant did not disappoint! The flavors were bold and vibrant, a delicious reminder of the diverse influences that make up Seychellois culture. Hans, always a fan of spicy food, was in heaven. We devoured the fish curry and traditional naan, savoring every mouthful.
Discover the rich flavors of Seychelles at The Copper Pot – an affordable dining experience in beautiful Beau Vallon.
With our appetites satisfied, we set off for our next adventure: a trip to Saint-Anne Marine National Park. The turquoise waters beckoned, promising an afternoon of underwater exploration. As we boarded the glass-bottom boat, I felt a surge of excitement, eager to witness the marine life that thrives beneath the surface.
Discover the stunning landscapes and vibrant marine life at Saint-Anne Marine National Park, a true gem of the Seychelles.
As the boat glided over the crystal-clear waters, we peered through the glass bottom, marveling at the colorful reef below. Schools of fish darted in and out of the coral, creating a mesmerizing display of life and color. I pointed out different species to Hans, sharing my knowledge of marine biology and my passion for island conservation.
We stopped at a prime snorkeling spot, and I couldn't wait to jump into the water. The cool embrace of the ocean was refreshing, and I quickly adjusted my mask and snorkel, eager to explore the underwater world up close. Hans followed close behind, his eyes wide with anticipation.
The reef was even more spectacular up close. Vibrant corals in every shade imaginable formed intricate structures, providing shelter for a myriad of marine creatures. I spotted angelfish, parrotfish, and even a sea turtle gracefully gliding through the water. It was a symphony of life, a reminder of the delicate balance of our ecosystem and the importance of protecting it.
We spent hours snorkeling, losing ourselves in the beauty of the underwater world. I felt a sense of peace and connection, a reminder of why I love the ocean so much. It’s a part of me, a part of my heritage, and I want to ensure that future generations can experience the same wonder and awe.
Back on the boat, we shared stories and photos, reliving the highlights of our snorkeling adventure. The sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the water, creating a magical ambiance. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Before heading back to our guesthouse, we stopped by COCO, a local shop, to pick up a few souvenirs. I wanted to find something special to remind us of our day of discovery. I chose a handcrafted piece of jewelry for myself and a small wooden carving for Hans, each a unique reminder of our Seychellois adventure.
Explore the vibrant artistry of Seychelles at COCO, your go-to clothing store and souvenir manufacturer in Providence Zone 18.
For dinner, we decided to try Barbaron Fried Chicken, a local favorite. It was a casual and relaxed atmosphere, the perfect way to end a day of exploring. The chicken was crispy and flavorful, a simple pleasure that reminded me of my childhood. We sat and chatted, reflecting on our day and planning our adventures for tomorrow.
Discover delicious fried chicken and authentic Seychellois flavors at Barbaron Fried Chicken in Grand Anse Village.
Tomorrow, we plan to explore Simon's Fruit Shop and Crystal Water Kayaks. I am looking forward to more exploration and adventure.
As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I feel a sense of contentment and gratitude. Today was a reminder of the beauty and richness of the Seychelles, a blend of history, culture, and natural wonder that I am so proud to share with Hans. It’s days like these that make me feel connected to my roots, a reminder of why I started this blog in the first place. And as I drift off to sleep, I dream of the adventures that await us tomorrow.
Explore the serene beauty of La Digue with family, enjoying stunning beaches and vibrant Creole culture in a 14-day Seychellois getaway.
Meet this Featured Explorer
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Occupation: English Language Teacher
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Country: Germany
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Age: 33
Bonjour, everyone! I'm Marie Morel, a Seychelloise expat living in Bonn, Germany, with my wonderful husband, Hans. While I love my life here, a piece of my heart remains in the Seychelles, with its turquoise waters and vibrant Creole culture. As an English teacher by day, I spend my free time exploring new destinations and sharing my adventures on this blog. Join me as I share stories, tips, and insights from my travels around the world, with a special focus on island destinations and sustainable tourism. Whether you dream of visiting the Seychelles or simply seek inspiration for your next adventure, I hope my blog inspires you to explore the world with an open heart and a curious mind.
- Marine biology
- Creole cuisine
- Island conservation
- Photography
- Learning new languages
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Saint-Anne Marine National Park
Discover the stunning landscapes and vibrant marine life at Saint-Anne Marine National Park, a true gem of the Seychelles.
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Venn's Town - Mission Lodge
Explore the historical richness and stunning views of Venn's Town - Mission Lodge in Seychelles, a true gem for tourists seeking culture and nature.
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Moutya
Experience authentic Creole cuisine at Moutya in Baie Lazare—where every meal is a celebration of Seychelles' rich culinary heritage.
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The Copper Pot
Discover the rich flavors of Seychelles at The Copper Pot – an affordable dining experience in beautiful Beau Vallon.
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Barbaron Fried Chicken
Discover delicious fried chicken and authentic Seychellois flavors at Barbaron Fried Chicken in Grand Anse Village.
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COCO
Explore the vibrant artistry of Seychelles at COCO, your go-to clothing store and souvenir manufacturer in Providence Zone 18.