La Digue: A Tropical Paradise in Seychelles

• HelloBonjou
  [bon-zho]
• GoodbyeOrevwar
  [or-ev-war]
• YesWi
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [non]
• Please/You're welcomeSilvouple
  [sil-vo-pleh]
• Thank youMersi
  [mer-see]
• Excuse me/SorryEskize mwa
  [es-kee-zeh mwah]
• How are you?Ki mannyer ou byen?
  [kee man-nyer oo byen]
• Fine. And you?Byen. E ou?
  [byen. ay oo]
• Do you speak English?Ou parle angle?
  [oo par-lay ahn-glay]
• I don't understandMwan pa konpran
  [mwahn pa kon-pran]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMwan toule menu, silvouple
  [mwahn too-lay meh-noo, sil-vo-pleh]
• I don't eat meatMwan pa manze karn
  [mwahn pa manz karn]
• Cheers!Sante!
  [san-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMwan anvi peye, silvouple
  [mwahn an-vee pay, sil-vo-pleh]

• Help!Sekour!
  [seh-koor]
• Go away!Al tou!
  [al too]
• Call the Police!Telefon lapolis!
  [te-le-fon la-po-lee]
• Call a doctor!Telefon dokter!
  [te-le-fon dok-ter]
• I'm lostMwan perdi
  [mwahn per-dee]
• I'm illMwan malad
  [mwahn mah-lad]

• I'd like to buy...Mwan anvi aste...
  [mwahn an-vee ast]
• I'm just lookingMwan zis gade
  [mwahn zees gahd]
• How much is it?Kombien sa koute?
  [kom-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveSa tro cher
  [sah troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Ou kapab redwi pri sa?
  [oo ka-pahb red-wee pree sah]

• What time is it?Ki lezèr li fè?
  [kee lez-air lee feh]
• It's one o'clockLi en ler
  [lee en lair]
• Half past (10)Minuit diz
  [mi-nwee deez]
• MorningMaten
  [mah-ten]
• AfternoonLaprèmidi
  [la-pre-mee-dee]
• EveningSwadizwa
  [swa-deez-wah]
• YesterdayZèr
  [zair]
• TodayZordi
  [zor-dee]
• TomorrowDemin
  [deh-meen]
• 1En
  [en]
• 2De
  [day]
• 3Twaz
  [twaaz]
• 4Kat
  [kaht]
• 5Sis
  [sees]
• 6Siz
  [siz]
• 7Set
  [set]
• 8Wit
  [weet]
• 9Nèf
  [nef]
• 10Diz
  [deez]

• Where's a/the...?Ki kote...?
  [kee koht]
• What's the address?Ki adres...
  [kee ah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ou kapab montre mwan (sir lat map)?
  [oo ka-pahb mon-treh mwahn (seer laht map)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kan lesenn (bis) prochen?
  [kan le-sen (bees) pro-shen]
• A ticket (to ....)En billet (ver ....)
  [en bee-lay (vehr)]

La Digue, the fourth largest island in the Seychelles, was first sighted by European explorers in the early 17th century. The island was named after the ship 'La Digue,' which was part of the fleet of French explorer Lazare Picault. In the late 18th century, French colonists began to settle on La Digue, bringing with them African slaves to work on coconut and vanilla plantations.

The abolition of slavery in 1835 marked a significant turning point for La Digue. Freed slaves and their descendants established a unique Creole culture that has come to define the island. This culture is characterized by a blend of African, European, and Asian influences, evident in the island's language, cuisine, music, and traditions.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, La Digue became an important center for vanilla and copra (dried coconut meat) production. The island's fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for these industries. The Union Estate, a large plantation, played a crucial role in the agricultural economy and remains a popular tourist attraction today, showcasing traditional plantation life.

La Digue boasts several well-preserved examples of colonial architecture, reflecting its historical ties to France and Britain. The island's charming Creole houses, with their distinctive wooden verandas and colorful facades, are a testament to this architectural heritage. Key sites include the Notre Dame de L’Assomption Church, built in 1857, which remains a focal point for the island's predominantly Catholic community.

In recent decades, La Digue has become renowned for its commitment to environmental conservation. The island is home to several protected areas, including the Veuve Nature Reserve, which shelters the endangered Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher. Efforts to preserve La Digue's pristine beaches, coral reefs, and unique biodiversity have made it a model for sustainable tourism in the Seychelles.

Tourism has become the cornerstone of La Digue's economy, attracting visitors with its stunning beaches, such as Anse Source d'Argent, and relaxed, car-free lifestyle. While modern amenities have been introduced to accommodate tourists, the island has managed to retain its traditional charm. Bicycles and ox-carts remain the primary modes of transportation, preserving the tranquil pace of life that defines La Digue.

La Digue is accessible via ferry from Mahé or Praslin, the two larger islands of Seychelles. The most common route is to fly into Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, then take a ferry to Praslin, followed by a 15-minute ferry ride to La Digue. Ferries run multiple times a day, and tickets can be purchased online or at the ferry terminals. Helicopter transfers are also available for a more luxurious and faster option.

La Digue is known for its laid-back, car-free environment. The primary modes of transport are bicycles and ox-carts. Bicycles can be rented from various rental shops across the island. For those who prefer not to cycle, ox-carts, a traditional mode of transport, are available for hire. Walking is also a viable option, as the island is small and many attractions are within walking distance.

The official currency in Seychelles is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available on La Digue, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash upon arrival in Seychelles.

La Digue is generally a very safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should still be taken. Avoid leaving valuables unattended on beaches or in public places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always wise to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The island has a small police station and a medical clinic that can handle most medical issues. For more severe medical emergencies, you may need to be transported to Mahé. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Beachwear is appropriate on the beach but not in public or in town. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering someone's home or a place of worship. Public Transport: Since public transport is limited, do respect the local ways of getting around, such as ox-carts and bicycles. Greetings: Do greet people politely; a simple 'Hello' or 'Bonjour' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and drinks. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience La Digue like a local, start your day early to watch the sunrise at Anse Source d'Argent, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Visit local markets to buy fresh produce and traditional Seychellois goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the island's interior, including the Veuve Reserve, home to the rare Black Paradise Flycatcher.