Mahe Island: The Jewel of Seychelles

• HelloAllo
  [ah-loh]
• GoodbyeOrevwar
  [oh-reh-vwah]
• YesWi
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeSilvouple
  [seel-voo-pleh]
• Thank youMersi
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryEskize mwa
  [es-kee-zeh mwah]
• How are you?Ki ou fer?
  [kee oo fehr]
• Fine. And you?Bien. E ou?
  [byen. eh oo?]
• Do you speak English?Ou parle angle?
  [oo par-lay ahn-glay]
• I don't understandMo pa konpran
  [moh pah kohn-prahn]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMo bezwen zwazo, silvouple
  [moh beh-zwehn zwa-zoh, seel-voo-pleh]
• I don't eat meatMo pa manze la viand
  [moh pah mahnz lay vee-ahn]
• Cheers!Sante
  [sahn-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMo bezwen peye, silvouple
  [moh beh-zwehn peh-yeh, seel-voo-pleh]

• Help!Sekour!
  [seh-koo]
• Go away!Al ler!
  [ahl lehr]
• Call the Police!Sipil antre!
  [see-peel ahn-tray]
• Call a doctor!Sipil dokter!
  [see-peel dohk-tehr]
• I'm lostMo perdi
  [moh pehr-dee]
• I'm illMo malad
  [moh mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Mo bezwen achte...
  [moh beh-zwehn ah-sh-teh]
• I'm just lookingMo pe gade selman
  [moh peh gahd sehl-mahn]
• How much is it?Kombien sa koute?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveSa tro cher
  [sah troh shehr]
• Can you lower the price?Ou kapab bese pri?
  [oo kah-pahb behs prey]

• What time is it?Ki l'er?
  [kee lehr]
• It's one o'clockL'er e enn
  [lehr eh ehn]
• Half past (10)Demi (10)
  [deh-mee (diz)]
• MorningMaten
  [mah-tehn]
• AfternoonApremidi
  [ap-re-mee-dee]
• EveningSwar
  [swahr]
• YesterdayYer
  [yehr]
• TodayOzordi
  [oh-zor-dee]
• TomorrowDemen
  [deh-mehn]
• 1Enn
  [ehn]
• 2De
  [deh]
• 3Troa
  [twa]
• 4Kat
  [kaht]
• 5Sennk
  [sehnk]
• 6Sis
  [sees]
• 7Set
  [seht]
• 8Wit
  [weet]
• 9Nef
  [neff]
• 10Dis
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Ki kot...?
  [kee koht]
• What's the address?Ki lateres?
  [kee la-teh-rehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ou kapab montre mwa (sou lap)
  [oo kah-pahb mohn-tray mwah (soo lap)]
• When's the next (bus)?Ki le prochen (bis)?
  [kee leh proh-shen (bees)]
• A ticket (to ....)En tiket (vers ....)
  [ehn tee-keht (vehr)]

Mahe Island, the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, was first visited by the Austronesian seafarers around 200-300 AD. They left behind traces of their presence, including pottery and other artifacts. The island remained largely uninhabited until the 18th century.

In 1742, French explorer Lazare Picault was the first European to set foot on Mahe Island. He named the island 'Ile d'Abondance' due to its lush vegetation and natural resources. The French officially claimed the Seychelles in 1756 and established a settlement on Mahe in 1770. The island was named after Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, a French governor of Mauritius.

The British took control of Mahe Island in 1811 during the Napoleonic Wars. The Treaty of Paris in 1814 officially ceded the Seychelles to Britain. Under British rule, the island developed economically, with the introduction of plantations for coconut, vanilla, and cinnamon. The abolition of slavery in 1835 led to significant social changes on the island.

During World War II, Mahe Island played a strategic role due to its position in the Indian Ocean. The British established a naval base on the island to protect maritime routes from Axis powers. The island's infrastructure was enhanced, and its strategic importance laid the groundwork for its future as a tourist destination.

Seychelles gained independence from Britain on June 29, 1976, with Mahe Island as the political and economic center of the new nation. The island's capital, Victoria, became the smallest capital city in the world. Post-independence, Mahe has seen significant development in tourism, turning it into a sought-after travel destination known for its pristine beaches, lush mountains, and vibrant Creole culture.

Mahe Island is a cultural melting pot, with influences from African, European, and Asian settlers. This blend is evident in its Creole cuisine, music, dance, and festivals. The annual Creole Festival celebrates this rich heritage with traditional music, dance, and culinary events, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Mahe Island is home to several national parks and nature reserves, such as Morne Seychellois National Park, which covers 20% of the island. Efforts to conserve its unique biodiversity are ongoing, with numerous projects aimed at preserving endemic species and marine life. The island's commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that its natural beauty remains unspoiled for future generations.

Mahe Island is the largest island in Seychelles and serves as the main gateway to the country. The primary entry point is Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) located near the capital city, Victoria. Direct flights are available from various major cities worldwide, including Dubai, Johannesburg, and Paris. From the airport, taxis and car rentals are available to reach your accommodation. Alternatively, some hotels offer shuttle services.

Getting around Mahe Island is convenient with several transportation options. Taxis are widely available but can be expensive, so it's advisable to agree on a fare beforehand. Public buses operated by Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) offer an affordable way to travel around the island, though they can be infrequent and crowded. Car rentals are a popular choice for exploring at your own pace, and driving is on the left side. Additionally, bicycles and scooters can be rented for short distances and leisurely rides.

The official currency of Seychelles is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available across Mahe Island, particularly in Victoria and other major tourist areas. Currency exchange services are also available at the airport and in banks.

Mahe Island is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. The areas of Victoria and Beau Vallon are popular with tourists and are generally safe, but petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur. It is advisable to use hotel safes for valuables and to be cautious when using ATMs.

In case of emergencies, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Victoria Hospital is the main medical facility on the island. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in Victoria and other major areas. Most hotels have first aid kits and can assist in contacting emergency services if needed.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly. Beachwear is acceptable at the beach but not in town or religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches or temples, dress conservatively and remove hats. Public Transport: Do be patient with public buses; they can be irregular. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'bonjour'. A handshake is commonly used. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Creole cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Mahe Island like a local, visit the Victoria Market, known for its fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts. Engage with the locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share stories about their island. Don't miss out on the local cuisine, especially dishes like grilled fish and coconut curry. Additionally, hiking trails such as the Morne Blanc trail offer stunning views and a chance to experience the island's natural beauty.