“If you’re fond of sand dunes and salty air, quaint little villages here and 
there” Groove Armada
I had this song in my head for 2 weeks while in the Seychelles. Why? The Seychelles are beautiful, salty, exotic, balmy islands that, thankfully, have not yet become as commercialised as other islands around the world.
I was there for work although it’s hard to feel like you’re working in such a beautiful setting. So this is what models feel like? Everyday was perfect. The sky and ocean competing on blueness and clearness. Palm trees swaying in the breeze or lying almost horizontal on the beach from past storms. Soft sand the colour of ivory. Mountains made of giant black rock covered in shrubs and flowers. Two-toned ocean of sapphire and turquoise. And of
course, friendly locals going about their way. Ah, paradise!
We were there to perform for a very important individual and his guests. Each performance was themed; Candy Land, Rocky Horror, Chicago, Rodeo Night. The guests, the most exquisite set of individuals I have personally ever seen in one room in my life were from all over the world judging by the mix of languages I heard. Pretty sure they were all models, damn them!
When we were not rehearsing, we were on the beach next to the resort. One day we took a little trip to a different beach. To get there we had to walk the length of our beach which gave my feet a much-needed exfoliation. On the way we spotted a horse in the sea, its owner cooling it from the heat with generous splashes of ocean water. Our journey took us up a steep hill, maybe it was the heat 
and humidity but that was the steepest hill I’ve ever climbed.
En route we passed a pirate-themed restaurant, complete with ship’s hull and mast – a great spot for picture-taking, Captain Morgan style. Onward and upward we went, traversing the paved roads atop the mountain and back down the other side. Maybe it was the heat and humidity but that was the steepest hill I’ve ever 
descended.
The journey was well worth the effort. What awaited us was on
e of the most famous beaches in the world, Petite Anse. Perfect water temperature, soft sand, a sprinkling of tourists and lots of shade make this beach the total package. I remember floating in the water, looking at the coconut palm trees and granite mountains around me and saying a little prayer of thanks.
After a few lazy hours we headed to the beach restaurant. A bit pricey,but the food was excellent. I had a tuna steak, mango juice and coconut-chocolate ice cream for dessert. Mmmmm…….
Another interesting thing about our resort was its proximity to to a beautiful flowery graveyard. While not always a pleasant sight, this graveyard, however, lended a definite air of charm to our almost daily walk up the hill to “Top Shop’ for groceries and airtime. For internet access a longer, 15 minute trip towards town was needed. One can often spot a tethered goat or cow along the road in the Seychelles. It’s also common to fear for one’s life. T
he crazy bus drivers navigate the endless U-turn style bends in the road with practiced ease while you hold on to your heart, and stomach, for dear life. The view does help take your mind off the perilous journey. On one side of the road are the giant black mountains, beautiful foliage or scenes of Seychellois life. On the other, the ocean. Some roads are literally right next to it, so if you were to sit at the edge of the road, your feet would be in the water. I hope the people of the Seychelles know how blessed they are that such beauty is a part of their everyday life.
I don’t quite know what it is about the Seychelles that makes it the best island I’ve ever been to. It’s beautiful, sure and the weather is ideal but there is something else. Maybe the lack of tourists, beachfront resorts and casinos that have become the staple in many exotic isles? Whatever it is, I know I will be back there, again and again and again and again and…
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