Seychelles: Round Island Tour

Wednesday 19th November 1986

We take an organised bus tour around the island this morning in order to see as much as we can in the shortest possible time.

Stopping at the roadside, the guide explains to us about various trees, including cinnamon, how it grows, how it is 'harvested' and we see how the bark is stripped away from the branches.

Although I knew that cinnamon – my favourite spice – came from the bark of a tree, it still seems quite odd to try and associate the bits of scrub in the ditch with tasty desserts.

The Blood Dragon Tree is so called because when cut it secretes a red substance similar to blood.

We also visit a tea factory to see how the leaves for this popular drink is produced.

A few more viewpoints to stop for photographs and it's back to the hotel for dinner and drinks.

View of the airport

Wild pineapple

Port Claude and Theresa Island

Grand Anse

As we are eating the the rain clouds move in and the heavens open with a torrential downpour. Guests from the outdoor seating area move in to the restaurant / bar to keep dry, including several members of the US Navy, most of whom are disgustingly drunk. Swearing, leering and jeering, they certainly do not give their country a good name and are upsetting the other guests, especially those with young children in tow. One female marine is unable to stand up unaided and leans against the wall – which has a beautiful mural of a beach, palm trees, sun and sea but is unfortunately not waterproof - and as she collapses in a drunken stupor on the floor, she slides down the wall, smudging the paint and colours as she goes. What a disgrace! The wall is a mess, she is a mess. They are thankfully all asked to leave and the rest of us can eat and drink in peace.