Last day for the white sands...

More rest and contemplation today. Trying to figure out how I can find my way back here to 'work' in the near future.

Went north to check out one of the other beaches and apparently see what the big deal was
about all the 5 star resorts up here. Jeanna appreciated that stuff more than I could ever
comprehend it. More people living in the north as well so much more crowded (all things
being relative with 23000 people) and residential. Had a late lunch at a pizzeria which
didn't have pizza at the time, truly odd, watched the sun set, and back to a quiet night.

Always the sun drenched sands

Wonder what the view is like from their resort

That's my boat FYI

Back on Mahe

Back to the same hotel but they seem packed and full of drama trying to get everyone sorted
as they run out of key cards which don't seem to work etc. etc. Went back out to explore the
capital so they had chance to unravel themselves out before checkin.

Male and Female

The giants

Botanical gardens had the
turtles as expected as well as the coco de mer plant, hailed through history for its sexual
powers and what not. This is what happens when people see a fruit shaped like hind quarters
and decide that it's more than just a fruit!

Love this green

Beach life in Praslin

Smaller neighboring island. Stayed in a guesthouse which made the cooking situation much
easier! However the beach situation was even better so that meant falling back on the bad habits of lazing

Morning laze

Evening laze

Was able to be a bit more constructive than the last 5 days and get in some decent diving and island walkabouts. Did not however have time to make it over to the resting place of the giant tortoises.
As is always the case in diving you meet interesting and varied persons. This time around was the officer on shore leave from Iraq. This is definitely the right place to R&R

Beach life in Mahe

This was meant to be a relax portion of the trip. Tried to get some diving done here but one of
shops had nothing available at the time so it was just explore the island and rest on the
beach and watch the sunset and the stars.
It's green, hot,  humid with beaches and happy people. This place is just like home. More expensive though accommodation wise. Not a place for the weary backpacker on a budget. We found new and interesting ways of using a coffee maker for cooking pasta, boiling eggs, preparing noodles while stuffing ourselves with the cheaper dishes available within the confines of our room. Culinary indoor delights!

Started each day with a walk out to the beach after some eating to figure out what to do for the rest of the day

By lunchtime each day, decided the sun was too beastly to venture out so instead for those up to it, a dip in the water was the most effective form of action

And then, having achieved nothing of real consequence each day (except for a state of bliss which is in fact critical), there was only time to watch the sunset and then take in the stars later on as they crowded the clear night sky.






These were, by far, some of the most difficult and trying days in our adventure :-)

No flights as the crow flies to Seychelles

Spent yesterday just relaxing and getting everything in order.
First flight out was to Hong Kong. We were only there for a few hours so didn't have time to make it around our hood. Finally J was able to experience the current Cathay Business Class cabin before the redesign takes place and she was most happy about it. Turns out we may have ridden out our luck since the aircraft experienced the ever popular "technical problems". To hear the pilot explain it matter of factly would have disguised just how big a problem it was but we'll never know thankfully. Now it was time to deplane and wait to reboard another craft in two hours. Jeanna was a bit incredulous but credit to Cathay they kept to their word. Even better it was the same model aircraft so we were able to keep our B class seats. Might as well enjoy it while we can as poverty catches up to us and airline miles wane!

Next flight was out to Dubai. This airport looks to have become even larger from three years ago when last I was here. It's 1am but it seems more like a bustling metropolis at 1pm in the afternoon. It's crowded!
Found some lounge chairs to coax some sleep (credit to Dubai airport they have plenty of lounging space) for 6 hours till flight call.

Next up was Seychelles and that was smooth enough. Back down to earth in economy :)
Made it to checkin with one eye open and then it was time to get some rest. We have arrived.


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