Local buses, a busy market and small souvenir shops gave me a look at everyday Mahe beyond the famous beaches of Seychelles.
One of the simplest things we did in Seychelles became one of the best ways to experience Mahe. We took the bus. It wasn't a sightseeing bus or a private tour. It was simply local transport. And I liked it.
Seeing Mahe from the bus window
There is something different about exploring an island this way. You wait for the bus, find a seat and then watch the island go past. Sometimes the road runs through populated areas, sometimes everything becomes greener, and every now and then you catch another glimpse of the sea. There was no pressure to make every minute productive. We were simply getting around.
Victoria and the market
We also spent time around Victoria and visited the market. Markets are one of the places I naturally end up visiting when travelling, and Seychelles was no exception. The market had local produce, seafood, spices, crafts and souvenirs. The main Victoria market is the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, one of Mahe's best-known places for seeing a little of everyday Seychellois life.
I spent time looking at the souvenirs and smaller items for sale. I like bringing something small home from a country—not necessarily anything expensive, just something that later reminds me where it came from.
Seychelles beyond the postcard
The beaches are obviously a huge part of Seychelles. But taking the bus and walking around the market showed me another side. People were shopping. Buses were running. Vendors were working. It felt like a real place rather than the perfect empty beach you see in a travel advertisement. And for me, seeing both sides always makes a trip more interesting.
Reader notes