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Popular Off the Beaten Path | Other Off the Beaten Path Tips | All Tips (9) Strange story for a strange nut...
Indeed, the coco the mer nut is the only fruit shaped like a woman?s intimate part. But the story doesn?t stop here?Actually, there is a male and a female tree, and the fecondation between the two gives the fruit called ?cocofesse?, carried by the female tree. As you can see on the picture, the flower of the male tree is also special ! In the first months of its existence, the nut contains a sort of white transparent jelly, which could be compared to man?s semen?
For a long time, people have attributed aphrodisiac virtues to this nut and numerous kings would pay a lot to get them. Charles Gordon, a british general, even compared it to the forbidden fruit of the Bible, growing in what he believed to be the Garden of Eden. This garden was actually the Vall?e de Mai on Praslin, only place where the coco de mer now growths.Actually, some can still be seen in Mah? (at the Botanical gardens of Victoria or the King?s Garden), but only a few.
The coco de mer tree, endemic to the Seychelles, can measure up to 35 m and reach the old age of 8 centuries !
A nut usually weights10 to 15 kg and is 30 cm long but each nut is different. You can bring a cocofesse back home, but they are protected by the Governement, so be careful to get it legally... The price of such a particular nut goes from 1200 to 2000 rupees ! And don?t forget to ask the paper certifying you can get the nut out of the country, otherwise, you?ll get a fine ! Leave a Comment
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Well, it's quite simple actually... Find a nice couple on honeymoon, and get invited in their 5-stars Resort on Sainte Anne Island, with private access...
Nooooooo, I'm kidding, we met Natalia and Daniel in Victoria and immediately got on well with them, so we decided to rent a car and visit the island together. They first invited us on Sainte Anne, so as their guests, we could take the free shuttle and enjoy the pool and surroundings of this wonderful Resort. We even went snorkeling in the Marine Park - again for free - with the hotel boat. Thanks to you guys ! Leave a Comment
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On june 18, many events took place in Victoria for the national day celebration. We first came across an horticultural exhibition with different contests, showing plants, flowers, animals and vegetables, which was very interesting and unexpected :-) Then we watched a bit of the parade which was followed by a beautiful fireworks.
I regret we didn't stay longer, there was a lot going on in town afterwards ! Leave a Comment
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Trois Freres Peak, forms the mountain backdrop for Victoria, and lies in Morne Seychellois National Park.
Although the climb to the peak is only about 2km each way, it is a very steep uphill climb.
There are some very nice views from the peak, if it isn't wrapped in clouds. Leave a Comment
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The road to the west coat of the island ends at Port Glaud ( pronounced Por-Glow).
From there you can turn left to drive down the coast or turn right where there is the resort where we stayed, a couple of restaurants, a marine national park , and the road ends at a youth service camp. Leave a Comment
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The Mission was once run as a school for the children of liberated slaves, it is now a few crumbling ruins.
Beyond the ruins there is a footpath surrounded by giant sangdragon trees.
In the forest around the pathway you may spot several endemic birds.
At the end of the path is a wooden viewing platform. A lodge was built here for the Queen's visit to the Seychelles in 1974.
You can look out over the tree canopy and see the ocean. Leave a Comment
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The Botanical gardens are on the south end of Victoria.
They are recommended for short shady walks among native trees and plants.
Some trees are identified, some are not.
Within the gardens is also a cafeteria, a pen of large turtles, an orchid garden, and a gift shop Leave a Comment
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Down the road from Port Glaud , behind the church, down the path, you will see a small sign for the waterfall.
It i s small waterfall but pretty surroundings and it is cool and peaceful there. Take a dip in the cold water, if you dare. Leave a Comment
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Port Launday Marine National Park is 4km up the road from Port Glaud.
It is a very pretty sheltered bay with some very nice secluded beaches and is great for snorkeling. Leave a Comment
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on August 6, 2004
on August 19, 2004
