Seychelles – Bird Island – Birds
The Seychelles are a destination for nature lovers who are willing to spend more money than anywhere else for the luxury of this unique and unspoiled nature. There is hardly any nightlife worth mentioning in the Seychelles. Shopping is limited to the market in Victoria and to small shops and individual supermarkets. Even Victoria is not a shopper’s paradise. Nevertheless, it is worth visiting the market to study the mentality of the islanders.
Most of the goods are available in a small selection and at high prices (at least 50% higher than in Europe). The tropical fruits of various kinds are available, but (except for mangoes, papayas and bananas) difficult to find and expensive because they usually have to be imported.
In addition, tourists are often charged “special prices”, which are significantly higher. Better prices are mainly achieved in remote and small shops that are rarely visited by tourists. This is different at the fish market in Viktoria. The markets are usually bustling with activity. Often, the entire family, including the children, is involved in the sales activities. Regional products are offered fresh and uncomplicated on self-made sales counters (simple wooden frames) or on the floor with a blanket as a base.
The usual equipment of a well-stocked market assortment naturally also includes the various droplets, tinctures, ointments and spices. Even the “Coco de Mer” is offered here in the smaller versions. The supply of meat is rare and expensive. It is sold in its own butcher shops, which must be licensed….. Or should be? There is a hustle and bustle, as is usually the case at the markets in tropical countries.
What is striking about the market in Viktoria, however, is that the people are always cheerful and in a good mood. The clothing of the women in the Seychelles usually consists of colorful dresses and straw hats against the strong sun. The men usually wear shorts, sandals and colorful shirts. You can often see the women carrying their burdens on their heads. It takes constant practice from a young age to keep your balance. This tradition has probably been adopted from the African continent. When shopping, this technique naturally has the advantage that you have your hands free to bargain and haggle. Speaking of bargaining and haggling…. this is simply part of shopping and is an absolute “must”.
In this way, you also get into a “conversation” and learn a lot about the country and its people and the everyday life of the inhabitants of the Seychelles. Brigitte is trying to apply this right now. Even with the smallest things like this straw broom, you have to talk shop about the quality beforehand……
…..then you put the thing aside for the time being and take an interest in another object to distract your attention from the object of desire ………….. after all, after a long negotiation, you buy something else at a low price and buy the straw broom as an encore (at half price……………….isn’t that a perfect negotiation strategy? Nevertheless, both sides are highly satisfied with the result!
