The hustle and bustle of Victoria on a Friday |19 October 2013

Locals always say that the best time to do one’s shopping in Victoria, especially buying one’s groceries, is on a Friday. Although many favour Saturday, I believe Friday is the best day as one has the whole day for such activity as everything closes down around noon on a Saturday.

This was proven true yesterday morning when I took a stroll down Victoria to have a feel of what was really happening in town on a Friday. It was not just being at the ever busy Seychelles Trading Company Limited (STC) supermarket or the Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market, but the whole town in general.

The walk started off with the sound and non-stop chatter of a group of primary school children sight-seeing in their small capital accompanied by their teacher and school warden. They were so happy to pose for a photo before continuing on their walk. Their teacher happily introduced herself as Miss Peggy Philoe.

Victoria is also known for its cleanliness and beautiful landscaped environment - trees, flowers, shrubs and plants. And there are dedicated people always making sure this image is kept. The Landscape and Waste Management Agency, which has the mandate of cleaning the whole country, had their personnel in town yesterday. One of their activities was the pruning and cleaning around a giant palm tree on Francis Rachel Street. It was a great job done because the palm looked really grand, very airy around it after the dead and fallen leaves were removed.

En lizye lo le pase, en lizye lo lavenir – this is the slogan of the Festival Kreol. As it will come into full swing at the end of this month, colourful posters and flags are already up around Victoria, setting the mood for the festival. Like the Ministry of Tourism and Culture said recently, all is set and ready for the 28th Creole Festival from October 25 to 31!

Talking about Victoria would not be complete if the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market is left out. One always knows when nearing the market – vendors selling whatever they believe people will need or buy are already set up in the surrounding area. As this is the most busy place in Victoria they are sure to attract buyers for their products. And yes they do. Vendors with mini buses full of eggs have become a permanent sight round the Victoria Market. And eggs selling at R2.50 – not that bad!

Yesterday was a ‘fish day’ at the Victoria Market. Fish of various varieties were being sold with fishermen shouting at the top of their voices to attract customers. Mackerels, karang, bekin, kordonnyen, vyey among many other varieties adorned the stalls. But the costs were still an issue of negotiation between fishermen and buyers.

It’s been quite some time since we saw, let alone ate, kordonnyen sale. They were being displayed and sold at the Victoria Market yesterday. Our traditional broom from coconut leaf bones – balye zig – were also there looking on the kordonnyen sale.

After a walk around the market surely one needs some refreshment to cool off from the heat of the Seychelles. Nigel was there to cater for that. Offering fresh coconut juice to locals and tourists has been Nigel’s business in the market.

“They are really appreciated by foreigners,” said Nigel. And again this was proven true as we had barely finished talking that two tourists, accompanied by a Seychellois friend, bought one coconut and drank it on the spot! .

More choices of food and drinks like vegetables, fish, spices, crafts items and even locally made furniture are available at the Victoria Market.
There were many more activities going on in Victoria and one has just to drop by and have a look for oneself. The hustle and bustle of Victoria is worth the name!

By Marylene Julie