Thank you for my special holiday memories |19 June 2010

I arrived thinking I was visiting yet another holiday destination, and expected to see a string of large hotels along the beaches, crowded with tourists. How wrong can one be?

I soon realised that the islands have a charm of their own from the quaint capital city of Victoria to its glorious flora, fauna and white beaches. And I was also impressed by how nice and clean the streets of Victoria are.

One of the many highlights of my visit was the panoramic view from the Mission Lodge viewpoint, which I felt should be the jewel in Mahe’s crown. I was, however, disappointed on my arrival to see this national treasure being neglected.

The car park was in a poor state of repair, and the information signs about the site's history were old and faded. But worst of all was the amount of litter which lay along both sides of the pathway and which appeared to have been there for some time. A little effort would return this idyllic spot to its original glory.

I wish to express my thanks to the people of Mahe and Praslin for giving me many happy and special memories. I felt honoured to be a visitor and, yes, I did eat breadfruit in the hope of returning.

Geoff Osborn,          
Brockworth,
Gloucester,
UK