Seychelles Is Not What You Think It Is! (Cost of living)

Summary

In this travel vlog, Taya Aino explores the tiny African nation of Seychelles, known for its pristine beaches and diverse culture. Despite initial accommodation hiccups and a predominantly white tourist demographic, she revels in the island's beauty, indulges in local cuisine, and experiences the Creole Festival. Taya also visits a giant tortoise sanctuary, a distillery for the famous Takamaka drink, and offers insights into the cost of living and travel in Seychelles, advising viewers to come prepared with ample funds for the high-end experience.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The video is about Taya Aino's travel experience to Seashells, one of the smallest countries in the world and the smallest in Africa, which is often mistakenly thought to be in Asia.
• 🛬 Upon arriving at the Seashells airport, Taya faced an issue with a non-existent pre-booked accommodation, highlighting the importance of double-checking travel arrangements.
• 💸 Taya found the cost of mobile data to be expensive in Seashells, with 1.5 GB costing 300 rupees, attributing the high cost to the country's reliance on imports.
• 🏨 The video mentions the high cost of accommodations in Seashells, especially compared to other destinations like Zanzibar, and the challenges faced in finding suitable lodging.
• 🚗 Taya emphasizes the necessity of renting a vehicle for getting around Seashells due to the high cost and inconvenience of local taxis.
• 🏖 The video showcases the beautiful scenery of Seashells, including its beaches and the Indian Ocean, and the cultural diversity of its inhabitants.
• 🛍 Taya visited a local grocery store and tried the famous local drink, Takamaka, which is a strong but enjoyable beverage unique to Seashells.
• 🔥 The video includes an unexpected event of a building on fire, showing the unpredictability of travel experiences.
• 🐢 Taya visited a giant tortoise enclosure, interacting with the animals and learning about their diet and behavior.
• 🍽 The video describes dining experiences in Seashells, including a meal at Karana Beach Hotel with a private beach and a discussion on the cost and quality of food in high-end restaurants.
• 🏞 Eden Island is presented as a luxurious real estate opportunity in Seashells, with beautiful buildings and a pristine ocean view.
• 🎉 Taya attended the Creole Festival, which celebrates the mixed cultural heritage of Seashells, and learned about the significance of the coconut in the local gastronomy.
• 🏛 The video concludes with a visit to the historical site of Rainstorm, which provides insights into the history of Seashells, including the slave era.
• 💭 Taya reflects on her overall experience in Seashells, noting the high cost of living, the lack of a strong African cultural presence, and her preference for Zanzibar over Seashells due to its affordability and cultural richness.

Q & A

What is the name of the smallest country in Africa that Taya Aino visited?

The country Taya Aino visited is called Seashells, which is a small island nation in Africa.

What was the initial impression of Seashells that Taya Aino had before her research?

Taya Aino initially thought that Seashells was in Asia until she did some research and discovered it is actually in Africa.

What issue did Taya Aino encounter upon her arrival at the Seashells airport?

Taya Aino found out that the accommodation she had booked online through Booking.com did not exist, which left her in a difficult situation.

Why is the cost of data in Seashells expensive according to the script?

The cost of data is expensive in Seashells because the country imports everything and does not produce much on its own.

What was Taya Aino's experience with the hotel she first stayed at in Seashells?

Taya Aino's first hotel experience in Seashells was not pleasant. The room was not nice, and she felt the treatment she received was weird and unwelcoming.

What is the local drink in Seashells that Taya Aino tried?

The local drink in Seashells that Taya Aino tried is called Takamaka, which is made in Seashells and is very strong but also very good.

What did Taya Aino observe about the traffic situation in Seashells?

Taya Aino observed that they got stuck in traffic due to a building on fire, indicating a traffic situation that could be affected by local incidents.

What is the significance of the coconut in Seashells' gastronomy according to the script?

The coconut is a very powerful ingredient in Seashells' gastronomy, highlighting its importance in the local cuisine.

What cultural festival did Taya Aino experience during her visit to Seashells?

Taya Aino experienced the Creole Festival during her visit, which is a yearly event that celebrates the mixed culture of Seashells.

What was Taya Aino's overall impression of Seashells in terms of cost and cultural experience?

Taya Aino found Seashells to be very beautiful but also very expensive. She felt the culture wasn't as strong as she expected, and she noticed a lack of black people, which made her feel out of place.

How did Taya Aino summarize her experience in Seashells at the end of the script?

Taya Aino summarized her experience by saying that while she enjoyed her time in Seashells, especially on the islands of Mahe and La Digue, she found it to be a rude awakening in terms of cost and cultural expectations. She advises others to ensure they have enough money if they plan to visit.