(Seychelles News Agency) - Seychelles is often described as paradise on earth. The folks are friendly, we have tons of lovely white sand beaches and a pleasant, relaxed pace of life. But living on the islands can get overwhelming, too, especially for someone who has lived abroad. Here are eight often-forgotten facts of island living: 

1.      It’s hot all year

The weather might be great [almost] all year round for a dip in the Indian Ocean, but at times it gets scorching hot. That makes moving around a struggle. It’s a great thing most cars and offices are equipped with A/Cs.

(Flickr/ Alexis Nyal) Photo License: CC-BY

2.      Mosquitoes

When it does rain, the stagnant water that accumulates is the perfect breeding ground for blood-suckers. Who wants to be bitten with nowhere to run? Emptying out standing water does help but we haven't found a way to get rid of the little pests entirely. That’s when mosquito coils and mosquito repellents come in handy.

(Flickr/ Sean McCann) Photo License: CC-BY

3.      What’s a white Christmas?

Yes, you northern folk, we see your one-horse open sleighs and Frosty the Snowmen. Don't you think you could send of your excess snow down south for us Seychellois to experience a snow-filled Christmas? Your snowy white homes looks so peaceful and pure on Christmas Eve. But then again it’s the tropics. The only white thing we have is sand, so to the beach we go.

(Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

4.      Limited leisure activities

So you want to go bowling? Not possible here. Maybehead to a fun park? Not an option either. Thinking of learning to crochet or knit? Good luck finding the right yarn, hook or knitting needle size for your project locally. Leisure activities are scarce, but if its ingredients or materials you need, maybe importing is the answer.

(Flickr/ Katrina Br*?#*!@nd) Photo License: CC-BY

5.      Only one movie screen to be seen

And that brings us to another leisure activity: watching a new release at a movie theatre. Such limits there – one movie per week. Who chooses what is airing anyway? Just imagine that in other countries they are airing around five or 10 movies at the same time in the same theatre!

(Flickr/ Kenneth Lu) Photo License: CC-BY

6.      No late night shopping

Got invited to a party at the last minute and nothing in your wardrobe meets the dress code? And you don't have a gift? Well, there’s no way to fix that because you can’t hit the mall after 5pm to buy any of that. Make up some excuses or good luck getting in the party while violating the dress code.

(DeviantArt/ mjranum-stock) Photo License: CC-BY

7.      No food delivery

Feeling too lazy to cook on a Friday night and you’re craving for that cheese filled pizza you love so much? Well one thing has to crack because … there is NO food delivery. Either you drive down to the restaurant or get busy in the kitchen (if you are one of the lucky few who can make your own pizzas).

(DeviantArt/ musketeergurl) Photo License: CC-BY

8.      Everybody knows everybody

There's no hiding in the Seychelles. Everyone knows everyone and that brings a bit of social judging along with it. Privacy is a mainlander's luxury. On the other hand, there is a plus side to this one. Someone will identify you if ever something happens to you.

(Gerard Larose, Seychelles Tourism Board) Photo License: CC-BY