Old-style Seychelles: 5 island things from times gone by

Victoria, Seychelles | June 16, 2016, Thursday @ 15:15 in Entertainment » SEYCHELLES BUZZ | By: Betymie Bonnelame | Views: 5432

(Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency)

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(Seychelles News Agency) - In the last two decades life in the Seychelles islands has changed significantly. While many find the changes better, many miss the old ways when things were a lot less complicated.

Here are five things that were easily done in yesteryear, with comments from 80-year-old June Naiken.

1. One big happy family

There once was a time when it was normal to live with the greater family. Grannies and grandpas were in the kitchen. Aunts and uncles were on the porch. Bathrooms busy and bedrooms overloaded. Family stress? Sometimes! But there were no worries about needing a babysitter. Today? Well, it's good to see family, say, about once a week?

(Selwin Hoareau) Photo License: CC-BY

2. Good manners

Walking past somebody necessitated a friendly and cheery salutation, even as far as seeing how you were for the day. Nobody forgot to say 'thank you’ or ‘please.’ “No-one would walk by without saying good morning if you did you would be reprimanded. Something else is that language on the road was important, unlike today," June said.

(Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

3. Home gardens

Fruits and vegetables were grown at most privately owned houses and available without having to go the district store or market. “Not every-one had their own homes but those who had certainly grew their own fruits and vegetables and then shared with those who did not have.”

(Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

4. A healthy diet

The daily diet was of fish, rice and vegetables. No-one had to make a dietary plan, unless for medical reasons. Grease, oil and other kitchen yuck? It wasn't nearly as prevalent. “There were no imported fruits at that time but local ones were everywhere. You could pick them up along the roadside or tree nearby," June said.

(Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

5. Physical leisure activities

Kids had fun by playing games -- outside! No video games. No internet. No Snapchat. These were energetic and vigorous activities, with a lot of running and of course laughter. Would-be cops loved the ‘police and thieves games.