In the Seychelles (Day 3, 4, and 5)

The internet connection on the island is painfully slow, so to keep you all up to date, the number of postings will be limited plus no more photos will be uploaded. We will organize our trip details upon returning to Calgary and send out a blanket e-mail. Otherwise, I can summarize the last three days as such.

Day 3 - Victoria, capital of Seychelles. Nadia and I enjoyed the day touring this simple yet charming city, enjoying the shops, restaurants, and especially the people. The residents of this island are well educated and westernized. They often speak more than one language and dress in the same clothes that Canadians wear (in the Summer months, at least). The greatest aspect of the people is they are truly a happy people who enjoy life without hurting anyone in the process. They greet tourists on the streets and are willing to share a smile with you.

Day 4 - Snorkelling excursion. Nadia and I joined six others on a snorkelling excursion to a national marine park. The experience was incredibly fun and satisfying -- we swam with a sea turtle and saw a giant manta ray hiding under a coral reef. Our guides took us ashore on a nearby beach where they cooked us a fresh creole meal (tuna) with salad, and free alcohol. The other patrons all worked together as a flight crew on Qatar airlines. We had a blast partying with these guys and gals, who were from all parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia. In the evening Ken and Adele took us back into Victoria to eat dinner at one of the most popular restaurants. Great food and great people.

Day 5 - Island tour and Football. Ken and Adele drove Nadia and I around the southern part of Mahe (pronounced MAA-hee). We frequented three separate beaches, one of which we snorkelled for a couple hours -- another enjoyable experience. In the afternoon/evening we attended an international football (soccer, for you North Americans) match between Seychelles and Tunisa. The stadium was alive with people cheering and chanting. Unfortunately, the home country lost 0-2, and the fans retreated from the stands rather quickly -- much like a Calgary Flames game (which made me feel at home).

Now, a preview of what's next (in case we don't get to update the blog).

Day 6 - Beachside brunch with more snorkelling
Day 7 - Intra-island tour, La Digue (pronounced LA-deeg)
Day 8 - Intra-island tour, Praslin (pronounced PRAW-lyn)
Day 9 - Return to Mahe and wind down before leaving
Day 10 - Leave Seychelles, land in Frankfurt
Day 11 - Leave Frankfurt, land in Calgary

In the Seychelles (Day 2)

Today was a day for hiking, because Nadia and I like to hike. We quickly realized that we didn't like hiking in 30°C-plus, 85% humidity. Regardless, the effort was worth it as we found ourselves at Anse Major, a secluded beach with white sand an crashing waves.

We enjoyed the beach with only two other people for the afternoon, between floating in the ocean (did I mention the water is warmer than a heated swmming pool) or lying in the sand watching the ghost crabs scurry across to their underground dens.

Upon our return to Beau Vallon, we joined Ken, Adele, and (their son) Daniel at the main beach to watch the sunset. Being a Wednesday night, the locals host an open market for cooked food and local crafts, etc., mainly for the tourists but frequented by locals. Nadia and I enjoyed some food, dessert, and drink, then returned to home base to wind down.

No jet lag anymore, it's bloody hot, and we're loving every minute.

Sunset at Beau Vallon

In the Seychelles

We've arrived safe and sound, after over 26 hours of flying, transfers, airport waits, etc. We think that the jet lag will be corrected after our first sleep tonight.

Ken and Adele Mansell are our hosts and already are treating us like VIPs. After we arrived, Adele took us to Beau Vallon beach -- probably the most famous beach on the island. The next few days will see us hiking, touring the capital city of Victoria, snorkelling, and driving tours.

Keep checking in to see what we've experienced.

Nadia and Adele lounging on Beau Vallon

Our vacation in the Seychelles

Nadia and I are off to the Seychelles. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we may not update the blog until we return to Canada -- but we'll try. Can't wait to tell you all about it!

Enjoying our Son

Last week Nadia and I went to a nearby park to spend the afternoon in the sun while enjoying a picnic. It turned out to be a beautiful day, and in typical Calgary fashion, winter returned within 12 hours. Regardless, it was a great way to spend the day.

Jacob is beginning to crawl around the house. For now he is mostly moving backwards, but can pivot in any direction at will. Tummy time used to be one of Jake's least favorite activities -- not any more!

Most of you are aware of our imminent vacation overseas. Nadia and I are counting the hours. However, many may not know the painful experience we went through to get Nadia's passport.

Long story-short, Nadia mailed her application Jan. 8th and there was no indication that we would have issues based on our timeline. Then, half of Canada floods the passport office with applications because of the new rules to enter the U.S.A. To be honest, I had no idea this was due to happen nor did I consider their deadline. Anyways, the typical 20 business-day turnaround turned into 45 business days! However, this still left us with enough time before our trip. Nadia called the passport office early on and they gave her instructions to follow-up closer to our trip.

Then Nadia calls a week before any chance of receiving her passport on time, and the agent on the other line said that "It's not processed yet, but you should have it next Friday. No guarentees though, and don't bother going in person -- they won't be able to do anything." Needless to say, Nadia was a wreck on that day. So, we regrouped over the weekend and got all the necessary paperwork together to go to the federal govenment building Monday morning. We both waited in line for about two hours (Jake was amazing), and the agents were able to track Nadia's passport -- it was printed and in the QC process. Passport Canada arranged to Xpress Post it to Calgary and...........

.........we received it yesterday (OH MY GOD, we are SO happy!) Now we're beginning to pack and enjoying the next few hours with our two boys.

We'll do our best to update our blog while on vacation but it will likely be after we're back in Canada before we post anything.

Enjoy some pictures of Jacob, in the mean time.











Our picnic (Baker Park, Calgary)













Dad and Jacob











Jacob starting to crawl











Jake and Nikki lying around

Montreal Trip

(News Flash: Jacob cut his first tooth today! Those in Montreal know how close he was while we were visiting last week.)

We had a great time visiting friends and family in Montreal. Jacob was very popular with all he met for the first time (the spotlight no longer shines on Bob). We want to thank everyone who we saw (and couldn't see) who offered us good wishes and gifts for Jacob -- it is greatly appreciated.


Here is a collage of photos taken on our trip (click to enlarge).



Jacob with Mama Giovanna






Nadia with Paolo (Robert and Paola's boy)






Rosalia (Nadia's cousin) with her boy, Lucas






Jacob with Molly (Nadia's Godmother)






Jacob with Carmen (Nadia's Godfather)






Clara, with her sons Frank and Vince






Paola (Nadia's cousin) with baby Paolo





Uncle Luigi with his Mom, Giovanna, and her sister, Maria






Nadia with Papa Mascaro





Auntie Sandra






Uncle George







Jacob with Meghan (Sandra and George's daughter)





Jacob with Samantha (Sandra and George's daughter)





Jacob with Nagypapa

Pernelle, Sam, Cedric, and Audrey (Nadia's good friends)

Cedric

Audrey