Despite its appearance of timeless peace and tranquillity, the Seychelles has a turbulent history. Originally discovered by the Dutch, this remote archipelago in the Indian Ocean rapidly became a haunt of pirates.
Even now, hopeful treasure-hunters on Mahe Island search for the buried loot of Olivier "The Buzzard" Levasseur. Levasseur issued a challenge from the scaffold -- "Find my treasure, he who can!" -- and left cryptic clues carved into rocks. No treasure has yet been found, so don't forget to pack your metal detector.
If you do find Levasseur's hoard, it will help offset the cost of your hotel bill. But only a little. As noted in our last column on the giant coconuts of Mai Valley (see The Japan Times, Feb. 2, 2003), the Seychelles isn't a budget destination.