Quest for the World's Nicest Beach - Part 2

For our good friend back in Canada (and one of our most loyal followers), this post is dedicated to Peggy, who no doubt is basking in heavenly rays on her own perfect beach.

The legendary Anse Source d'Argent is today's destination - a beautiful beach which requires a short (15 minute) ferry ride to the tiny island of La Digue. It's the only ferry ride we have taken which can rival BC Ferries in terms of 'worst value for money'. I think it was over C$100 for four walk-on passengers.

Rush hour at the jetty. I think this is the largest crowd we have seen anywhere in the Seychelles.

Our trusty captain navigating with a nifty remote control device. Haven't seen this before. It's pretty cool, actually.

This Chinese lady broke the record for the fastest puker in the history of sea travel. Took her only 3 minutes to lose her breakfast. She also lacked the common sense to pick a suitable location for her barf fest. She decided that walking to the bow (front) of the boat in a headwind was the wisest course of action - she had everyone ducking for cover from her 'sea spray'. Gross.

Arriving at the picturesque La Digue harbour.

The bus stop. There are very few motorized vehicles on La Digue. In fact, most people ride bikes, walk, or take ox-drawn carts to get around.

Not sure what the unemployment rate is in the Seychelles is, but I expect it's pretty high. These guys probably only work as needed, for a few hours a day, and prefer to laze the day away at the card table.

Getting to the beach was half the fun today, as we walked the 3 km through lovely coconut groves and gravel pathways.

Fortunately (for the owners), the beach is on private property, and we paid a nominal admission fee to cut through their coconut and vanilla plantation. I think we found our perfect retirement villa.

Even the cemetery is situated on some choice real estate.

Not a lot has changed over the years here. Coconut oil is still pressed using an ox-driven mill. "Island time" applies to beasts of burden too, as in typical Seychelloise style, Victor the ox only works a few hours a day. I hate to use the term 'lazy', but it is the word which comes to mind.

Looks like we're nearly there.

We managed to pick up a travelling companion along the way, prompting the kids to ask "do you think you would like to have a dog like that in Canada?". The pressure is still on for us to get a dog. Shirley and I are trying ever so hard to resist, but they are wearing us down.

There was enough time for us to recreate our marriage proposal using the only thing at hand. I guess I always knew the way to her heart.

With the sound of waves crashing, we knew we were finally near our destination. Time to see how it stacks up against Anse Lazio.

We're here, and not a moment too soon. But I guess it says a lot about the beauty of the islands when the kids didn't even ask "are we there yet?"

Source d'Argent does bear a striking resemblance to our previous beach. Plenty of granite boulders and the same turquoise water. But it lacked the great swimming, as it is in a very shallow protected lagoon.

But the addition of a beachside refreshment stand was a great added touch. Unfortunately I don't like spending more than $10 for a cocktail, so it didn't really do us very much good.

So there you have it - this is ranked in the guidebooks as the most beautiful beach in the world. You can be the judge.

I certainly can't think of a nicer place to relax and enjoy a good read. Shirley is still getting ravaged by mosquitoes and sand flies, so the water is a great place to seek refuge from all flying insects.

The water is shallow, so I was able to venture out pretty far to capture a different perspective. I think it's going to be hard to call this one. We may have a winner.

And the icing on the cake was the gorgeous rainbow were were treated to as we returned on the boat to Praslin. A spectacular day which left us with a difficult decision: Anse Lazio vs. Anse Source d'Argent. I think we'll call it a tie. We welcome your verdict in the comment box.

Our week long stint in the Seychelles comes to an end tomorrow, as we board a plane to our final destination - Bali. I don't think these islands are doable for a one or two week trip from Canada. Too long to get here and far too expensive. We're fortunate it was a free add-on to our flight, and we definitely were spoiled with some over-the-top beaches.

Happy Canada Day to all our friends as we hit the home stretch. We'll be back at the end of the month!