Seychelles Island resort safe to welcome guests

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 Seychelles' health department has so far certified one island resort as safe to welcome guests following the COVID-19 shutdown, while another is undergoing inspection to see that established guidelines are followed, a top official said on Thursday.

The announcement was made by the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Anne Lafortune, in a press conference.

Cousine Island, a private island, has been given the green light to welcome guests after Seychelles reopened its international airport on June 1 to private, chartered, repatriation and cargo flights.

Last week, the tourism department handed guidelines to tourism-related businesses, providing guidance to the tourism industry for the gradual return to business.  

The documents focus on protecting the health and safety of customers and staff in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with special consideration placed on enhancing infection prevention control, communication, situation monitoring, and reporting among others.

Cousine is a small granitic island located west of Praslin, the second-most populated island. It is a luxury resort with four elegantly designed French colonial luxury villas and a presidential villa and since 1992 has become a private conservation sanctuary.

The Cousine Island director, Malcolm Fred Keeley, told SNA that once the establishment received the document from the department of health, "it was just a matter of making small changes to meet the guidelines."

"All of our staff were made aware of these requirements and have also been following the pandemic on the news. They are aware of the procedures of wearing face masks, gloves and social distancing which are already being implemented worldwide. It was a smooth process," said Keeley.

He added that this is a "wonderful achievement, and now that we are certified we will attract guests coming to Seychelles."

Lafortune said that each business will need to work on their own Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) after receiving the guidelines.

"The guidelines may not be equally applicable to all of them. If we are to look at accommodations, there are five-star accommodations with 300 rooms and small self-caterings with just one room. 

The guide has been written in a general manner and each establishment will need to choose from the guideline what is relevant to them so that they can develop their own procedures," she said.

Once developed, the business will need to submit its SOP to the tourism department which will consult the department of health. An appointment will subsequently be made with the establishment for inspection to ensure that all the different facilities, equipment, and procedures have been put in place.

A certificate of acceptance will then be issued which will claim that the establishment is now ready to take in tourists.

"This will mean that the business can start taking bookings and liaising with their agents, and whenever the borders of the different countries are open and there are scheduled and commercial flights, then they can also start taking in tourists, in accordance with the regulation of both the tourism and health departments," continued Lafortune.

In June, visitors who will be coming into Seychelles, a group of 115 islands, will be going mainly to island resorts or large establishment where they can be contained in one area.

Lafortune added that the establishments need to prepare now so that as restrictions are slowly removed, they can start taking in tourists once they get the go-ahead from the department of health

-Seychelles News Agency

Good news: Nigeria and the Travel and tourism industry.

Jerk Chicken Skewers-Excellent food for visiting family and friends

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Jerk Chicken Skewers are easy to make. This grilled chicken makes a delicious and easy dinner anytime of the week.
It doesn't matter where you find yourself this season,chicken can be brought to life through the jerk seasoning.
Whether you are out camping or  spending the night with family and friends, this remains one of the best meal you can enjoy with your bottles of beer or wine.

How to make Jerk Chicken Skewers


 Ingredients
2c of Soy Sauce
1c water
1c of Vinegar
12 garlic cloves chopped
1 to 2 labanero pepper chopped
1 or 2 sprigs thyme
1T white pepper
2T whole all spice
8 boneless chicken thighs or breast
8green onions,slices into 2 inch piece

Directions
1.Pour all ingredients in the blender except the chicken and green onions slices
2.Marinate meat in mixture over night in the fridge
3.Skewer the chicken alternating with onion
4Grill over medium high heat,turning often,cooked through 8- 10 minutes.
5 .Serve with cold bottles of beer or wine

10 reasons why you should consider travelling

People often ask me why I travel so much .The answer to this is not far fetched.
As a content creator,travelling opens my mind and eyes to different people and their ways of life.
I have been able to eliminate superstitions ,widen my perception about issues especially when it involves people from different backgrounds.I have also been able to get first hand knowledge about people and where they come from

• As part of my experience in traveling,I have found the commonalities and being humble to acknowledge,appreciate and embrace different cultures.

And having been to over 25 states out of Nigeria's 36 states,I can boldly say that I have mingled with over 150 tribes,tasted over 70 delicacies,visited over 10 resorts,lodged in over 30 hotels and met with people from different backgrounds and orientation.
These has helped me to create a brand that can help people who are willing to go on tour achieve that purpose and also to create contents that are accessible to corporate organizations ,NGOs and networth individuals.
Here I have 10 reasons why you should consider traveling:

1. Traveling is discovering
Humans; we’re a diverse bunch, happily inhabiting practically every corner of the globe. We’ve all grown up differently and developed individual cultures and traditions, on national and local scales. Moving around the world and travelling to different places means discovering new and beautiful cultures, learning about ancient belief systems and hearing fascinating stories about life in different environments from the people who actually live there.

2. Traveling is exploring
Hike to the very top of mountains to soak in staggering views; wander slowly through winding cobbled streets in search of the best hidden coffee shops; discover ornate architecture and ancient churches. Every single place you travel to will be unique and just waiting to be explored – meaning there’s always a whole host of different memories just waiting to be made.

3. Traveling is feeling
At some point on your travels you’re likely to feel excited, anxious, exhilarated, homesick and delighted. Through the ups and the downs, travelling can be a serious emotional roller coaster – in the best way possible. But, once you’ve experienced traveling and felt that sense of wonder when you step out to explore a new city or place for the first time, your heart and soul will ache for more.

4. Traveling is independence
Travelling is real world experience. This is learning to fly the nest and look after yourself, realising that you can solve problems and survive on your own, and learning to believe that you’re ready for anything life might throw at you. You’re strong, and you’ve got this!

5. Traveling is connecting
Building connections between fellow travellers, study abroad classmates and host families whilst you travel not only enriches your experience, it grows your network. Make the effort to connect with the people around you as you never know what opportunities it might lead to. (Plus, forming ten good friendships across the globe gives you ten more reasons to travel in the future!)

6. Traveling is understanding
When you’ve eaten Fura and Nunu with locals in Kebbi,helped protect the chameleons in Jigawa,smoked and ate fish in Sapele or spent a month living in fast-paced Lagos, you become part of a special club of people who can see the world differently. You’ve experienced things outside of your home environment and you’ve seen that every community is unique. You understand that it’s the differences between our lives that make us interesting, but it’s the laughter, the stories and the values that we share that remind us that we’re all still a little bit the same. You get it.

7. Traveling is studying
Study abroad courses are a fantastic way to combine your travels with educational growth, especially if you’re learning a new language. Experts agree that one of the fastest ways to become fluent in a foreign tongue is to move abroad; you learn quickest whilst living immersed in the language.

8. Traveling is communication
You’re used to chatting in your native language, of course, but travelling abroad means learning to really communicate. You’ll learn a new language much faster than in your home town if you’re speaking to locals every day and you’ll soon pick up ways of communicating using hand gestures, facial expressions and local colloquialisms too, not just your curriculum vocabulary.

9. Traveling is challenging
It can be intimidating if you’ve not travelled often before or if you’re jetting off to a part of the world which you’ve never been to, but that makes it more rewarding. Set yourself a goal, perhaps of dancing the tango in Buenos Aires or walking underneath the cherry tree blossom in Tokyo, and do your research to figure out how to make that a reality. It’s like a big problem-solving exercise, except abroad and exciting.

10. Traveling is learning
Far from just an opportunity to make academic study an exciting experience, travelling is a fantastic way to learn more about yourself, and living abroad has been proven to create a stronger, healthier sense of self. Often travel experiences allow you to find answers to the age old questions, ‘Who are you?’ and ‘What do you want to do with your life?’ and help you shape your perfect future.
To get updates on travel packages  and tours
Contact us via +234816321460
Website:www.tundetravels.blogspot. com

EDIKANG IKONG SOUP- A must eat for tourists in Nigeria.

EDIKANG IKONG SOUP
Edikang Ikong is a vegetable soup that originated among the people of Akwa Ibom state and Cross river state in southeastern Nigeria.It is considered to be a delicacy among some Nigerians, and is sometimes served during occasions of importance.Edikang Ikong is a very nutritious soup and is expensive to prepare, and has been described as being mostly eaten by rich people in Nigeria

WHAT YOU NEED

Assorted meat (beef, oxtail, tripe, ponmo, bokoto and bush meat), snails (washed with lemon and limes)
stockfish (pre-soaked)
dry fish (thoroughly washed)
periwinkles
whole dry prawns (cleaned)
ground crayfish
fresh Ikong ubong (pumpkin leaves; washed & shredded)
fresh waterleaf (washed and shredded)
palm oil
stock
and salt to taste

NUTRITIVE VALUE
It is balanced in essential nutrients such as Iron, Proteins, Vitamins and Minerals.
Preparation
Wash the meat thoroughly and place in a large pot. Add some sliced onions, ground chillies and some meat stock. Place on heat and cook for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, remove the snail from the shells and wash thoroughly with lime or lemon juice to remove slime. Wash the smoked dry fish with salt and soak in slightly salted water for 5 minutes in order to kill any insect and loosen any sand or dirt.

Rinse thoroughly with lots of cold water. Top and tail the periwinkles and wash thoroughly. Add the snails, stockfish, dry fish, dry prawns and periwinkles to the pot of meat and cook for another 10 minutes and add more stock fish if required. Finally add the shredded Ikong Ubong (pumpkin leaves) and waterleaf, mix in properly. Allow to simmer for 15 minutes and then add the crayfish and palm oil. Give it a good stir and gentle simmer for another 10 minutes until well blended and the aroma fills the kitchen. Remove from heat and serve hot with fufu or pounded yam.

Time
10-20minutes
DO’S and DON’T’S
Some of the factors to consider when preparing edikang ikong includes:
Ratio of pumpkin leaves to water leaves i.e more water leaves than pumpkin leaves
Method of washing water leaves prior to cooking ie only wash and drain don’t rub. Dnt becomes a nutrient serial killer.
Flavouring
Quality and taste of palm oil

This delicacy is a must eat for tourists in Nigeria.
Don't miss it!

RecklessGreen -Stir up your beach party by Tunde Travels

Stir up your beach party with this classic drink.

Reckless Green is a provocative name for a drink.
The name and taste speaks volume.
Sweetened with fresh pineapple juice and a blend of lemon,Reckless Green  is the ideal drink for lovers who wants to express themselves sexually in the 'other room' especially during the harmattan season.It is easy  to make  and it's the perfect mix for your next vacation.

Reckless Green was invented in 2004 by Tunde Travels.


1 bottle of blue cocktail
1 bottle of rum
4oz of lemon
2oz of pineapple

Shake with ice and strain into an ice filled cup with cheries and  an umbrella.

Florence- The Italian town on the river Arno

Florence – Italian town on the river Arno – the administrative center of the region of Tuscany. 

Florence was the richest financial and commercial center of medieval Europe. Dan Brown, in his book “Inferno”, and stressed the importance of this feature of the city. Also, Florence – the birthplace of the Renaissance. 

With its magnificent architecture, the Renaissance and the rich culture, the city is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. 

In Florence there are many wonderful places that are of interest to tourists: art museums and galleries, including the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace, Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapel, Cathedral.

 In addition, Florence is one of the legislators of Italian fashion. In the 16th century the city became the progenitor of the Opera. Here lived such famous people as: Giulio Caccini and Mike Francis.

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

10 things you should know about Sao Time and Principe.

10 things you should know about Sao Time and Principe
  Sao Tome and Principe is officially known as the Democratic republic of Sao Time and Principe which is an island country in the Gulf of Guinea,off the  western equatorial coast of Central Africa.
These islands of Sao Tome and Principe were discovered by the Portuguese sometime between 1469 and 1471.
Before you embark on a journey to Sao Time and Principe, These are 10 basic things you should know.
1. The capital and the largest city in Sao Time and Principe is Sao Tome and the official language is Portuguese. Although other languages such as Forro,Angolar ,Principense are widely spoken ,English language is spoken by 4.6% of the total population.
2.Sao Time and Principe is a unitary ,semi presidential and republic state i.e It is governed as a single power in which the central government is ultimately supreme.Which simply means the government may create or abolish administrative divisions.There is an executive presidency and a separate head of government that leads the rest of the executive, who is appointed by the president and accountable to the legislature
3. They gained independence from the Portuguese on the 12th of July,1975.
4.With a population of 201,800 (2018 official estimate),Sao Tome and Príncipe is the second-smallest African sovereign state after Seychelles, as well as the smallest Portuguese-speaking country.
5.The people are predominantly of African and mestico descent, with most practicing Roman Catholicism.
6. The currency of Sao Time and Principe is Dobra.1 thousand Nigerian naira is equivalent to  69629 Sao Time and Principe Dobra.
7.Freedom of expression, guaranteed by the constitution, is also respected in practice.
The state runs the only radio and TV stations but no law forbids private broadcasting.
8. Sao Time and Principe is a tourist country with an actively working Agriculture and Petroleum sector.
9.Inflation of Sao Tome  andPríncipe is 7.9 with unemployment rate at 55%.
10.Potential sectors: includes energy, construction, finances, telecommunications, health, and education.

Igbo Ora- Twins capital of the world

Igbo Ora is located in the south western part of Nigeria. This town boasts of having the highest concentration of twins in the world.

The town which is popularly known as 'Twins Capital of the world once hosted a festival that attracts hundreds of sets of twins and this event according to residents has made the world to appreciate the importance of twins as special children and  gifts from God

According to records, there is hardly no household who doesn't have a set of twins.This is traced to the diet of women in the town which is
Ilasa [okra leaf] soup with yam and amala [cassava flour].

This is a theory that  is mainly believed by the residents as  fertility experts say there is no proven link between diet and the high birth rate and they also believe the gene for multiple births is in the region and this has been passed on from generation to generation.”

A study in 1972 and 1982 by British gynaecologist Patrick Nylander recorded an average of 45 to 50 sets of twins per 1 000 live births in the region.

Igbo Ora is located in Oyo State and the festival which is a celebration of culture and recognition of Ibeji (Twins)as special children is hosted by the Alaafin of Oyo.