1. Hi Lily. How long have you lived in Italy?
I have lived in Italy for 34 years and I arrived there in December 1981.
2. Did you come here, for work or for love?
I came here on vacation with a friend at the invitation of an Italian friend of hers, unlike many people who are looking for heat. I had just been among the hostages of a group of mercenaries who had attempted a coup in the Seychelles and it seemed like a good idea to escape for a while after the shock of an event like that. Love came shortly after I arrived. This convinced me to stay here and I got married in six months. I have two children aged 34 and 29 who are currently abroad working. I separated for nine years but I still live and work in Italy.
3. It’s bizarre, because when you say “The Seychelles” many Italians light up and would like to go and live there, because they see it as a dream place. Would you recommend it as a place to live in it all your life?
Yes indeed! Seychelles are seen as a paradise, the ideal place to live for the climate and the beauty of the landscape, tropical vegetation and enchanting beaches, unique in the world. I have chosen to stay in Italy because I have a job and I am closer to my children. Unfortunately, there would not be a job as an employee in the Seychelles and not well paid. I would definitely recommend it to those who want to live in the heat and want a simpler and more peaceful life.
4. Where exactly did you live in the Seychelles and what did you do?
Before moving to Italy I lived in Brillant, 10 minutes from the city of Victoria, 5 minutes from Mahè airport, where I worked as a land hostess. At that time I was working for “Aviation Seychelles” because the national airline “AIR Seychelles” was not yet there. I was in charge of passenger arrivals and departures for all airlines that passed through Mahè.
5. What is your favorite Creole dish
There are many typical dishes that I like, but if I have to choose the favorite, it is definitely the fruit à pain with poisson salè, made with the fruit of the bread with salted fish and coconut milk.
Read what you eat in the Seychelles
6. What you can’t stand about Italians and Seychellois
Of the Italians I can’t stand the fact that in many families the woman has to dedicate herself, alone, to the children and to the housework, even if she works. I still don’t understand why the husband is exempt from this obligation. Then I can’t stand the “mammoni”. Of the Seychellois I am offended by the lack of seriousness of couples: there are too many children, in my opinion, outside of marriage and too many single mothers. In addition, I have noticed that over the years the Seychelles have lost too many social values.
7. Your old age, where do you imagine it: here, or on the island?
My old age most likely on the island, in the heat.
8. When you feel nostalgia, how do you overcome it?
To overcome the nostalgia, I call my mom who updates me on my family and friends who stayed there, or I look at photos or chat with friends on Facebook. Fortunately, I can go once a year to see them.
9. Leave yourself with a typical Seychellois proverb
Sat sode i per delo fre (The cat who burns himself is afraid even of cold water)
Thanks Lily!
Did you miss the previous post? Cuisine in the Seychelles, read here.
