MAHÉ ISLAND, SEYCHELLES – While standing in a 21st-century Garden of Eden, not far from what was believed to be the original – if you believe in such things – I was being tempted to taste a small, bright red, pear-shaped apple by a beautiful Seychellois named Annette.

MAHE ISLAND, SEYCHELLES – The delightful Tum introduced herself and then proceeded to kick and punch me; twist my neck; dig her knuckles deep into my shoulders ... and I loved every minute of it.

MAHÉ ISLAND, SEYCHELLES – Joseph, the jovial cab driver, insisted we stop along the Coast Road, this island’s main highway, so he could cut some cinnamon bark for us to take home.