Born in Japan, lived in Switzerland, Louise now calls the island of Mahé in Seychelles home - a country where she has family ties. She continues her love affair with this African nation, having lived there for a number of years in the 1990s. Louise describes her life as an expat in Seychelles and shares information on things like the cost of housing and employment options.	Louise Pool

-Where were you born?

I was born in Kobe, Japan.

-In which country and city are you living now?

I live in Bel Ombre on the island of Mahé, Seychelles.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live with my two children, Alexandra (19) and Jeremy (13).

-How long have you been living in Seychelles?

I've been living here for 3 years now and lived here for 5 years in the 90s.

-What is your age?

46

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Seychelles?

I had visited Seychelles often, fallen in love with the place, and one day just decided to move here.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

I had to register as a citizen, which was fairly easy as I claimed citizenship from my grandparents, who were originally from here. It isn't very difficult for expats to get a work permit, though. If you have an employer, they will get it for you or it's also easy to open your own business.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Medical treatment is free in the Seychelles.

-How do you make your living in Seychelles? Do you have any type of income generated?

I make and sell crafts as well as give private tuition in secondary school English and German. It's very difficult to get a job from abroad; there are no agencies or websites. It's pretty easy from here, though, if you have any kind of qualification or languages. There are a lot of jobs in tourism.

-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

I speak Creole, which I picked up here. It was fairly easy to learn as I spoke French before. It isn't absolutely necessary to speak it, as everyone speaks English (one of the official languages of the country). As anywhere in the world, it does help to interact with locals in their native language (or at least to make some kind of effort). Local customs are easily learnt for a European or Westerner, because Seychelles has always had a strong French and British influence, due to colonisation.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I miss my family and Swiss chocolate! Also a variety of food. I enjoy the warm friendly ocean and the social life very much. The laid back lifestyle is also a huge plus point for living here. Seychelles is famous for diving and water sports but there isn't a lot going on culturally.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

I do have a couple of ideas. I’d like to run a holistic retreat centre here in the Seychelles; there isn't one yet. I'd also like to travel to India.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

I am renting. Rents are pretty high here in comparison to income, although, if employed as an expat, you usually get a housing allowance. A 3-bedroom house will set you back around Rs 8000 (around 650 Euros). You can sometimes cut a deal if you pay in foreign exchange.

-What is the cost of living in Seychelles?

The cost of living is fairly high compared to the income levels. Again, if you run your own business or are employed as an expat, your income level can be fairly high.

-What do you think about the Seychellois?

The locals are very friendly. They do not react well to people "lording it over them". The Seychellois are a proud people and will treat you as you treat them.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Seychelles?

The laid back relaxed way of living is definitely a big positive as well as the beautiful scenery. The biggest drawback would have to be the lack of basic commodities (e.g. butter) at times.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Seychelles?

Don’t expect things to run as smoothly as in a Western country. The laid back attitude extends to work as well …

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Seychelles?

I have a blog called Living in Seychelles (http://seychellesliving.blogspot.com) where I chronicle the ups and downs of living in the islands.