Paradise Seychelles still beckons for 80-year-old German visitor |17 April 2023
Mr Klauffus (centre) accompanied by his wife, son Robert, daughter-in-law Claudia and grand-daughters in a souvenir photograph with Minister Radegonde and Mr Payet
For many visitors, visiting Seychelles is a once in a lifetime dream come true. But for Georg Klaffus this dream has been coming true for the past 50 years!
“I first heard about Seychelles from one of my university professors who used to be a diplomat in China. In order to travel between Europe and China, the ship would stop in Seychelles to refill coal. He then had the chance to witness the beauty of the island and he shared with me that if ever I am to travel, I should surely consider going there,” fondly recalls Mr Klaffus, an 80-year-old German with a very sharp memory.
It did not take long before Mr Klaffus got to experience the islands. In 1973, along with a colleague, they decided to go on a travelling spree as they had a six-month break in between exams. Their backpacker trip started in Germany to Eastern Europe, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and eventually a flight back to Europe which went through Seychelles and Nairobi.
This was their golden opportunity so they decided to stop for a few days in Seychelles to visit the islands. For over three weeks they toured the islands and journeyed to Praslin on board the ‘Lady Esmée’ ferry.
“I simply fell in love with this place, especially Praslin. The climate, the simplicity, the warmth of the people and the ambience generally just captured my heart,” Mr Klaffus expressed.
Since then, Mr Klaffus has returned over more than 40 times to what he now considers his second home. He usually visits once a year with the family and a second time for business as he is also a tour operator who sells our beautiful islands to visitors.
“In 1977, I came to Praslin with my wife for the first time. We stayed with the late Fernand Bedier and his wife Elsie at their home in Côte d’Or, next to the well known ‘Bife Discotheque’. I remember we went fishing with Mr Bedier’s son and a few of his colleagues. We had a good catch and our first dinner was grilled fish placed in between green sticks and using coconut shells to light a barbeque fire,” Mr Klaffus reminisced.
Côte d’Or remains his favourite spot on the island and his favourite memories of the island were created along that pristine coast. He recounts his son’s first trip to Praslin where he was only nine months old.
“He was so happy to be on the beach. He actually learned to walk clinging on the friendly dogs by the beach. He grew up among the Seychellois children and always enjoyed his visits to Praslin.”
For Mr Klaffus’ son Robert, now 44 years old, his childhood memories are dominated by those created on Praslin. Although Anse Lazio is his favourite spot on the island, Côte d’Or is also close to his heart and it was an honour for him to introduce his wife and children to the islands.
For the past 12 years, Mr Klaffus has been staying at the Le Duc de Praslin Hotel, in the heart of Côte d’Or. His loyalty to the establishment and the country so intrigued the hotel owner, Robert Payet, that the latter suggested to the Minister for Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, a special recognition award for Mr Klaffus.
“When I was approached by Mr Payet, I was touched by Mr Klaffus’ story and loyalty and I therefore found it very important to clear my agenda and come over and meet Mr Kafflus, a gentleman who chose us over and over again for 50 years; this is phenomenal! Mr Kafflus has brought over his son and now his grandchildren. This shows the tradition is being passed on to the next generation in this family and that shows that Praslin and specifically Le Duc de Praslin, a Seychellois owned and managed hotel, must be offering something good to the guest. The authentic service, welcome and charm provided shows what we as Seychellois can achieve much when we take our industry at heart,” Minister Radegonde pointed out.
For Mr Payet, it is an honour to welcome Mr Klaffus for his 12th visit this year. He pointed out that it represents a great achievement for him and his team as it portrays the great service and warmth that they offer to their guests. A great accomplishment which motivates Mr Payet to keep up his hard work.
Mr Klaffus, originally a lawyer and civil servant in Germany, spent 12 days on Praslin on this particular trip, accompanied by his wife, son Robert, daughter-in-law Claudia and grand-daughters. They were treated to a special cocktail and dinner at the Café des Arts Restaurant where Mr Klauffus was presented with tokens of appreciation from the minister and Mr Payet.
Text & photos by Nadia Bedier
