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I pray as I navigate my rental car out of the Seychelles Airport lot. It’s been at least twelve years since my New York native self has driven a car on the left side of the road and my very first time doing it completely alone. I’m a risk taker who figured, “The speed limit here is 40 mph; how hard can this be?” Once I fall in line with the flowing traffic on the main road, my confidence increases. I’m excited and looking forward to my nine days here. I pass through what I assume is the ‘downtown’ area because of the shops. I am tempted to stop, but quickly remind myself that the sun will be setting soon and I need to find my resort before it gets dark. Halfway up a hill, I quickly glance to my left and see the most breathtakingly gorgeous view of the crystallized turquoise ocean. I want to stop, but there are cars behind me and more importantly, no shoulder to pull onto. This is also when I realize there is no barrier either, quickly turning my focus back to the road and not a moment too soon. I am now rounding a curve on this hill that actually develops into a mountain. A huge blue bus careens around the corner on my right. It swings so widely I’m terrified it’s going to sideswipe my rental. Imagery of this bus plunging my car, which resembles a gray, pregnant roller-skate, right off this mountain flash before me. I breathe deeply once the bus has passed without incident and thank God. Several more of these buses pass me in the same manner and my nerves are completely shot. Did I mention that there’s no GPS here? I requested it with my rental and was kindly informed, “We don’t have that here. Welcome to Paradise!” I was given a map, which didn’t intimidate me since I know how to read one. As I look at this map however, I don’t see any coordinates. The map looks more like a picture of the island with little icons identifying key landmarks resorts, restaurants, an art gallery and the police station. I determine that my landmark for my resort will be an art gallery. I’ve also noted a restaurant, called The Anchor Café will be the landmark letting me know whether passed it. I see the art gallery, but do not see any signs for the resort. I do find the Anchor Café but realize trying to bust a U-turn like I would do at home, is challenging here because the road is very narrow plus jet-lag is now setting in. I’m fighting fatigue while trying to stay focused on which side of the road I am to remain on, as there isn’t much traffic over here. I’m also thirsty, but have no Seychellois rupees yet, because the currency exchange at the airport was closed. I head back in the opposite direction driving slowly; certain I won’t miss the resort sign as easily as I did when I passed earlier on the left. Sure enough, I spot two towering boulders affixed with signage for my resort. I turn into the entrance and drive along this lengthy private road, gawking at the palm trees, flora, massive boulders and tropical landscape that remind me I am in East Africa. I park near the entrance thrilled that I’ve arrived. I also feel bile rising up as I recall the eight near-death experiences I’ve had with giant blue buses roaring towards me on narrow mountainous roads. A friendly employee named Raymond appears and welcomes me, taking my luggage. He directs me to reception upstairs. A lady appears with a welcome drink and a cool washcloth for my face. I thank her and ask if the drink contains alcohol. “Yes,” she replies. “Thank you Jesus!” I gulp it down to calm my nerves. I glance ahead to the beach area and see the most incredible sunset. It is absolutely everything! My childhood dream of going to the place I only knew from seeing it on my Trapper Keeper cover and a few “Island Paradise” calendars, has finally been realized.