COVID castaways
He recalled that the strictest measures were taken in April, when no more than five people were allowed inside supermarkets. A 7 pm curfew was put in place. And police patrolled the streets to ensure everyone wore face masks.
He became a local celebrity overnight after local media interviewed him about his lockdown story. Residents took photos with him, and some even gave him fruit as gifts.
"The locals are kind, optimistic and friendly. They comforted us when we were held up in the early days," Yang says.
When his sister's mobile phone fell in the ocean, a local made a trip to Mahe Island just to purchase a new one. And residents gave them a chicken to make soup and other food when his mother fell ill.
The Seychelles Tourism Board also invited him to livestream on the Chinese tourism website, Mafengwo, to introduce the island's sceneries, Seychelles' culture and his life on the island
"La Digue Island is my favorite island in Seychelles. It has various beaches to explore. It's also good for diving, bird-watching and photography," he says.
He says tourism is a pillar industry of the country, which is a novel destination for most Chinese. The tourism bureau plans to continue cooperating with him after his return to China.
