Beth that island pic is so beautiful!

I'm really enjoying all the DC reports. From your description and the photo, the Seychelles must be a beautiful place.

What a cruise you all are having, Beth. Keep having fun and keep telling us all about it, please!

Happy all is going so well on DC cruise. That's great news that Terry Breen is coming onboard. I haven't seen her for a couple of years!

It's just past 6am and we just docked in Mombassa. The tour drivers greeted us with clapping and chanting "Jumbo jumbo" which is their hello or welcome. Yesterdy it had rained here and today it's clear and supposed to stay that way. Pat & I are joining 6 others for an overnight safari that we arranged privately so we'll get some practice for GAME. Day after tomorrow is Zanzibar and then 2 sea days to Richards Bay. We'll see y'all soon.
Jim

We had a great time in Mombasa today--it's dirty, dusty and crowded but has lots of interesting things to see. We did a tour that took us to the old town, the old Portugese fort and to a handicraft center. We watched the craftsmen for a while and then had an opportunity to buy things (of course). We were able to find a few things for the grandchildren. Last night we had dinner with Paul Reynolds, the cruise director. We really like him, he keeps things rolling on the ship. Dinner was great but the only "news" I got was that the 2010 schedules will be out any day now and they'll be quite different than the last couple of years. Also Terry Breen will be coming on in Capetown--that's really good news. Looking forward to seeing all the Game/Samba folks soon.

Mombassa...Zanzibar, these names conjure up exotic images I can only dream about. Look forward to your reports!

Suzy, you should be here with us so we can experience the exotic together. So far all our stops have been exotic. We go to Zanzibar tomorrow--plan to check out the spices there.

Thanks for all the wonderful info. Can't wait to get on our SS trip next December and see Seychells, Mombasa and some of the other places.

Beth, I loved the picture. I hope we see some more.

Everyone's experiences sound so great, and I can't imagine how fabulous this trip must be.

I am so glad they are doing foods from the regions.

Keep the reports coming!

OK, Zanibar is definitely exotic. Unfortunately we didn't do a ship's tour here and were acosted by "entrepeneurs" as we got off the tender--they were everywhere!!!! We did go to the old fort and walk around a bit, but got tired of the constant hassle and went back to the ship. What we saw was delightful, though. If we ever come back we'll definitely do a ship's tour or have a private guide lined up. Next up three fabulous sea days--maybe I'll finish my book. Oh, one more thing about Zanzibar. Yesterday the ship was notified that they've implemented a visa program here. We were held up-oops, I mean charged--$100 each if you're American or Irish but only $50 for everyone else. And today they heard from South Africa that Yellow Fever shots are required to enter Richards Bay. Fortunately we had ours because of the Brazil Visa, but those who are getting off in Capetown have to get the shot on the ship. No telling what they'll be charged for that....

Oh my, they keep changing things. I am suprised the ship has the yellow fever shots to give. Peggy you are right no telling what that charge will be.

See you soon!!

Carolyn

Yes, there's a good bit of grumbling about those two rude surprises in a row.

We did go on a ship's excursion--to the Jozani Forest. It was interesting, if rather limited in scope. This was one of several ports on the DC in which the area is really only just developing its tourism trade, and so things have a way of being rough around the edges. But if you relax and go with the flow, a great (albeit sweaty) time can be had.

On this trip, I've kind of gotten used to being accosted by local "entrepreneurs"--I may not know how to walk down a street without someone imploring me to buy something when I get home.

Also in Zanzibar, we continued our stalk (or visa versa) with the Hanseatic. On our Jozani Forest excursion yesterday, we saw a tiny frog the size of my pinkie fingernail and red colobus monkeys with cute little babies holding onto mommies for dear life.

These sea days will provide us times to work on our blogs and download photos..... and prepare for GAME!!!!!

Us DCers have been quiet the past few days as we rest, relax and prepare for GAME. We have had some wonderful speakers and entertainment on this segment. Right now, John Bowles, an Aussie performer, is onboard and Daniel Silke, as South African speaker. Daniel has had interesting talks about the past and future of South African history and politics. We have had Barbara Udell a promotional speaker. She and Chef Niels had an entertaining demonstration on healthy eating vs. ship's food the other day!!!

Tonight some of us GAMErs are having a dinner to talk about the safari.

Tomorrow we leave the ship at Richard's Bay for Madikwe/Mateya. See you GAMErs and SAMBAites soon!!

Have a great time, Beth and Crystal! I'm sure you, too, will become "addicts" after this adventure! See you on the ship!

8 of us went on a privately arranged safari in Kenya to prepare for Game. Steve & Martha, who will be at Mateya with us, were part of the group. It was a wonderful experience, particularly at the lodge where a wild elephant lurks around the cabins and lodge building. We had to divert around him a couple of times to get to our cabin. We're ready for tomorrow's departure to join thg group on Game.
Jim

We've been doing a lot of sitting around on our sea days. Unfortunately I've contracted the Navigator crud along with half of the ship. For some reason if there's a germ around it will find me. It's an upper respiratory thing--so it could be worse. Hopefully I'll be all better before I leave for Capetown the day after tomorrow. Looking forward to some fabulous days at Birkenhead before getting back on the ship. See you all soon!!

Peggy, sorry to hear you have the crud. Hard to believe that you are only seven doors down from us and we hear it on the messageboard. Hope you improve quickly.

Jim and Pat gave us our first POOCH lesson today. Crystal won her first time playing!! Pat kept the scores, so we will wait for her to post the results. Can't wait to play more..... :hyper:

Jan & Fred have learned Pooch also so we have 4 new poochers that enjoy the game. Did you bring some "Pooch Addict" pins Ngaire? By this time tomorrow we'll have finished our first game drive and should be enjoying cocktails. see you Gamers soon. Yeee Haaaa!
Jim

Oh, I didn't realize Jan & Fred were Pooch newbies also. They played like pros.

Leaving in a few hours for Madikwe!!!

Have a great time everyone, can't wait for the SeaMail to resume from the ship.

The pilot was brought onboard by helicopter a few minutes ago and we're sailing into Richards Bay. GAME and lots of fun will happen very soon now.

You were up early this morning (or up late last night), Jim. It was quite a surprise to me this morning when the doorbell sounded for room service.

We're sitting here waiting for the announcement that our passports are ready, so we can disembark and leave for GAME. Great anticipation....

Hope everyone has a great time on their safaris. I'm feeling much better today and will leave tomorrow to meet up with Olivia and Joanna and Tony in Capetown. We'll probably go into Richards Bay for a while today and then just enjoy the ship some more. It will be pretty quiet after all the tours and safaris leave. See all you Gamers and Sambaers soon.

Thanks for all the updates, everyone. Can't wait for new pics and stories.