Couple of lovely sea days. Calm seas, great company and some yummy food. We actually won trivia yesterday our first win. . We are having a lot of fun with trivia so if we win it is a surprise bonus.

Did a Cape Verde tour that was not much but we loved our guide. A delightful, happy young lady. There was a long stop for a drink and dancing. We were ready to go back and only four were not in our group. The other four agreed quickly she was great about it.

Now a sea day and then we go to Senagal. Not sure whAt to expect but looking forward to it.

Photos From Santa Cruz de La Palma:














Captain Felice drawing the Free Cruise Winners for 2016.


The Free Cruise Winners, Bo & Meredith from Columbia, SC.

Such beautiful pictures ! Congratulations to the lucky couple who won the free cruise. Loved seeing Cheron and Mark...we miss them!
Keep having a wonderful time and congratulations on your trivia win.

Photos From Porto Grande, Cape Verde:


Local bar in the park downtown.


These kids and young adults were watching us take the next photo.


Susan & Ngaire join the locals for a photo.


Crafts in the shop.




Nice Bananas.


This tapestry was amazing, it had a 3D look to it.


Some entertainment at the end of our tour at a local bar.

Adventures in Dakar.

First the port messed us around on docking delaying all the tours and making the original early tour impossible. Captain Felice did a great job of keeping us informed, came down to the theatre where we were all waiting to explain and went to the pier to talk to while they were loading the buses. He is a super Captain everyone was impressed with how he handled things.

The two tours were good until the end. We were warned about the quality of the buses but most were air conditioned and our bus was the best we have had so far. Good guide we could understand.

We did the highlights and there was more to see than I imagined. Ken will post pictures at some point. Just looking at all the pepole from the bus was fascinating.
Problem at the end was traffic. Absolutely unbelievable probably took over an hour to travel what could be covered in ten minutes. Broken down vehicles started it and it just got worse.

The boat trip to Goree island to see the slave quarters I heard was good and the island very pretty. But it was hot. At the end there was a delay as only one of the three ferries was operational. That caused a situation, who will get the ferry, the locals or the tour? By the time they argued about it the ferry could have taken the first group and come back. Guess a few tempers flared and in the end the tour group got the ferry.

Now two days at sea before our next port of call in Ghana

Photos From Dakar, Senegal:


French is the main language in Senegal.


These are the colors of their national flag.






The Cultural Center.


Local transportation.


This huge statue was donated by North Korea.


Senegal is 90% Muslem and 10% Christian.


Ngaire bought some local art work.


An easy way to carry your young children.

Takoradi is what I imagined an African city to be. Slightly chaotic, busy and a strange mix of old and new.

I managed to come in third in the officer/guest shuffleboard tournament. Pure beginners luck.

Tonight is the big show: Cirque Rock and Roll. The cast is amazing and it's been such a pleasure to get to know them.

As Captain Felice says...Ciao Bella!

Loving all the reports! More,more!

Ngaire, I loved the art you bought....could not figure out whether is was in oils or what, but it sure is colorful and pretty!

It was mostly African colorful fabric raised off the canvas with a little painting as well. Very unique. I seldom buy things other than pearls in China or clothes in China or India. This just caught my eye. He started at $150 Ken negotiated and we paid $20. I felt guilty it seemed too low. But the seller was happy.

When I got back I heard Jim and Pam and Mark and Cheron bought the same kind of artwork about the same price as well.

Will post about our tour yesterday a little later.

Our tour in Lome, Togo. Driving through the towns in West Africa and seeing the market places is absolutely amazing. Impossible to explain hopefully Kens pictures will show a little of what we have seen.

We stopped at the Fetish market which was a combination of being very uncomfortable but fascinated despite my discomfort. All the items in a Fetish market are used for voodoo. Dead animals things you cannot imagine nor would you even want to imagine. Do not think I would ever visit a fetish market again but I am glad I saw it once. This was the real thing we are not used to something like this. In contrast those that went to the voodoo ceremony really liked it and none of the things we saw were used.

Then onto a rural school. There must have been 300+ children. A huge courtyard with trees and a lot of very basic classrooms with desks. Some children were in the courtyard others in class. They were so cute and loved having their pictures taken. In the classrooms they sang and some came up in front of this class and spoke to us. No idea what they were sayng but so many wanted to come up they raised their hands. They were well behaved only coming up when given permission by the teacher. French is spoken so of the French guests were talking to them and singing French songs with them.

Next we went to a village that seemed small but 4000 people are ruled in this area by the King and Queen. They are not married each has Has become a royal by hereditary. There was singing and dancing and simple bench seats under the trees.
Then the King and Queen arrived with much pomp and ceremony. We walked through the village and saw the one room homes and some of the locals. The children were the highlight here for sure.

Primarily a Christian country and pro women. Girls can go on to secondary education at half of tuition costs compared to boys. A real push to create equality through education.

It was a good tour just a bit long and hot but the heat is to be expected.

Today we are in Benin. We had tour tickets to visit a village on stilts but sme of our group had not cleared the waitlist so we gave them our tickets. Then Ken can get some pictures posted and I can post and get some work done.

We decided to ride the shuttle into town to get to see a little of the port. This country is much more prosperous than the other places we have been. Still typical West Africa disorganization but actually not as interesting to see. They even had some big department stores but all were closed as it was Sunday. I would have enjoyed going into those stores. The shuttle took us to a tourist market and we returned back on the same bus within about five minutes.

Tomorrow a sea day.

Ngaire, may I ask how you will get your artwork home? Postal service in Africa has not worked out well for us in the past so I am so curious what others do about oversize souvenirs.
---------------
Helen

It rolled up we took it off the wooden frame. It might fit in my suitcase it will be close. If not we bubble wrap it and carry it. So not a problem.

Photos From Takoradi, Ghana:


The first stop on our tour was a fishing village.


These ladies sold fast food to fishermen.


A good place to dry your laundry. Oil discovered about 5 years ago. Notice the oil platform on the horizon.




Taken from the bus, a busy market place.


The local lager beer, the tour stopped at the Best Western Hotel for refreshments and entertainment.




No, the lady in red did not fall.


Ralph's birthday dinner.

Fun pictures, Ken!

Great pictures! Happy Birthday, Ralph!

Yes Ralph, Happy Birthday, that dinner looks wonderful!

Photos From Lome, Togo:


Taken from the Mariner, entertainment on arrival in Togo.










Dolls from the Fetish Market.




Taken from our tour bus, the little girl looked happy to see us.


We visited a school on our tour.

A classroom at the school had only natural lighting.






A Cultural Show on our tour.


The King & Queen were in attendance. They are not married and come from different families.

Photos From Benin - The Ganvie Village on Stilts - Courtesy of Nikon Ken:

Photos From Sao Tome:


This lady was giving out treats to the children.


Cocao beans before drying.




June shows the children the photo she took of them.


Fishermen bringing in their boat.






Another cultural dance.




Last tender back to the ship - three sea days before Namibia.

I am so loving the pictures and the reports. What a fabulous cruise you all are having. Keep the info coming!

The lady with the ski helmet on is awesome!

What beautiful people, especially the children.

Oh my goodness - they are all great photos! But that one of the 5 little children - the eyes on that little girl in the center are just captivating - like you could just see straight into her little soul. Beautiful shot.

Fabulous pictures....more, more !!

Wonderful pictures. really enjoy looking at them.
Please keep sending more!!!

Photos from the India Dinner:




It must have been good, everyone is smiling.


Vladimir with the chefs that created this wonderful dinner. Jennifer & Sheila seated at the table.

Photos From Walvis Bay, Namibia:


Great White Pelican.


Our guide Isabel.










This seal came aboard.


Some competition with the pelican over fish.


Seals everywhere.

A snack on the way back.


Our Captain with refreshments under his chair.

Mmmmm.... Indian food...Looks like a fabulous meal!

Ken, I LOVE those pelican pics!

Everyone looks great!

Great bird pictures Ken: kelp gull and great white pelican (distinct from the north american white pelican). Check them off your world bird species list.

Love the pelican pics! I can't believe how big they are! How in the world did that seal get into the boat? I would have loved that!

The india dinner pics are making me hungry.

such great pictures, that is ONE BIG pelican !! It was so nice seeing some familiar faces through out your journey, and others we may meet in our future, maybe as early as PENGUIN /Antarctica.

Thanks for taking us along with your great postings... Welcome to Cape Town !

Hope we get some safari mail.

Yes safari information for sure. First installment right now.

GETTING TO KWANDWE

We flew from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth then a 2 hour transfer to Kwandwe. A bit of a zoo getting here with so many guests going on safari. Plus I really messed up. I had the alarm set for 6.00 am for a 7.00 am exit from the ship for a 7.30 am transfer. At the last minute decided to make it 15 minutes earlier. So I reset my alarm BUT forgot to change the HOUR. So my alarm went off at 6.45 am. We did not realize the problem until 7.10 am.

Talk about panic. All the group were on the pier organizing things so when I arrived I was told I was now redundant. The last few hiccups were sorted out and we left on the dot of 7.30 am.

Storage of some of the cruise luggage and overweight cruise luggage slowed down our check in but we were still at the gate about an hour before departure for a much welcomed cup of coffee. I was fine except I discovered it was a good thing I had a long shirt as in the rush the fastening of my pants was not complete! Plus my contacts must have been in the wrong eyes and the spares are sitting on the Mariner. Not catastrophes just something to remember. This girl will never not fully check the alarm clock again.

Typing in segments so as not to lose a long post.

OVERVIEW OF THE LODGE

After checking in we had a really delicious lunch. Served buffet style everyone loved the food. My favorite items were the pineapple salad, marinated kudu, big country fried potatoes and chicken strips. Absolutely yummy. Dinner last night was equally wonderful.

We met out two Rangers, Mark and Ryan. No duds here. Both are great. I have only been out with Mark. He is young 23 years old but a great personality and keeps us formed about what is going on at all times. The others liked Ryan too, he is the head ranger. Hope to go out with him today.

Rules here are only off road for cats. I do love off road driving but do understand protecting the property as well. This is a stunning property with mountains all around and the beautiful blue Great Fish River, brilliant green flora and constantly changing landscapes. The roads are very well maintained.

The lodge has been refurbished and is now nicer than ever. A plumbing problem reported in the morning I have been told is now fixed by the time we got back from the game drive. Rooms are very large, big windows and plunge pools on the decks. Internet in the rooms was not working in the rooms the first night but also fixed by the end of the game drive. Stuff happens but how quickly they fix things makes a big difference.

GAME DRIVES

The group have all been on at least two previous safaris in the prime safari areas. The reserves around Port Elizabeth really cannot be compared to the Sabi Sands areas. So I suggested everyone ramp down their expectations. This is the worst time of the year in my opinion to go to Sabi Sands. Hot, humid, rain and bugs. This Port Elizabeth area is like Cape Town, nicest weather this time of year.

So we loaded up and off we went. At first all the game was binocular game so it was a little bit disappointing as we could not drive to the game. By the end of the day we were thrilled by the game. Sightings included the following.

Two lions, youngsters but one was so big we thought it was the mother. One of the lions gave us great yawns and then went to the water to drink. Later we followed the same lion through an open plain. We have been told the mother is huge we hope to see her.

We saw mother and young baby rhinos totally in the open first then they were joined by other rhinos. The little one was always aware of us so fun to watch.

We saw two bull elephants and then a different big bull up close and personal. Mark said they call him the gentle giant. However when he got too close we did back up. The amazing thing was that he lifted his front leg up and had his trunk under his foot. We could not figure out what he was doing. Then he pulled out a long wire that was caught in his foot. We picked it up after he wandered off it was very long.

Then the call --- Cheetah. The male cheetah was sitting on a raised area posing for us with perfect sunlIght bathe moving slowly stopping to pose some more.

We saw oryx, black wildebeest, kudu, Impala, red hardebeest, baboons,zebra, lots of birds it was an amazing afternoon. I am sure I forgot something. I wanted to stop for a rest break but there was no time.

A tired but happy bunch grabbed a drink , ate the yummy dinner and headed to our rooms by 8.30 pm

SECOND GAME DRIVE

This time of the year the lodges take people out at 5.00 am to. 5.30 am. It gets light about 4.30am. Not in our lodge. This is the beauty of having a full lodge where we can set the program. We are meeting at about 6.30am and going out when we are ready after tea or coffee and a snack of fruit, cereal or yogurt.
Much more civilized.

Today's game drive started slow but then it turned into a great drive. Along with sighting of plains game, waterbuck and warthog we had not seen yet we saw the following key highlights.

A flock of ostrich. We seldom see ostrich and they were a little far off but close to the vehicle was a male in heat sporting his brightly pink colored legs and beak to prove it.

A herd of Red Wildebeests running across the road. With them were very small babies running like the wind so absolutely adorable to watch

A nest in the grass of the tiniest little birds. How that tracker spotted that nest was amazing he said he saw the mother in the grass. These little chicks were squawking away with their bright orange mouths wide open. They were so tiny.

We got the call the mother cheetah and four Cubs had been spotted so we were on a mission to get to this area. Of course we came across our gentle giant was blocking the road. Happily eating away but no way to get around him.

By the time we got to the area the other vehicles had left. The cheetahs had moved into a dense vegetated area on top of a hill. We proceeded up the hill and the views were absolutely spectacular . The river below, the mountains just stunning. We suggested stopping for coffee but the Mark said the cheetahs were too close. The ranger and tracker went in on foot and found the cheetahs.

They were really very close to our vehicle. We started down the hill and got a great angle very close to the cheetahs. This was a five star sighting. Mother and four cheetah cubs completely relaxed with our presence. Sitting up, moving around not just sleeping. The Cubs were precious. One cub had thorns with one of the thorns in its mouth that we hope will work its way out. This thorn may hinder eating. We stayed with the cheetahs until they moved into an even steeper area . The cheetah were so incredibly relaxed I am sure both the vehicles will see them again just a matter of spotting them. Tracks are harder to follow here than in the Sabi sands area

The other vehicle had arrived to see the cheetahs but they were no longer reachable. So we had a joint coffee break with chocolate muffins. We slowly made our way back but kept stopping to look at things. We saw a bat eared fox. Huge ears never seen that before he was reasonably close. There cliffs that looked like Cappadocia in Turkey the topography here is extremely varied terrain here.
We did not get back until about 10.00 am

The other vehicle had great sightings also. More lion and a rare sighting of a rhino trying to attract a female. The male rhino stomps and make noises and sprays. Such fun to watch. They said the female rhino was not the slightest bit interested. The female had a baby older than the one we saw on the first drive. We believe we saw the same female and baby rhino on the way home but unfortunately the male rhino must have given up and moved on

So game has been great. Looking forward to this afternoon. Ken is working on pictures right now just so many to go through.

TONIGHT WE GET A BRIEFING ON THE RHINO DARTING SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW MORNING. WE ARE ALL EXCITED ABOUT THIS NEW ADVENTURE. THEY DART EVERY RHINO EACH YEAR TO RUN TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS AND WE WILL BE INVOLVED IN THIS TOMORROW. I GUESS IT IS AN EARLY START.