Tuesday, 18 April 2017
Monday, 17 April 2017
Port Elizabeth, Cape Town
Known as the 'Friendly City' it is the fifth largest city and and third largest port in Algoa Bay. The first Europeans to live in the Eastern Cape were Dutch farmers, however it was the British who built a stone fort in 1799 and laid the foundations for the future Port Elizabeth.
We had an early start to get to the Schotia Game Reserve today and we had an excellent time. We managed to see four of the big five. No leopard but lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and plenty of antelope such as impala, nyala, reebok, springbok etc.
Although it is a private game reserve it hasn't been able to completely protect the animals, such as rhino, from poachers. Sadly, it seems that the corruption in South Africa starts at the top with their politicians.
There were nine of us in our jeep and we all got on very well. Unfortunately we had some light rain at the start but it dried up in time for our second drive. We had a hearty lunch at the lodge, including as much wine and beer as we liked, before our drive back to the ship.
On the drive back we watched a car narrowly miss another when overtaking only to do the same manoeuvre again but this time hitting the car coming towards him. Despite pieces of car flying around and the other driving stopping he just sped off. I had heard about the reckless driving and the lack of enforcement by authorities so I wasn't surprised when Scott told us that 57% of driving licences in South Africa are fraudulent.
We were back about 3.30 so took the shuttle bus into town. It was Easter Monday and there was a fair and entertainment taking place down by the beach. We had a stroll around before coming back for dinner.
One day at sea tomorrow before reaching Cape Town.
We had an early start to get to the Schotia Game Reserve today and we had an excellent time. We managed to see four of the big five. No leopard but lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and plenty of antelope such as impala, nyala, reebok, springbok etc.
Although it is a private game reserve it hasn't been able to completely protect the animals, such as rhino, from poachers. Sadly, it seems that the corruption in South Africa starts at the top with their politicians.
There were nine of us in our jeep and we all got on very well. Unfortunately we had some light rain at the start but it dried up in time for our second drive. We had a hearty lunch at the lodge, including as much wine and beer as we liked, before our drive back to the ship.
On the drive back we watched a car narrowly miss another when overtaking only to do the same manoeuvre again but this time hitting the car coming towards him. Despite pieces of car flying around and the other driving stopping he just sped off. I had heard about the reckless driving and the lack of enforcement by authorities so I wasn't surprised when Scott told us that 57% of driving licences in South Africa are fraudulent.
We were back about 3.30 so took the shuttle bus into town. It was Easter Monday and there was a fair and entertainment taking place down by the beach. We had a stroll around before coming back for dinner.
One day at sea tomorrow before reaching Cape Town.
Sunday, 16 April 2017
At Sea!
We've had three days at sea which started hot and sunny but by the third day, today, we have strong gales, winds of 47kts and really rough seas. All of the outside decks are closed and the chairs have been tied down. It's early evening and still no sign of improvement. We'll be getting ready for a cocktail party shortly if we can stand up long enough!
Over the last three days we have watched Jennie Bond's presentations and been to a couple of shows. We could sit out on the balcony for the first day and a half but the weather deteriorated after then. I did a bit of sketching yesterday but today there is far too much movement to finish it off. I've also started my post grad course so that is going to keep me pretty busy in the future. Not the nicest of days so far but we did receive a chocolate Easter bunny!
Cocktail party was good fun and the Easter chocolates and sculptures laid on by the chefs was very clever.
Tomorrow morning we arrive in Port Elizabeth where we have an early start on our safari.
Deputy Captain's Anecdote: Square Meals
Centuries ago sailors were given their meals on square wooden platters as these were easier to store. Food was sometimes in short supply so the most hardworking sailor would be rewarded by being well fed and have his plate filled from corner to corner which was said to be fair and square. The most fortunate sailors who would have all of their meals like this in one day were said to have had their three square meals a day.
Over the last three days we have watched Jennie Bond's presentations and been to a couple of shows. We could sit out on the balcony for the first day and a half but the weather deteriorated after then. I did a bit of sketching yesterday but today there is far too much movement to finish it off. I've also started my post grad course so that is going to keep me pretty busy in the future. Not the nicest of days so far but we did receive a chocolate Easter bunny!
Cocktail party was good fun and the Easter chocolates and sculptures laid on by the chefs was very clever.
Tomorrow morning we arrive in Port Elizabeth where we have an early start on our safari.
Deputy Captain's Anecdote: Square Meals
Centuries ago sailors were given their meals on square wooden platters as these were easier to store. Food was sometimes in short supply so the most hardworking sailor would be rewarded by being well fed and have his plate filled from corner to corner which was said to be fair and square. The most fortunate sailors who would have all of their meals like this in one day were said to have had their three square meals a day.
Thursday, 13 April 2017
Reunion
The volcanic island of Reunion is about 115 miles southwest of Mauritius in the western Indian Ocean. It is an overseas department of France with a population of approximately 840,000 and is a similar size to Leicestershire. Although very small it's highest point (Piton des Neiges, 10,069ft) is more than twice the height of Ben Nevis. Piton de la Fournaise (8,612ft) is an active volcano.
We first took the shuttle bus into the port town to look around the shops but there was hardly anything there apart from a shop with some really lovely dresses and a suitcase we were going to pick up for all the t-shirts Terry has bought! We thought we'd stop at a little restaurant we saw and pick them up on the way back but when we walked back all the shops had shut for lunch! We decided to go back to the ship to get the other shuttle bus to take us to the beach. It was really hot so we just had a walk around and sat by the beach for a while before enjoying a Dodo beer. We caught the last bus back to the ship just in time for the sail away.
We first took the shuttle bus into the port town to look around the shops but there was hardly anything there apart from a shop with some really lovely dresses and a suitcase we were going to pick up for all the t-shirts Terry has bought! We thought we'd stop at a little restaurant we saw and pick them up on the way back but when we walked back all the shops had shut for lunch! We decided to go back to the ship to get the other shuttle bus to take us to the beach. It was really hot so we just had a walk around and sat by the beach for a while before enjoying a Dodo beer. We caught the last bus back to the ship just in time for the sail away.
Wednesday, 12 April 2017
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