Leaving in a 128 day cruise around the world.
Overall we have had a wonderful time, but the cruise has had its challenges. We have missed ports in Madagascar, East London S.A., Brest France for weather. Dakar Senegal and Le Havre France for civil unrest.
We are home now. 128 days on the cruise and two in Ft Lauderdale before we left. Here are some stats:
We visited 57 Ports , 30 Countries and 4 Continets and cruised 35, 651 Nautical miles or 39,875 land miles. Consumed 31,248 bottles of Wine and Champaign, 200,606 lbs fresh Vegetables, 173,903 lbs fresh fruit , 40,905 fresh eggs, 133,293 soft drinks , 200,000 lbs meat ( beef, pork, lamb ,veal and poultry), 56,306 lbs seafood, 7,793 tea bags , 3,277 bags of coffee and 200,000 in foreign currency was exchanged. Despite that David lost 7-8 pounds.
We also traveled with the Jayhawk, Fred the stuffed turtle and Ginger the talking hamster. Yes, we are strange. Take a read if you want. I need to do some editing but I have some other things to do.
It’s in reverse order but that’s just the way I roll. Cheers
We had one more event. The last formal night. So we dressed up a bit.
We aren’t done yet. Six days at sea and two more parties. We had a barn dance and crazy us had brought our boots.
Last port. We have some euro to spend. We are at Praia da Vitoria. Pretty much traveled out some fun things though. Spent the euro on cookies and gave them to the cabin guys.
Two ports to go. Have to admit we are tired but let’s give it a shot. We stopped at Ponta Delgada. Got off the ship, not sure what to do so we grabbed a cab with Lydia and Sheryl. Guy took us to see the sights. We couldn’t see the lakes because of fog, but he took us to Furnas where we had one of the most amazing and interesting meals of my life.
Portuguese stew also known as Cozido a portuguesa. In Furnas it is cooked for 5-7 hours in the ground at the hot springs. It was so good. I’m not a big red meat eater but this, wow.
We had two Sea days on our way to the Azores. So what do you do, have a pajama party. With some PG to almost R rated bed time stories.
This sounded kind of hokey but turned out to be good fun
Next to Cobh or Cork. This was the last stop of the Titanic, oops. Like Belfast they claim some of the Titanic story. Maritime disasters are good for business i guess. Kind of like Leavenworth Kansas known for the Federal Pen/Military stockade they say, “Do a little time in Leavenworth.”
The Titanic was docked on the outside of the harbor beyond the island with the fort. Like tenders today, the doomed, I mean passengers, were taken to the ship.
We did. Yes, surprise surprise we went to the island fort. Good fun actually. It was also used as a prison until the early 2000s.
As we leave Ireland we had one long time rumor turn out to be true.
The ship headed to Dublin although we ported aways off. The land of Oscar
Wilde, “Work is the curse of the drinking class.” We stayed in the port city of Dun Laoghaire. Didn’t get our gears shifted fast enough in the morning, so we decided to pass on the train to Dublin.
Walked around and found a fun pub.
Sports fans are universal. They were all yelling at the TVs during the local football(soccer) match.
Oban was next on the agenda. Supposed to have great seafood so we had lunch at Coast. Outstanding.
Off to Portree. On a previous visit we managed to go uphill, both ways. Dad I apologize for mocking you many years ago. Didn’t do a lot of things here just walked around the town.
We are getting pretty tired at this point. Had a beer in a pub and called it a day.
We left Norway and headed for Scotland. That evening we had the Orange party in honor of the Dutch King. While we aren’t subjects, who am I to turn down a party.
Headed to Norway really warm in Oslo as well. We had a total of five stops so they are going to run together here. It got cold after Oslo.
Great street art in Bergen.Norway is expensive, but fab people and wonderful times.
I really like that as we went hiking in Eidford
There was some snow on the ground. A bunch of crew members, all from S.E. Asia, had their first snowball fight.
Fred and Ginger came along as well. Really pretty area.
Sailed on to Copenhagen. We hooked up with our wine tasting buds, Lydia, Sheryl, Leon and Jan. Good times.We did consume four bottles of wine at lunch. Most of my pics are out of focus…
Next day to the Tulip gardens of Keukenhof. Just amazing. I wondered how we could spend multiple hours looking at flowers. The Tulips only bloom for about six weeks. In previous visits the timing or weather was off. Not this time. I understand now.
A marvelous place. Really enjoyed it. One of the highlights of the trip.
We sailed on to Amsterdam to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Holland America. We had an overnight, which we love.
Belgium was next on the agenda. Took the train to Brugge. For chocolates of course and what else we could find. Brought some back home and they survived the heat of Florida on the drive home.
The ship did a nice job and found another port on short notice. Dover in the UK and the famous White Cliffs. Plus a great, Blakes, pub.
These sound reflectors were ingenuous. Germany was using Zeppelin’s to drop bombs on the UK. Visual means only gave about 10-12 minutes warning, not enough. With a device that slowly moved in front of the reflector, the operator could hear the Zeppelins from as far away as sound could travel. Giving a 60 minutes warning. The English continued to use these until radar took over in the late 1930s. Pretty amazing.
Next stop was to be Le Havre France. A lot of people had planned over nights in Paris. Others to Normandy and Mont St Michelle. The port was cancelled because of civil unrest and strikes in France.
So a sea day and then to Portland UK and the real Stonehenge.
Off to the University town of Salisbury. Really pretty place
We were supposed to go to Brest France. Weather was too bad and the ship couldn’t get in the harbor.
Next stop was A Coruna Spain. Very different from the other place we have been in Spain. With Ellen and Peter we went to the second century Roman light House. Still in use and a lot of the original is incorporated in it. Fun to climb but the Romans were a bit shorter then us so there are a lot of steps.
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Luckily we would see the real thing.
In Lisbon Michael set up some pickle ball games with locals he knows. After our humiliation in Tonga, we did much better here. Good fun and a break from churches, museums and Palaces.
We were in Cadiz for Easter. I have a video of a procession but its to big to load. When I get home with better internet I will try again.
Malaga Spain. On the coast and beautiful. We wanted to go to the Picasso museum but it was Easter Weekend. The lines were so long so we drank instead.
Next stop Morocco. One of the highlights of the trip.
We left Marrakech to catch up with the ship in Casablanca. We didn’t go but people said, “Ricks Cafe” was just a big tourist trap. Tangiers was next. Pretty city but on to Spain.
After Essaouira we climbed on to the Marrakech express and headed that way. I had mentioned earlier we were trying to find places my dad landed and kept currency.
Enjoyed Marrakech, needed more time. Really want to go back. Lydia had been on an 18 day tour, we will look into that.
We left Agadir and went to the amazing town of Essaouira. We stayed in a
former “Palace” that they told us was older than our country. Several movies have filmed here. Orson Wells, “O Phila” and “Game of Thrones” season three.
We got off the ship in Agadir. Met our guide and driver and went to the market.
A few other things:
Pool party.Lydia,Anna,Sheryl,Roxanne,Julie, Kathy
Two stops in the Canary islands. Pretty places. Morocco our next stop wants them. The islands want to stay with the Spanish.
The other stop was Tenerife. We had been able to join a three day, two night overland in Morocco and had to get a few things.
Wonderful Spanish architecture. I love the veranda.
Of course they have a cannon.
I tried to merge the old with the new. Maybe it worked, maybe it didn’t.
Looking down from the mountains on Arrecife. We took a ships tour because we had a free one, Normally we avoid those like the plague. Slowest person, and some barely can move dictates the pace. Cute town were we would have lunch.
On the water, a beautiful day.
Taking picture of people taking pictures of surfers
Our next planned port was Dakar in Senegal. While we were able to dock, there was civil unrest about a trial. Military Jets and helicopters flew over head in the morning. A warship escorted us out of the harbor as we left. In the morning the Captain decided all onshore visits would be cancelled.
When your tour gets canceled because of civil unrest, what do you do? FIREBALL! Tim, Kathy, Julie, Trevan, David, Sheryl, Dan, Roxanne, Lydia
A bummer. I had a personal connection because my dad landed in Dakar after an 11 and 3/4s hours flight from Brazil. He was on his way to a final destination in Italy, during WW II.
My dad kept currency from every where they landed. Couldn’t find a spot on shore to photo, but that issue would be solved quickly.
We missed one of the horrible places on earth unfortunately. The docks where the slaves were loaded on ships and sent to the new world.
The battle of the visas at Banjul, “The Gambia.” The US and The Gambia are having a political snit and we were told we had to pay $150 each for a visa. Even if we didn’t get off the ship. Ellen set something up so lets go.
Here we met our guide who introduced himself as, “Dan the man with a plan.” Turned into a great day because of Dan!
Julie at the Batik factory. She’s a natural
The market in Banjul. As you can see a former British colony.
You can guess what they sell here, lol
Colorful Fishing boats
These boats will go out for a week or so
I guess the world needs more lawyers, lol.
The Police band was good and provided a nice farewell. Had a great time in Gambia
On to the Ivory Coast. We went to a town that was on the Unesco world heritage list. It was a little beat up.
At the Kings Palace. At least the King doesn’t live an extravagant lifestyle here.
Some fun art work near the abandoned French lighthouse.
We went to a museum which had been the French Colonial Governors house.
The Kings second in command showed us around.
Something a little different. Through some careful maneuvering the Captain put us directly on the spot there the Equator meets the Prime Meridian.
You could walk 25 feet and be off by a degree. At this point the ship was in the Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern Hemisphere. Everyone was impressed that the ship staff took the time to do this. There is supposed to be a buoy at this point. An international consortium place it there in 10,000 ft? of water.
Takoradi, Ghana was next.
Didn’t do a lot. Went to the market via the shuttle bus. To be honest the place is a little run down. The people are nice and friendly.
I couldn’t do this.
Street scenes.
This lady has a corner on the shoe market. Another had every kind of TV remote ever made.
This is a real market, not like some of the ones set up for tourists. Country is trying to get better.
Next stop was Luanda Angola.
David was a little under the weather with a noro virus. Didn’t report and self isolated for a while. Julie had to carry on.
At the port
I think she missed me.
A gift to the President. I wonder what did coke want in return?
House made of Iron. Supposedly designed by Charles Eiffel. Had to be hot in the summer!
Walvis Bay was our second stop in Namibia. A larger port and town. It has really grown since we were her in 2016.
We climbed to the top of Sand Dune 7. Not as difficult as it looks.
We were with Peter and Ellen who found the tour guide. he was great.
The Jayhawk enjoyed the view.
To get down you just “moon walk” down the hill as fast as you can. We were tired of sand, lol.
Earlier we saw lots of Flamingos. Good fun.
Handsome creatures, would look good on my front lawn!
Next port was Luderitz in Namibia. A former German colony known as South West Africa. South Africa controlled it under a league of nations mandate. They became in independent in 1994. I could fill the whole site with photos from Kolmannskop a former wealthy diamond town. However her are a few:
Once the richest place in the world. The diamonds ran out and people just left. Last resident in 1954. Abandoned since then but a great spot for photos.
The desert takes back it’s own
Great place to visit, if you like ruins. Good fun
As we left South Africa, a wonderful sunset
Wonderful colors
Fourth Stop was Cape Town a wonderful city. We had an over night which is nice, lets you do a few things off the ship and not be watching the time.
Second day we went wine tasting, ok drinking on the wine train out in Franschhoek. What a wonderful day, with good friends!
With our new friends Lydia, Leon, Sheryl,Jan, Julie and I
Really fun and creative art at one of the wineries.
Yes, we did partake in the fine product of the Western Cape.
Area was settled by the French Huguenots and maintains the French feel.
Silly things in town.
First day in Cape Town
We finally made it to the top of Table Mountain. During our previous visits it had been covered by clouds. Great views.
Figured this was a good place for the Jayhawk. The winds had really started to pick up and,
Here comes the clouds. It was pretty awesome to watch, then the temperature dropped and the Gondolas were a swaying on the way down.
Later on seeing the clouds roll in from the beach area. My sister would have enjoyed this. Her masters thesis had something to do with clouds
Third Stop was Port Elizabeth. We ended up at mall near the beach. Went for a walk on the beach. Kind of lazy day.
We didn’t get a bigger one.
Second stop was East London. Bad weather kept us out of the port.
First stop was Durban. I worked with a woman from there. Pinged her any ideas, but she doesn’t use Linked-in more than I lol. Hired a cab to take us around.
This Peacock was strutting his stuff around the bird park.
Had lunch at a fun place on Florida Ave. Some of Durban seems run down, but this area is like every party/restaurant district in the world.
On to Maputo in Mozambique. A place that is rebuilding its self after many years of Civil War. Also seeing the influence of China starting here.
Stairway to Heaven? Nice church.
One way to deal with the statutes of former important people. Put it on the ground in an old fort. Nice visit.
The bridge China built to connect the harbor. I’m sure they want nothing in return.
Our stop at Madagascar didn’t happen. Typhoon Freddie made it impossible to stop. Disappointed but of course a tragedy for the residents.
Reunion island is an over seas possession of France. We enjoyed it.
Very French feel in architecture and colors.
Somebody who was important, back in the day.
Some interesting Art
Julie with “Anni” one of our favorite servers on board. Her first cruise, its been fun watching her get out of her shell.
Who knew they played pickle ball in 1895 on Reunion.
Of course you have to have cannons if you are an island possession.
On to Mauritius followed by Reunion Island.
We kind of messed up Mauritius. Should have gone outside of the city but we stayed in Port Louis. It was hot and humid. Not our best day.
Their famous colorful umbrella street
Fun statue in a nice park. Should have done better, perhaps we will make it back.
Next was eight days at sea. A long stretch but some good things on the ship.
They had a great house band in the Rolling Stone lounge. Kept the place hopping with all genres.
Hollywood night party. Im some kind of country musician and Julie is my muse.
With our new friends Lydia and Sheryl on their balcony.
Finished Australia at Fremantle. Kind of a bummer for a couple of reasons.
Peter and Ellen at the “Pinnacle’s” outside of Fremantle. It was a bummer because we went for star gazing, one of the best in the world, and it was cold and cloudy.
The geology was interesting. The other bummer was we hit and killed a kangaroo on the way home. The van had a kangaroo “catcher” on the front so there wasn’t much damage. The roo on the other hand went flying over the van. Sad.
We went sand boarding, earlier in the day when the sun was out, lol
This would be a great street name for Margaritaville.
The buildings are pretty.
Colorful buildings.
This wraps it up from Australia. Such a fun country.
Next stop was Kangaroo Island and the amazing Flinders Chase.
No editing, natural colors.
Same as above
The natural world is amazing. Nature can be stoic and beautiful at the same time. Professor Dort would have enjoyed these. Shortly after I posted this I found out Professor Dort had just passed away at 99. The impact a teacher can have on you years/decades later is remarkable.
You know us, we had to do some wine tasting in a great place like Australia.
Fun wineries in the Yarrow Valley
Nice interior and tasty wines.
Fred and Ginger had a little too much
Truth in advertising, lol, I can buy it.
Next fun spot in Australia was Tasmania. Wonderful place. We went on an Ecco cruise out of Port Author.
Happy crab fishermen
We ended up in a pod of hundreds of dolphins. Good fun.
Cold but worth it!
Then went to Hobart where we ran into the Australian wooden boat show.
This was also the start of the Super Bowl. We watched the first half on the ship. Things didn’t look too good, down 10 and Mahomes was hurt. So we went and looked at the magnificent boats.
Enjoyed the craft and the fun times at the pier. Then…..
KC kicked the winning FG as we walked back on to the ship. So we broke out the Moonshine on board.
After New Zealand we headed to the land down under. Arrived in the magnificent Sydney Harbor.
Famous Sydney Bay bridge with climbers waving at us.
Everyone has seen the Opera House, so i tried something different here.
The Cue Ball cover up doesn’t look good on birds either, lol. Friendly guy
10 am start for a Super Bowl party, hell yes! Didn’t know at the time but I would love the outcome.
The single best piece of sword fish I have ever had. Top ten meals of my life. Love.fish in Sydney harbor. Makes my mouth water even today.
Our trip to Manly beach was interrupted. How dare they.
Our friend Peter trying to escape the pickle ball court? Yeah right lol.
We had four stops in New Zealand, one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Sunrise in Gisborne, which is recognized as the first in the world each day.
Stopped at Wellington and my favorite shoe store in the world.
I added the white and blue shoes to the “The Shoes” I bought in 2019. Hand made in Brazil.
It’s New Zealand to of course there are friendly animals that keep us warm. And taste good.
In Tauranga we climbed, ok hiked, to the top of MT Maunganui.
Great view from the top.
It was a sweaty day, but a great hike. Finished up with some coffee and pastries on the water front.
Fun town with a sense of humor. Really enjoyed it and New Zealand!
Our next stop was Tonga, For something very different our friend Peter had contacted pickle ball players there and the set up some games. Yikes, they brought their island champions and beat us like a rented mule.
Julie looking good.
They pickled our best player in the first game. These folks look like, and move like NFL players. 280 pounders that move like ballerinas. And that’s just the women, lol. We didn’t, lol.
They were wonderful hosts, picked us up at the dock and brought a truck full of coconuts for refreshments. Good fun and great people. It was funny people would show up, play a couple of games, then go back to work. One of the best days of the trip.
The Police band and dancers bid us farewell from Tonga.
David came down with a mild case of Covid. In an abundance of caution I decided to get tested. With all the ancient fossils on board, I didn’t want to be responsible for sending one to meet their maker. Five days in isolation, even though I felt fine. So I missed Tahiti, Moorea and Raiatea. Julie only took a few pics.
We had 8 sea days before we arrived at the first of the French Polynesia Islands, Nuku Hiva. A little off the beaten path but we had fun.
Getting ready to cross the Pacific Ocean.
We have been playing tag with the Volendam since the start. They will head south as the 75 day, grand South America.
