Walvis Bay, Namibia - April 22, 2017

The Republic of Namibia is on the southwest coast of Africa in the tropics and is roughly four times the size of the United Kingdom.  There are only 1.6 million people.  Much of Namibia is semi-arid desert ... the Namib Desert.

A group of German missionaries settled in Namibia in the mid 1800's and founded the town of Swakopmund which now is a popular resort destination.  It still has German street signs, names of buildings and architecture.

Walvis Bay is also know for their sand dune.  It has some of the highest peaks (163 meters/535 feet) of all sand dunes along the west coast.  Needless to say, the scenery was barren with periodic brush growth ... and yet they have flamingo that are native to Namibia and occupy whatever water in the lake that is there.

Currently at sea for 6 days sailing towards Cape Verde Islands.  The 92 day world tour will be coming to and end in another 2 weeks.  It has been a great experience and I could go on ... 

Still having a good time.  

Regards to all,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

World Traveler Celebration - April 19, 2017

As recognition of the more than 500 world traveler passengers, Cunard planned a special dinner in Cape Town for us.  It was a black tie event at a very nice venue about 20 minutes from the ship.

Cocktails in a large atrium, music and entertainment.  And then we went into a large banquet hall for dinner. It reminded me of the Sholom Ball we had in Minnesota.  The room very elaborate and there was a grand entrance into the room to see the crystal chandeliers and elaborate centerpieces.  Food was good and the South African wine was flowing!  Cunard did manage to welcome everyone ... with a little marketing so we'd book next years cruise.

So far, we have gone over 30,000 nautical miles since I embarked in San Francisco.  (1 nautical mile = 1.15 land miles)

This was a special treat.  Apparently they do one on each world cruise.  Last year it was in Dubai.

Still having a great time.

Regards to all,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

  

Cape Town, South Africa - April 19-20, 2017

Cape Town has a population of about 4 million people.  It is about 40 miles from the Cape of Good Hope which the the southernmost tip of Africa.   It is an area that has been strategic for the many countries and explorers.  It has been ruled by the British and Dutch.   Cape Town is also know for Apartheid which formally eliminated after the release of Nelson Mandela who was jailed for 27 years on Robben Island. Unemployment is high (and therefore crime rate too) but South Africa is striving towards a non racial and democratic society. The people speak both English and Afrikaans and you see signs in both languages.  The Afrikaans sounds and looks very much like the Dutch ... many letters and unpronounceable to a westerner.

Much to see ... beautiful landscapes, tall mountains and a variety of museums and galleries.  There is a large Jewish Museum here in Cape Town.  It is a modern city with much developed after the 1960's.

I think there is a lot to be explored in South Africa and much to be seen in other cities.

Only about 17 days left to this world tour.  Am heading for Walvis Bay, Namibia.

Still having a good time!  Not sure how adjusting to "re-entry" will go after being gone for so long!

Regards to all,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com 

Port Elizabeth, South Africa - April 17, 2017

Getting to Port Elizabeth (PE) was a challenge.  We had 36 hours of turbulent seas.  They type that wake up up at night and walking very difficult.  I found myself taking a motion pill and sitting the mid ship on a the third level. 

Scientifically that is the area where there is the least motion.  With all my many cruises and days at sea, this was the worst for me.  We did however get to Port Elizabeth safe and sound. 

Port Elizabeth is an industrial port city on the eastern coast of South Africa on the Indian Ocean.  There is a giant Volkswagen assembly which exports many thousands  of cars a year, supplying cars for those countries driving on the "wrong" (left) side of the road as they do in the UK.  There are a variety of beautiful beaches, museums, game reserves and tourist malls. 

Still having a good time.

Regards to all.

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Pointe des Galets, Reunion Island - April 13, 2017

PPointe des Galets is a French possession due west of Madagascar  and southwest of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.  The population is about 840,000 and because it is French the financial system is based on the Euro the primary language is French and a modified version of Creole as they speak in New Orleans.

Pointe des Galets is a French possession due west of Madagascar  and southwest of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.  The population is about 840,000 and because it is French the financial system is based on the Euro the primary language is French and a modified version of Creole as they speak in New Orleans.

Very charming and a different culture to experience.  Three sea days as we are heading for Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Still having a great time.

Regards to all,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Port Louis, Mauritius - April 12, 2017

Mauritius a beautiful island with moonscaped mountains and deep gorges with green fields, usually of sugar cane.  It is just north of the tropic of Capricorn and a subtropical climate. It is due east of Madagascar.

Mauritius is an island that was colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, British and French ... so it is a hodgepodge of cultures and languages.  While walking through the town the language was primarily French.

Very modern "downtown" area that is a major (fancy) shopping district on one side and across the street little store fronts where the native shop.

Nice island, doubt that I will ever come back.  On to Reunion Island tomorrow.

Regards to all.

Still having a good time.

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Passover on the Queen Elizabeth - 1st Night - April 10, 2017

Haven't been on a ship traveling over Passover before.  I wondered what, if anything ... they'd do for the Jewish passengers.

Well to my delight they had arranged for a Rabbi and offered a full Seder for their Jewish passengers.  The Seder plate was perfect with all the appropriate items placed on fine china. The retired Rabbi (from California) was accustomed to the "accelerated" version which we all appreciated.

There were about 50 people including 2 staff members.  Both officers, one Jewish.  We found ourselves looking and introducing ourselves to each other and saying ... "oh, you are Jewish with surprise in our voices.  It has been a bonding experience.  There were Jews from all over the world ... UK, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, US.

We have been having Friday night services, conducted by the members (no Rabbi) and it has worked out.  They have been providing a nice kiddish with quality wine, delicious challah, gefilete fish and my favorite red horseradish.  You know me ... I love Jewish soul food!

Having a great time.

Regards,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Port Victoria, Seychelles - April 9, 2017

The Seychelles consists of over 100 islands scattered over 500,000 square miles of the Indian Ocean almost on the equator.  Mahe Island is one of the biggest islands and the home of Port Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. The islands are mountainous, plush with a wide variety of flora and fauna ... also some beautiful beaches and lots of snorkeling.

We arrived on Sunday and everything was closed.  It was also Palm Sunday on a primarily Christian island and almost no one on the streets or shoppes open.  Located off the equator it was hot and humid.

Still having a good time!

Regards to all,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Piracy in the Indian Ocean - April 6, 2017

The Queen Elizabeth is transiting through an area where there have been episodes of piracy.  (Have you seen Captain Phillips with Tom Hanks?)

We are travelling on the southern edge of a quadrant involving Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Coast of Africa and Somalia.  Nothing to really worry about, but precautions are being taken. The external decks are closed, drapes covering all windows closed and lights off in public areas during evening hours.  

We will be under this precautionary measures for about 3 days until we are out of the piracy risk area. 

Ironically this is not the first time I have been through a piracy drill.  Several years ago when I cruised from Singapore to Athens we went through the straights of Yemen which is the closest point between Yemen and Somalia entering the mouth of the Nile.  This is where "Captain Phillips" was hijacked. Fortunately nothing happened but because of "elevated risk" precautionary measures are taken.

Just another adventure at sea!

Safe and sound ... and still having a good time!

Regards to all.

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Colombo, Sri Lanka - April 5, 2017

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka.  There are many cultures here resulting in a blend of temples, bazaars and colonial buildings.  It has a history of being a key port in the spice route in the 1500's.

Not far from the tip of India there is a huge Indian influence.  Streets are crowded and many Tuk Tuk's ... 3 wheel motor vehicles.  Sri Lanka was Celyon before it got its independence from the British in 1948.  Ever have any Ceylon tea? 

We have three sea days before we arrive in the Seychelles.

Still having a good time.

Regards to all,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Penang, Malaysia - April 2, 2017

The island of Penang is just off the west coast of Malaysia.  It is mountainous and yet has a beautiful turquoise coastline and beaches.

We took a funicular up to the top of Penang Hill where we had a beautiful overview of the island.  At the top there is food, a small zoo and exhibitions for kids.  Touring around we also saw more religious shrines and had ample time to shop!

Heading for Sri Lanka.  Will arrive on Wednesday.

Still having a good time.

Regards,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Port Kelang, (Kuala Lumpur) Malaysia - April 1, 2017

Kelang is the port city that takes you into Kuala Lumpur.  It has attracted Hindu, Muslim, Chinese and Malay cultures so there are religious edifices all over.  

A highlight of the trip was a visit to the Petronas Towers.  Its 170 meters to the SkyBridge and then again even higher to the 86th floor.  Beautiful views ... even on a cloudy day ... as the day we watched a rain and thunderstorm approach.

Still having a good time.

Regards,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Singapore - March 31, 2017

Singapore is an island republic at the top of the Malay Peninsula.  It was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819.  It is a city of any cultures, colors, cuisines and has one of the business harbors in that part of the world.   It is less than 85 miles north of the equator and the most southerly part of Asia.

Sightseeing we went to the Raffles Hotel which is famous for a drink named in honor of Raffles ... "Singapore Sling."  It's loaded with alcohol and fruit juices and hits you like a ton of bricks!

There is also a 5000 room hotel (three buildings) with a large structure on top which looks like a boast ... but no, it's their swimming pool!

Because of the climate they have an incredibly beautiful orchard garden with many varieties and colors.  The grow wild.  The heat and humidity is good for the vegetation, but I know it wilted me!

Still having a good time!

Regards to all,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com