CRUISE 1
MY BLOG
FOR
11 DAY CRUISE TO
LISBON (PORTUGAL)
FUNCHAL (PORTUGAL)
LAS PALMAS
(CANARY ISLANDS)
ARRECIFE
LANZAROTE (CANARY ISLANDS)
CASABLANCA
(MAROCCO)
SEVILLE
(SPAIN)
24 FEB
2023---PORT ELIZABETH TO JHB
My sister
Michelle was supposed to drop me off at the airport but came up with a tummy bug,
so I had to ask my other sister Adele to drop me off. Did not want her near me,
imagine getting onto a plane with a bug that gives you vomiting and diarrhea
that sounds like a nightmare never mind covid!!
On this
trip I was ready for the slow lounges and what an amazing experience it was
really enjoyed the free Wi-Fi, food, and drinks with a view over the runway.
Arrived in
Johannesburg and decided to go straight to check in and just as well I did for
there was a very long line and took at least an hour before I made it to
customs.
Then I
tried out the Bidvest lounge for the first time and it was amazing, so glad to have
discovered them just make the airport experience so much nicer even set my
alarm just in case I get carried away and did not want to miss my flight,
imagine that! We left JHB 40 minutes late due to the plane’s brakes having to
cool down, did not like the sound of that but eventually, we did get going.
A guy had
this t-shirt on with the following words:
ALWAYS
CLIMB
CHALLENGE
LEARN
INSPIRE
MASTER and
BELIEVE how
cool that is!!
On this
flight, I had a seat open next to me so I could at least curl up to sleep on
this 8-hour 15 min flight.
Things at
the Dubai airport really do run smoothly and not long after I arrived at my
gate it was time to start boarding. This 8-hour 35 min flight was full and
bumpy with lots of turbulence and next to me was a guy with very bad halitosis
(bad breath) so that was not so pleasant saw a ring on his finger and thought
to myself surely his wife should have told him you need to have this problem
checked out, crazy!
25 FEBRUARY
2023 --- LISBON PORTUGAL
Arrived in
Lisbon at 12 so had the rest of the afternoon to go and walk around.
Was very
nice to get a message from the hotel driver at the airport to say she was
waiting for me, and sure enough Maria was there to take me to my hotel, the
Turim Terreiro do Paco Hotel very close to the port. So, after checking in I
went to do some sightseeing and wanted to try out the famous Portuguese pastel
de nata (custard tart).
Was brave
and ordered a condensed milk coffee and really enjoyed it but must warn you it
is very sweet, but I loved it, took me back to my hostel days in Grahamstown.
My first
Portuguese word from Google Translate is Obrigado/Thank You and Ola/hello.
Popped in
at a local supermarket to get some wine and chips for the evening and then
walked into a little shop with hundreds of canned sardines called Comur this is
a place I want to bring hubby to for he loves sardines, and we can get to take
some home or even enjoy in our cabin with some cheese and provitas.
One thing I
would have loved to do is Hop on Hop off the bus through the city but was
feeling moeg so left that for another day.
Did pop in
at the Se De Lisboa and loved the colorful wall of the Museum de Lisboa Santo
Antonio with lots of colorful plates against the wall.
The highlight
of the afternoon was my visit to a little coffee shop sitting right in the
window overlooking a square enjoying my food and drink while the tourists walk
by.
Then the
weariness set in, and I decided it was time for a nice hot shower and bed.
Could open my windows and let the fresh chilly Lisbon air into my room, was 8
degrees outside.
26 February
2023 --- LISBON PORTUGAL
Slept like
a baby and only woke up at 6, think you really appreciate a nice soft bed after
trying to sleep while sitting up in a plane seat with a neck full of knots!!
The
forecast said the rain would be on the way, but I was hoping otherwise for I
did not feel like walking in the rain pulling 2x 23kg suitcases on a
cobblestone street.
After a
quick cappuccino and a delicious croissant, I was ready for my walk to the
cruise terminal.
The weather was perfect and cool so all went
well but must admit pulling heavy suitcases on cobblestone streets was not very
pleasant. Thank goodness I found a sidewalk where it was just plain cement so
from there on things went smoothly.
When I left
my hotel, I was just around the corner when I could see the ship so that was
good to see I would say it is about 1km from the hotel.
Embarkation
went smoothly and the staff was very friendly and helpful the only downside is
that I will not be able to get off in Morocco because I did not get a visa to
visit this country so I will have to stay on the ship but as my friend Heidi
would say:” it is what it is” so will enjoy the ship for those 2 days. I won’t
be swimming because it’s too cold so might just soak up the sun on the open decks
with a good book.
Was so good
to see my dear hubby after 5 weeks apart then I went up to the garden Café to
get some lunch and do a quick walk around just to see where everything is. I
have been on this ship before, but you do forget but get the hang of things
quickly. We only leave Lisbon tonight at 21h00 so the crew will have a long day
in port, which is fantastic.
Next visit
to Lisbon hubby will be off and we will be able to enjoy this beautiful city
together I have a long list of things I want to show him and do, so that is
exciting.
Our cabin
is in the medical center on deck 3 and twice the size of the normal crew cabins
so that is nice and spacious with 2 port holes. Dinner we will have on deck 11
on the open deck and the wide-open sea around us which is super after a long
day in an office with no windows for hubby.
27 February
2023 --- @ SEA
The plan is
to get up at 6 to get a walk-in before sunrise but only time will tell if I can
get him out of bed tomorrow. Our bed is a ¾ bed so the next 7 weeks will be
challenging we will have to have a plan for turning over in bed and must be
like two hamsters cuddling and clinging otherwise one of us might land up on
the floor, haa haa.
Who said
ship life is boring? Just so good to be together again, too old to be apart at
this stage of our lives. One thing it does teach you is to appreciate each
other and realize what a blessing it is to be together.
Well, I did
not get him out of bed and the day started a bit late.
I was off
to the gym and had a good time getting back into the swing of things, did my
normal routine on the treadmill, did some rowing, and after that, it was the
circuit, and then ended off doing some floor exercises and stretching.
While I was
in the gym, I heard about this morning’s talk that would be presented in the
theatre about the different ports of call and decided maybe it was a good idea
to go a listen to what they have to offer.
The talk
was given by a very interesting guy from Mauritius, and he was telling us his
country is also not allowed to visit Morocco so he will be joining us on the
ship!! Still have not discovered why they do not want us to visit their country
or is it just a visa story?
There are
just so many options to choose from in all the ports of call, so it is challenging
to decide what to do and what not.
Our first
stop on this 11-day tour is Funchal Madeira (Portugal)
I have
decided to go on the tour of Funchal and Botanical Gardens so we will see if it
is a good choice. Our Tour begins with a visit to a typical market in Funchals
city center where an infinite variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers,
fish, and regional items can be seen.
A Few steps
from the market we will have a chance to visit an embroidery factory and taste
some world-famous Madeira wine.
Then we visited
the small village of Monte overlooking Funchal. After that, we get the
opportunity to experience a voyage by cable car with nature at our feet with
views over the River of Joao Gomes.
Last will
be a visit to the botanical garden Quinta belonging to the Reid Family with
2000 plants. Am very excited and will come back with hopefully lots of photos.
Just to
give you a taste of what excursions they offer on the ship, you can choose from
WILD WEST
4X4
EIRA DO
SERRADO&MONTE
FUNCHAL BOTANICAL
GARDENS
A TASTE OF
MADEIRA
SCENIC
VILLAGE AND COASTAL VIEWS
SCENIC
MADEIRA
BEST OF
MADEIRA
WILDLIFE
EXPEDITION
FUNCHAL
HOPP ON HOPP OFF
FUNCHAL
CAMARA DE LOBOS OPEN-AIR SIGHTSEEING TOUR
The sea has
been a bit rocky and chilly outside but today is our only sea day so from
tomorrow we are in a port every day which is nice so lots of walking is on the
cards.
On the days
that hubby is on duty I will be walking around on my own or going on tours
which is very exciting and when he is off for the day we will walk around and
discover together then we do what he wants to do that has been our arrangement
all along, to keep both of us happy and no fighting or arguing!!! This I call
compromising.
28 FEBRUARY
2023 --- FUNGAL MADEIRA (PORTUGAL)
Today began
early. I was awake before 5 and then got out of bed because I did not want to
wake hubby and he was still fast asleep. At 6 I woke him up so that we could go
for our morning walk on deck 11 and enjoy the most beautiful view over the
island of Madeira.
We were
nearing the harbor with all these beautiful lights all over the island and at
the end of our walk the sun was coming up.
We had a
coffee on the open deck with a delicious croissant. I had to be in the Stardust
Theatre at 8 to get ready for the shore excursion that I had booked to Funchal
and Botanical Gardens. Our trip was for approximately 4 hours and just after
8.30, we got on our bus with a tour guide that comes from East London in South
Africa but has been living here for many years. When I heard her accent, I
thought that sounds like a South African!
We first
went up the mountain range towards Monte and on our way, we walked past guys
with wicker sleds, and she explained they call them Toboggans which means sleds
and you have men pushing them downhill, decades ago it was their form of
transport, must say would love to go for a ride in them.
The cable
cart ride was breathtaking and had stunning views over the island with
waterfalls cascading down the mountain to the sea below. The botanical gardens
were amazing with plants from all over the world and everything seemed to grow,
our guide said that they have enough water, and the climate is perfect for
plants, flowers, and fruits.
At least I recognized lots of the plants. Even
had a frog giving us a loud show with his or her singing!!
In town, we
stopped to visit the local market, which was busy and buzzing with tourists, so
it was packed, was great to see the fresh flowers and fruit and veggie products
and the fish market with all the different fish that they had to offer some
weird looking fish I have never seen before.
At the
market, I bought some fresh dates to take hubby and a fridge magnet that I
collect from all the different countries we have been to.
Our last
stop was at the embroidery factory which I think must be a dying trade for must
take hours and hours to make and are amazing and then we had a very small taste
of their delicious wine and would have loved to have more.
I decided to
walk back to the ship on my own and enjoy the downtown and lovely weather. On
my way back I made a stop at the statue of Christiano Renaldo, the soccer
player, and popped in at the museum with all his memorabilia, he was born in
Madeira in 1985.
Then it was
time for a siesta/afternoon sleep did not take long and we were fast asleep.
Leaving
port at 16h00 was also a beautiful view with the ship sailing back to the deep
sea and on our way to our next port Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands).
Hubby is off tomorrow so we will be walking around together which is great or I
should rather say that is the plan but here you just never know what happens next.
1 MARCH
2023--- SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE (CANARY ISLANDS)
We arrived
here early in the morning was still dark outside and I got up to walk on deck
11 while we were sailing into the harbor. The landscape around the town is
breathtaking and fairylike with all the houses against the cliffs and their
lights.
The
landscape is dark and see in the descriptions of the place they talk about a
volcanic landscape. We are here for a full day, arrived at 7, and are only
leaving tonight at 11.30 pm. Hubby had a patient, so I walked on my own and
after docking I went to the gym.
Trying to
get into my routine because I am a routine person and just makes things easier
when you have found your rhythm.
Having no
WIFI 24/7 is very irritating, or should I say you can connect but costs an arm
and a leg on the ship, and having fiber at home 24/7 makes this difficult but
it is what it is so just must accept it. Some ports do have free WIFI, and you
make use of them to do what you want to do but you are always in a hurry and can’t
just sit and spend time rustig.
I would
love to do my homework regarding the different shore excursions but can’t so
try and make decisions on the descriptions on the forms where they give you a
little description of what it entails. I do like different things, so I must
make my choice for our next visit out of the following:
Northern
island views and local flavors
La Laguna
& La Orotava (this is my first choice if I can get a spot on the list)
Mount Teide
& Scenic Drive or
Go Local
Tenerife Secret Hideout
Late
morning, we got off the ship to go and explore and took the trek downtown.
Another big ship is docked in the downtown area, so we had to take a long walk
from where our ship is docked in the harbor.
Listened to
a guy playing some music and stopped in at a local store to try out some salami
sticks which were delicious called Pozo and mini Elpozo. Will post a few pics
as soon as I can they have some rooftop gardens covered in stunning flowers and
weird lights hanging above the streets that look like a big plastic bag full of
water and must be beautiful at night.
Afternoon sleep
seems to be our thing for back on the ship that is what we did before it was
time for hubby to have his afternoon clinic hours.
Tomorrow I
am going on my 2nd excursion in Las Palmas did not get my first
choice which was Las Palmas Bandama Crator and Botanical Gardens but doing
Discover Gran Canaria and Painted Caves so we will see how it goes am thankful
to go on any one of the excursions for really a huge blessing. So, until tomorrow,
bye for now.
2 MARCH
2023--- GRAN CANARIA LAS PALMAS CANARY ISLANDS
This
morning our day started with a gym session and then we had a cup of coffee
overlooking the beautiful harbor of Gran Canaria before the sun came up so with
all the harbor and town lights still on it was magical.
After
breakfast it was time for my tour to an archaeological site to see the ruins of
the first inhabitants of this island who they say also came from Africa and the
museum is directly over the dig site which was really something the native
indigenous people were called -Guanches.
We were
lucky to go into the painted cave which made me think of our Bushman drawings
at home. Enjoyed visiting an amazing church that is also used for the pilgrims
that do the Camino walk in Spain and just seeing the locals sitting in the cobble
town streets getting together for their coffee and chats. I just love the
architecture and the old painted and colorful buildings with the most beautiful
wooden window frames and huge doors, love it.
The
majestic lava stone church really takes your breath away dis nou indrukwekkend
and to think it was built with stone from this area, amazing and was built by
the locals.
Then it was
time for a visit to the lush botanical garden with lots of plants which showed
us an ancient dragon tree that they say is hundreds of years old. We were
welcomed with some banana liqueur which was delicious.
I bought
some prickly pear jam as a gift for someone who does research on invasive cacti
and the prickly pear is one of them. Also got to try out some honey and almond
liqueur which was also very nice. If I did not have to hand them in on the
ship, I might have decided to buy some of the banana liqueur.
There are
also banana plantations all over the place and must admit did not expect this
dry barren land of rocks. I am sorry I missed the Bandama volcanic Crater. It
is 1000m in diameter and 200 meters deep. Another famous thing to do is visit the
dunes of Maspalomas they say they resemble the sand dunes found in the Sahara.
Our guide
was fantastic and has been doing it for a very long time. After we were dropped
off back at the port, I decided to go walking to explore the downtown area and
ended up on the beach sitting under a palm tree with double ice cream!!! Also
found a typical Spanish Restaurant I want to bring hubby to where we can try
out the local food saw fresh sardines were on the menu.
Then it was
shopping time and off I went to the local supermarket, and they sell anything
you can think of.
Am feeling
a bit tired from all my galivanting so don’t think am going to be up very late
tonight tomorrow we are in Arrecife where I want to do the fire mountains and
camel ride on our next visit but because hubby is off for the day, we want to
explore together so I do the excursion thing when he is working.
After
watching the Netflix story on the eruption of a volcano in New Zealand and the guests
that were there when it happened don’t know if I am brave enough to visit this site.
They say upon arrival at the Islote de Hilario a crater with the highest temp in
the region you will experience activity not far underground. The geothermal
energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within
seconds and in the restaurant, food is cooked on a natural grill powered by the
heat from the earth below wow what a scary amazing thought.
Another
tour is called Volcanic moonscape trekking. During this excursion, you discover
the amazing world of volcanoes, walk across solidified lava flows, ascend to
volcanic cones see spectacular craters, lava tunnels canals, and tubes. Klink
vir my scary!!!
So that is
my story for today, bye for now.
3 MARCH
2023--- ARRECIFE LANZAROTE (SPAIN)
Well, we
did not have a peaceful night at all hubbies was called out 4 times so when it
was time to get up when my alarm went off, I just turned over and decided today
was going to be asleep in the day. You know when you wake up and are feeling
exhausted the night is too short.
I did have
a little chuckle when hubby eventually got up and said to me, he had decided
that if I was going to tell him to get up and go to the gym, he was ready to
give me a blast, but I did not say a word but turned over an went to sleep
again. Sometimes you just know when to keep quiet and say nothing after many
years of marriage and today was one of those days!!
So, my day
started slowly, and I decided today was the day that I was going to move the
furniture around in our cabin and see if the new look would be right for this
bird!! Just like in nature, I was not happy with the nest so as soon as he left
the room for work, I started and eventually, I was happy with the outcome.
Still can’t
use to the small/narrow bed even had a near accident of falling out of bed when
I turned around yesterday morning must say was quite funny when I had to make a
very quick recovery move to stay on the bed.
Then it was
time for a quick breakfast and hubby, and I went on our walkabout in this new
port. We were docked very far from downtown so now we were in for a long walk.
This area was different with lots of stones and volcanic rock the pathway all
along the sea is built out of volcanic rocks. You can see the lava folds in the
rock formations, so this is a first for me.
We walked and walked, and it felt like forever
with no town in sight, only an industrial area but by this time I was in urgent
need of restrooms and did not give that a thought when I had my juice and some
tea for breakfast.
I was so
desperate by this time that I popped into the first restaurant I saw and asked
the waiter please I need to use a restroom, thank the Lord he said sure just
walk straight in so that is what I did, only to find the ladies locked but then
plan B kicked in and I rushed into the men’s and decided this can’t wait
anymore and I will just have to make myself known if I hear the door open.
Thank
goodness nobody entered, and I felt so relieved quite scary to think they do
not have any restrooms on the way from the harbor area, nothing in site!
Hubby felt
like something to eat so sent me to a café, sure enough, everything on the menu
is in Spanish so did not have a clue what I was ordering, and he was in a hurry
to get back to the ship in time to send some or other report to the local
authorities.
So, we got 3 pieces of toasted bread with
tuna, lettuce, tomato, egg, and mayonnaise wrapped in tin foil, but it was not
something we would order again.
I was happy
when hubby said no this port would not be seeing him again for just too far and
not much to see and said I will have to go on an excursion with our next visit
so music to my ears and that is what I will be doing. Think I told you would
like to go on the Fire Mountains and camel ride excursion.
The walk back to the ship felt a lot quicker than
going into town and must admit got our exercise in for the day for was a quick
brisk walk that had me sweating and my heart rate up.
Our
afternoon was spent sleeping and catching up on the little sleep of last night.
For the next 2 days I will be ship-bound due to a visa issue in Morocco so then
took a chance to see if there would be any openings for a visit to the traditional
Anda luz cork and cattle farm and sure enough my luck was in, and I could get a
ticket for Monday afternoon in Gibraltar UK so very excited about that.
The farm is
at the edge of the Natural Cork Forest Park and then we will go to a farm to
see the Retinto breed of cattle which is recognized as one of Spain’s purest
breeds. Just read I need to have my passport so will have to get it back from the
ship’s authorities because they took it when I got onto the ship. Hope my
Schengen visa is going to do the trick for this visit.
Must admit
is so much easier in the USA and Canada with the 10- and 5-year visas.
No free
WIFI anywhere so will have to use the ship’s WIFI to post today’s photos do not
want to get behind then there are just too many. So might skip the next 2 days
for not much to share but only time will tell maybe the view of Morocco will be
stunning who knows! Cheers for now.
4 MARCH
2023 --- AGADIR MOROCCO
We had to
turn our watches 1 hour forward last night and I forgot to change my alarm, so
we only woke at 7 that was too late for hubby to join me in the gym so tonight
we won’t make that technical error again.
I went for
a quick walk on deck 11 to see what the port looks like but nothing much to see
we are docked in the industrial area with lots of ship containers and Crains
with a view over a beach with nice big waves made me think of our harbor in
Port Elizabeth. Have a huge flag painted on big tanks in this area.
Feeling a
bit tired today so am not firing on all cylinders and maybe knowing it is going
to be a long day on the ship has me feeling lazy and chilled. Found out today
most countries do not need a visa to visit Morocco but unfortunately, we are
not one of them so this morning I counted 22 big buses that were parked and
ready to transport all the guests to the different places or excursions.
Would have
loved to do the following:
·
Discovering
Moroccan spices in the authentic Berber marketplace d
·
Drive
through the lush landscape of the Souss River Valley
·
To
have seen the local goats standing atop branches of the beautiful Argan trees
·
Stroll
to the colorful souks, where you learn about the use of spices in traditional
cuisine and view craft people hard at work producing highly prized argan oil.
·
They
also talk about a one-of-a-kind souvenir such as a thuya wood box painstakingly
crafted from the native cypress tree mentioned by John in the book of
Revelations.
I did get
through my gym session but after breakfast ended up lying on a lounger at the
pool and must say was very relaxing, the weather was great and not too hot.
When we left the harbor on our way back to sea one could get a look at this
huge city.
Tomorrow we
are in Casablanca Morocco the diplomatic capital is Rabat and the Majestic
Royal Palace was built in 1864.
Casablanca
is Morocco’s largest city and a world-renowned center for trade. There is also
an olive market, and another interesting fact is we ladies must keep our
shoulders and our knees always covered.
The main
highlight of Casablanca is the Hassan ii Mosque which is the world’s largest
religious monument after Mecca. Also have Portuguese towns like El Jadida and
Azemmour , the narrow streets beautiful buildings, and gates combine a mixture
of Portuguese ,Arab Andalusian, and Berber architectural styles.
Then there
is Ricks Café the restaurant is not the original one with the bar featured in
the famous Humphrey Bogart movie Casablanca.
So now I
have given you a history lesson too,haa haaa. The information I got from the
handouts the ship gives its guests about the different excursions.
Back at sea
and the ship is rolling so will get us to sleep quickly tonight.
5 MARCH
2023--- CASABLANCA MAROCCO
The sea was
a bit rough last night but was like rocking you to sleep so we had a good
night’s sleep. We arrived in Casablanca before sunrise and was beautiful
watching the sun come up, I was lucky to take a photo of the sun with a bird
and a teeny-weeny boat coming past, in the right spot at the right time!
The gym was
empty and that is how it goes as the cruise comes to an end then the gym
sessions, getting onto the scale, and watching what you eat go out the window!
Have said it before cannot understand why you want to weigh yourself when you
come on a cruise is it not supposed to be a holiday?
The harbor
area in this port is huge and I mean huge think it is one of the biggest we
have ever been to, Crains, ships, containers just where you look, and buildings
as far as the eye can see. No wonder they say it is Morocco’s largest city and
world-renowned center of trade, dit is verseker.
Think of
these types of cities you need to go on a tour because they say to walk to the
downtown from where we are docked is 4 km and then you don’t even know what you
are going to get there.
We had a
lovely lunch together on deck 12 overlooking the docking area with hundreds of
birds circling around in the sky could not see what kind of birds there were
but was amazing to just watch them.
We only
leave this port late tonight so with the next visit want to be outside to watch
the sailing because tonight at 11.20 we will be in bed.
Tomorrow, I
plan on going on an excursion and need to get my passport back before I can go
ashore think they just keep them for security reasons. We get to our next port
only at 12 mid-day which is Gibraltar United Kingdom and leave again at 7.30
pm.
Just met a
South African girl from Middelburg in Mapumalanga in South Africa on her first
contract and nearly time to go home had been here for 7 months is that not
amazing she works as a waiter on board. Says the first month on board was very
difficult but seems to have settled in nicely, think you just need to give
yourself time to get used to all the new things for is a very different life we
are used to.
Cruising is big in other parts of the world
but think it is starting to catch on in our country and I am so glad about
that.
My plan was
to go and get into a hot tub on deck 11 but I don’t want to share with someone
else for hubby assured me that they are clean for that is the first place that
the authorities test so is up to standard. Had a couple where I wanted to go
and are a bit secluded which will suit me better so am first doing my blog and
will do another round just before I go back to the room and see if it is open
then go for a quick dip it is not very hot outside.
Our cabin’s
toilet is not working so that is a bugger and happens on nearly every
contract!! So, I am not very fond of them, always saying when you flush them it
sounds as if you are also going to be sucked out!
This ship
is one of the older ships and was wondering when they decide your sell-by date
has now arrived and they get scrapped?
Love the
older smaller ships with fewer passengers but miss the new ships’ open spaces
where you can sit or lie outside on deck 7.
So, until tomorrow,
bye for now.
6 MARCH
2023 --- GIBRALTAR UK
Well, what
a day! at least it ended on a good note after some drama late afternoon at
customs. We were up early this morning and did make it to the gym, had a cup of
coffee but it was cloudy and dark this morning, the sun only came up after 8.
We entered
the Strait of Gibraltar during the morning and arrived in Gibraltar at about 12
on our way in I saw dolphins and whales which was very special for have not
seen any so far.
Then I had
to hang around until it was time for my tour at 13.45
We left
late because 1 person did not arrive for the tour, so we left without them. The
rock of Gibraltar is very impressive and huge looks like a mountain of rock
with lots of tunnels that have been dug out of the rock centuries ago. We had
to cross the famous airport runway that is also used by cars and pedestrians so
when a plane wants to land the runway/road has to be closed and cleared for the
planes to land, never heard of this before.
Then it was
time to go through customs for we were entering Spain to go on our tour that is
20 min drive from where we are docked. Well went smoothly and off we went.
The clouds
closed in and then the rain started so we arrived on the farm in the rain but
what a beautiful old building and trees dotted all over. The cranes are here
for the breeding season so saw a few whiles driving up and we weren’t
disappointed one had a nest right in front of the old farm building. Did not
realize that they build such big nests. The old barn where cattle and tractors
used to be kept, changed into a wedding venue and is stunning and can take up
to 500 guests. In the part where the bulls were kept, they changed into a bar
area with the same tiles and he has photos of his family, this is a 3/4
generation farming business. He said that they have been farming with cork for
130 years and cattle started 100 years ago. The small animal pet farm has been going
on for 9 years. They also have 4 tiny houses where you can stay and are so
cute.
The cork
trees take 9 years before you can harvest and that is done by professional cork
strippers that work like sheep shearing teams and go from farm to farm. They
use an old-time ax to strip the cork off the tree. This area Andalucía produces
half the world’s cork. Would recommend a visit to this farm and maybe a
stayover in the countryside, it is beautiful. Then it was time for a walk
around the different animal pens, with a cute goat and her new Billy goat, some
tiny black pigs called Cerdo in Spanish, and some other animals.
The only
cows we saw were in a book he showed us so that was a disappointment they were
up in the hills in the cork plantation and are beef cattle. Then it was time
for some local Tapas bread sticks and some wine, and it was good so that went
down quickly.
Not long
after this we had to head back to our ship little did, I knew what was waiting
for me. We cleared the Spanish customs and just when I stopped to go back into
the Gilraltar side the man asked me where my visa for the UK was, and I said no
I don’t have a UK visa only a Schengen visa well then you can’t enter Gibraltar
again!! I Well needless to say I nearly fainted just there, so first I say to
the lady in Infront of me please inform our tour guide there is a problem and
just please don’t leave me behind. So, I say well what do I do now I am on the
cruise liner, and no one told me I need a UK visa to go on this tour. Then he
says just wait here and I will see what I can do in the meantime the tour guide,
thank goodness comes looking for her one lost sheep.
Then he
says to her, “Did you not know this is how it works? I can enter Gibraltar by
sea or on a ship but can’t come in by plane or walking does that make any
sense, anyway now we are waiting and then they asked for my ship keycard, and I
am thinking this will prove I am on the ship, so he says ok they are going to
call the ship just to confirm. Teen die tyd is ek al was bleek en bewerig want
wat nou!! He asked what time the ship is leaving tonight, and I am thinking
that does not sound good flip hier sluit hulle my nog toe vandag.
Then 5
minutes later the big boss comes out saying I am good to go but asks for my
hand and gives it whack with my passport and ship keycard saying you were
naughty, and this must not happen again ,well I smile from ear to ear and just
can’t say thank you enough and think I must rather stay on the ship for I don’t
have the nerves for this kind of thing.
So, think the tour guide also learnt a lesson
today to check that all the people leaving Gibraltar with her on this tour must
have a UK visa on their return.
They explained to me that I can get off the
ship and visit Gibraltar but am not allowed to leave for the problem is when
you come back and want to enter through customs again then the visa story
applies.
By this
time, I just want to get back to the ship as soon as possible, did stop to get
hubby a gift for he is going to be working for 3 days because the other doctor
wanted to get off today before he flies home and will not be coming to this
port again.
Was very
glad to see the ship again and told hubby you are lucky to see me again it was
God’s Grace that I am back on the ship.
The sea is
rough so think we in for a rough ride to Malaga when the customs fellow asked
me what our next port is I said Malaga but he gave me a funny look by this time
I was so nervous and upset I said well that’s what I thought but now you even
confusing me with just a question I might have it wrong but know Cadez is also
on the list. I checked and I was right, our next stop is Malaga. Feel like I
need a glass of wine. After a warm shower and seeing my dear husband toe voel
ek sommer weer beter. Won’t be crossing into any more countries after this
ordeal before checking visa stories.
07 MARCH
2023--- MALAGA SPAIN
This
morning’s sailing in was also beautiful with the city lights shining on the
water. We arrived at 7 and only leave tonight at 8 something I am not used to
is passengers disembarking the vessel in different ports and getting on. Here
in the Med, they seem to give the passengers that option.
I got off
at about 9.30 and then decided to go on the hop-on hop-off bus to see this
city, was great sitting on the top deck with the wind in my hair. Took us about
1 hour and 30 min to do the route through the city and then I took a walk to
the beach. Really don’t think any of these beaches come close to ours in SA
this beach had coarse black sand and that did not look very inviting.
I then took
to the streets and must admit I prefer walking in new places just to think you
experience the place much more than driving in a taxi or bus. The smells, the sounds,
the feeling, everything about a place. Was brave and decided to want to go up
the mountain to the El Castillo de Gibralfaro and my goodness what a climb I
was in for, had to rest a few times while slowly taking the route up the
mountain to the top but can say that it is definitely worth all the sweat and
huffing and puffing. The views from the top are breathtaking and even some guys
playing beautiful music while sitting and just taking it all in. Had to buy a
bottle of water halfway up to quench their thirst. They are very clever and
know the tourists are going to buy and pay anything for a little bottle of
water,1.50 euros.
There is
also accommodation/hotel at the top called Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro will
have to go check them out www.parador.es I enjoyed every minute of this
stunning walk and visit, bought a ticket for 1 euro 50 think he gave me a
pensioner’s discount but did not complain.
At the top,
after I did my rounds, I ended up at the La Terrazia Restaurant and there I
decided to try an Americano Coffee while taking in the stunning views over
Malaga did think of ordering wine or a beer but then realized still need to get
back to the ship and still had a very long walk back, so decided coffee was
going to be a better option. Am going to take my hubby to this amazing spot
with our next visit.
The walk
back was a lot easier going down and did not take long, the gardens downtown is
lush and have elephant ears growing up palms, amazing, and hundreds of Clivia
plants.
In the port
you get 30 free WIFI, that was not enough for all I wanted to do but anyway
better than nothing I suppose.
Tomorrow we
are in Savill (Cadiz) Spain we arrive at 7 and leave early afternoon before we
sail back to Lisbon and then my first 11-day trip is over. Can say it has been
an amazing 11 days and have enjoyed it. This next trip I plan to go on some
other excursions, so I am also excited about that. Tried to post the pics that
I took today but has not worked think I must try and post less pics but was so
excited to share the stunning views of today.
Even tried
going on to roaming and that did not work either. Well after all those stairs
and uphill walks I will be sleeping like a baby tonight. So, till tomorrow,
bye.
8 MARCH
2023--- CADIZ SPAIN
Only got to
bed at about 12 last night because hubby had been busy all day long so that is
when we decided this morning would be late morning and only got up at 7. When
we woke up, the ship had already docked in our next port that was Cadiz in
Spain, it is our last port before we dock in Lisbon tomorrow after 11 days of
cruising and the end of my first cruise.
It was
great to be docked downtown and close to everything, it just makes it so much
easier for those of us that like walking all over.
I started
watching a program in the cabin and then eventually had to get going for we
would be leaving the port at 16h00 and all aboard time is at 15.30. So, after
breakfast off I went to discover this new port.
Thank
goodness I remembered my umbrella for it was overcast and not long after I left
it started to drizzle and, on the pavements, they have tiles that were very
slippery when wet, so I was really going slow for did not want to slip and
fall, my shoes must be worn out for here and there I did slip so that really
had me going a lot slower than usual.
Trees seem
to talk to me for I was fascinated with these massive rubber trees that were in
the gardens close to the port and I have never seen such big trees with roots
that look like they walk on the ground. I tried to take photos, but it just is
not the same as seeing them in real life, they must be hundreds of years old.
Would love
to know how old they really are for later I stumbled over the remains of a
Teatro Romano so maybe they could be so old.
Then I
walked up and down in some of the streets but soon I got lost for they all look
the same to me and the small narrow town streets are confusing so you must keep
your wits about things, or you could get totally lost. I always use buildings
or the coastline as a marker but with these high buildings and nothing else to
see those markers don’t help much. I get so caught up in the beautiful
architecture, doors and wrought iron just love it, not to even mention the
stunning tiles of Spain.
Passed a
window where I could hear beautiful music and then saw a music and dance studio
on the door, so they were practicing inside, stood outside for a while, and
just listened. The Plasa de la Cathedral is so big and just breathtaking how
they could build these buildings in those days is mind-blowing. They seem to be
doing a lot of restoration work on quite a lot of the old buildings which is
great to see.
The streets
are clean and saw these trucks with high-pressure water hoses cleaning the
streets, if only we could have things like this happening in our country. Then
I heard some music and followed the sound only to discover a lady with a whole
band of puppets all playing an instrument that was amazing so took a video to
share.
By this
time, I felt like a cup of coffee and popped in at a local bakery and bought
some orange peel, a custard cookie, and another almond-dusted cookie, they were
delicious, and will go back on our next visit to get a few of the custard
cookies, wish could get the orange peel recipe. They had all sorts of fruit
displayed so might even try some of the others next time. Can you believe it in
the café I bought the coffee they had a TV on with a South African wild animal
program, with warthogs, buffalo, and birds.
That is when I realized again what we have to
offer and it is something that you can’t get anywhere else in the world so we
should treasure it, real gold!! If only we could sort out all the other trouble
and problems and live in peace, we are sitting on a gold mine when it comes to
getting tourists to our country, one of a kind and so much to offer if I
compare it to all the places we have gone too and seen in the last 11 years.
Need to get
a tourism minister that has vision and can unlock the potential and get the
youth behind this, we have got it.
Enjoyed my
day on this beautiful island, they seem to feel strongly about green energy,
and one of the tours is a visit to a wind farm and the effects the wind
turbines have on migrating birds. They say if the one blade is painted black
the birds can see it and avoid turning blades. They also have the Janda
wetlands where countless white storks and other birds flock to.
In the La
Barca de Vejer, a sandstone cliff they have the endangered bald ibis’s nest. On
my next visit, if hubby is working, I want to do the Go Local -Local Cheese Lover’s
tour. You drive through the beautiful Andalucia region to an acclaimed cheese-producing
village to look at the artisan process and to sample the most representative
cheeses.
The farmer
also has Payoya goats and Grazalemena sheep whose milk is used for the cheeses.
The most well-known and award-winning cheese is the El- Bosqueno. The farmer
then walks you through the fields where the goats and sheep graze and walks you
through the cheese-making process step by step. After the walk, you get to
sample emborrado cheese cured in olive oil and wheat bran. Other cheese
includes fresh spices such as rosemary and paprika.
To
complement the experience, you get served a glass of locally-produced wine.
Think this is going to be an amazing tour so hope to get a slot on it.
Well, this
is going to be my first post on this cruise so until the end of the 2nd
cruise bye for now.
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