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Live/Cloud: South Africa-Botswana+, Many Pix’s, Terry/Ohio


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Appreciate the continued interest in these “adventures” and this morning, as we are preparing to arrive in Durban, I have only a tiny, tiny photographic sample from the past two days doing amazing travels during our safari experiences.

 

PAST TWO DAYS’ BASICS?: On Sunday morning after docking at Richards Bay, we met our private guide and headed towards the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Game Reserve. It is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa and is known for its wildlife and conservation efforts. It is the only state-run park in KwaZulu-Natal where all the big five game animals occur. Sorry, we did not get to see Lion and other “Big Cats” there, but many, many other interesting animals and birds, all “up close and personal”. Thanks to conservation efforts, the park now has the largest population of white rhino in the world. We stayed overnight in the park that is much less crowded than the Kruger National Park and has the biggest population and highest density of Rhinos of all South African parks. The area was originally a royal hunting ground for the Zulu kingdom and was established as a park in 1895. The Umfolozi and Hluhluwe reserves were established primarily to protect the white rhinoceros, then on the endangered species list. After more in this park, we headed mid-day towards St. Lucia Wetland or as it is now known as iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This large area is situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is South Africa's third-largest protected area, spanning 280*km of coastline, from the Mozambican border in the north to Mapelane south of the Lake St.*Lucia estuary. The word isimangaliso means "a miracle" or "something wondrous" in Zulu. For Sunday, I took 513 pictures and then Monday, after arising at 5:20 am to do the sunrise and early morning “game drive”, I ended up with a record, for me, of 965 pictures. That’s 1478 pictures in just two days!! Amazing sights Lots of visuals to review and process, but below are a few samples to keep folks interested in following up and checking more later.

 

TODAY’S ADVENTURE PLANS?: We are headed to the Midlands Meander, north of Durban, featuring about 150 art-and-craft outlets. We will have a private driver from the ship as we head towards Pietermaritzburg, being near the small town of Howick. There will be various weavers, potters, carvers etc. before we stop for lunch at at Caversham Mill. Then, early afternoon, we will visit the Ardmore Potteries. Ardmore’s ceramic art is a story about the Zulu people whose sense of rhythm, color, dance and song, as well as the spirit of the African imagination, is growing with its influence on the other continents of the world. This includes taking from the traditional Zulu method of firing clay pots using cow dung in wood kilns. At Ardmore the artists have been introduced to electric kiln firing, ceramic paints and glazes as well as the technical skills needed to utilize modern ceramic equipment and materials. The integration of traditional cultural skills with the advantages of western technology has led to the development of a unique art form which has earned Ardmore ceramics the description by Christie's of London as 'modern collectables.'

 

DURBAN OVERVIEW/SUMMARY?: As one of the few natural harbors on Africa's east coast, Durban developed as a port city after the first European settlers landed in 1824 to establish a trading post. Durban is the busiest port in South Africa as it exports large volumes of sugar and is home to the country's largest import and export facility for the motor industry. There is much in history and culture here, too. Gandhi lived and practiced law here. Winston Churchill visited as a young man. It's home to the largest number of Indians outside India. With a subtropical climate and golden beaches along its shores, Durban is one of South Africa's most popular holiday destinations. With its blend of Eastern, Western and African influences, there are palm-fringed beachfront, Zulu women sell beads and baskets while colorful rickshaw pullers pose for photographs. It is a world of mosques, temples oriental festivals and bazaars, fragrant with spice and incense. The city's cosmopolitan charm even extends to its many inviting restaurants, which offer cuisine from around the world.

 

Ready for another "adventure" day. East London is next and soon our cruise will be concluding in Cape Town on Feb. 12.

 

Like these below pictures? Our two grandsons in Charlottesville, Virginia, are following along will love that they can see this visuals of rhino, hippo, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 193,690 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

Here is only a very quick, small sampling from what we saw and experienced at Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Game Reserve and in iSimangaliso Wetland Park near Richards Bay during our two-day, overnight adventure. These many aspects included being surrounded by a herd of Cape Buffalo, being so “personal” for a large White Rhino to see this male both spraying (peeing) over and over, plus pooping, being on a rocky beach overlooking the Indian Ocean, being entertained at two different classrooms of Zulu school children, etc. Yes, lots of hippo!! See one example below. Many more pictures and details to follow.:

 

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Terry, Once again, thoroughly enjoying your live report from the Cloud and the remarkable eye you have for photography. Thank you for sharing your passion with all of us bound by winter's grip.

 

Joc123: Wonderful photos' date=' thank you for taking the time to post [/quote']

 

spinnaker2: Terry' date=' What a wonderful adventure. We're following along with you. [/quote']

 

Appreciate these nice comments, questions, etc. Keep sharing any questions, info needs, etc. On this cruise, all of our port stops involved docking. No tendering!! Therefore, no worries and/or needs to drop anchor, have any such noise questions.

 

It is early morning in the Panorama Lounge as I am updating and getting ready to post some visuals from yesterday in and around Durban. Some of the discussions I am hearing in the background is by folks about yesterday’s New Hampshire Presidential Primary results where Bernie beat Hillary big. Plus our state’s Governor, John Kasich, surprised the “experts” by finishing second in that key opening state for this long, twisting process to figure out America’s next President.

 

We will arrive in East London at 1 pm today. It has a population of over 267,000 now with over 755,000 in the metropolitan area. As South Africa’s only large river and sea port, East London does many exports of citrus fruit, mineral ores and wool. The first documented vessel to arrive in these waters was in 1688 while searching for survivors of a shipwreck. Founded in 1836, East London lies on the coast of the Indian Ocean between the Buffalo River and Nahoon River. In 1848, a proclamation annexed the area to the Cape Colony. Today, East London serves as the area’s commercial center. Its sub-tropical climate and natural environment make East London a popular tourist destination. The town’s small museum contains the world’s only surviving egg of the extinct dodo bird, as well as a mounted coelacanth caught near East London in 1938, a fish thought to be extinct.

 

Below starts three different series of visuals to summarize some of our activities yesterday in and around Durban.

 

Did get reports from friends in Columbus that 1"-3” of snow and colder weather were hitting Central Ohio now. Good to be “South of the Equator” and enjoying warm, sunny weather.

 

On two days left on this ten-day cruise. Internet is back to working well. Lots more photos to check and post. Time is flying fast! BUT, we do have our exciting times in Victoria Falls and the safari adventures in Botswana after this cruise ends in Cape Town on Feb. 12.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 208,737 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

As we headed about 90 minutes northwest of Durban, our first stop was at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. This history dates back to 1962 and started the “process” for his trial, conviction and starting his 27 years in prison. But that was BEFORE his release, starting his “Long Walk to Freedom” and then becoming South Africa’s first President under its new rules for democracy. A new museum is being built there. The second picture shows that uniquely-designed sculpture placed here. From most angles, it just looks like various rods rising in the air. BUT, when seen from the right location, this crafting reveals a striking and very creative visual image of Nelson Mandela. There were a number of high schoolers visiting at this site and several asked me to take their picture. My second picture shows that result at this very moving and significant site for South African history.:

 

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Our next highlight from the “Midland Meandor” region was to visit and tour the Ardmore Pottery that relies upon Zulu design, style and traditions using more modern techniques for firing and finishing. You can see the results from this hand-crafting and how the hand-painting work that is done by these artists. Amazing!!:

 

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Here is more from our Ardmore Pottery visit and results, plus added views from Durban.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 35,810 views for these postings.

 

 

Here is more of the results from the excellent artists at Ardmore. First, is larger overview from their gallery. Next are a couple of closer views on their artistic works. Finally, here is my wife with Sharon who gave us this personal tour, plus also created the piece that we had wrapped up to take home to Ohio as a wonderful memory of first visit to Africa.:

 

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We had lunch at the Caversham Mill in this traditional “English-countryside” region of South Africa that has such rolling hills and natural beauty. Here was the view from our dining table towards the water fall, old bridge, etc. We had a great lunch and discussions with our guide-driver, China Jafta. He grew up and still lives in one of the historic townships of Dubran. This township was were Gandhi lived and practiced law. Many other community leaders have come from that township and his insights about life and the future for South Africa were very helpful and interesting to us.:

 

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When we returned to Durban, here is one of the overviews of the main town, including their new stadium that was built for hosting part of the 2010 World Cup Championships. We were very impressed with Durban, its growth and development, its energy and options.:

 

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To wrap-up Durban, we were very impressed by the town, its growth and development, plus their positive focus on the future. The current South African President has been dogged by controversy, but a new leader will be picked next year. Much is still to be decided, long-term, about the future for this nation and its 52 million people.

 

By most counts now, Durban has passed Cape Town as South Africa’s second largest city. Johannesburg is still the largest and the nation's key financial center.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 57,467 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

 

Here are a few highlights from touring around Durban. This includes its large and impressive City hall. Second is an example of its long and significant beaches in the town that are a part of its “resort” attraction to visitors. Third, Durban has lots and lots of markets, many run by its large and significant Asian-Indian population who first came here to work the sugar cane fields. This visual shows just one of the many shops there. :

 

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Durban has the largest harbor/shipping operation in all of South Africa. Below is just one example of that busy activity there. Second is view of their main city skyline from the top deck of our Silver Cloud ship before doing our sail-away.:

 

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From our room, here is an early Valentine’s Day towel/flower display that our Butler/staff left for us when we returned from dinner last night.:

 

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Terry, I continue to enjoy your narrative and your beautiful photos.

 

On one of our trips to South Africa (2010) we saw this stadium and a few of the other stadiums they built for the World Cup. In total, they built six stadiums. Amazing.

 

Nice touch by Silversea of the early Valentine's Day with the towel and flowers.

 

Continue to enjoy this adventure and thanks for taking us along.

 

Keith

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Durban is a pretty place, for sure. Glad you got a nice overview. For us, the highlights were getting to plunk our feet in the Indian Ocean (first time), and riding the funicar car up to the top of the soccer stadium that's shown in your picture. Great panoramic view of the city amd the beach from the top of the arch!

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Terry, I continue to enjoy your narrative and your beautiful photos. On one of our trips to South Africa (2010) we saw this stadium and a few of the other stadiums they built for the World Cup. In total, they built six stadiums. Amazing. Nice touch by Silversea of the early Valentine's Day with the towel and flowers. Continue to enjoy this adventure and thanks for taking us along. Keith

 

spinnaker2: The pottery is gorgeous' date=' vivid colors and splashy fun design. Every time you [b']look at the pitcher you will remember your trip[/b] and all the wonderment of it. Thanks again for posting.

 

jpalbny: Durban is a pretty place' date=' for sure. Glad you got a nice overview. For us, the highlights were getting to plunk our feet in the Indian Ocean (first time), and riding the [b']funicar car up to the top of the soccer stadium[/b] that's shown in your picture. Great panoramic view of the city amd the beach from the top of the arch!

 

liptastic: Wonderful posts and photographs. I feel as though I have travelled with you on this cruise. Thanks for such an enjoyable and informative thread. Jean.

 

Appreciate these nice follow-ups and comments from Keith' date=' Candy, JP and Jean. Unfortunately, today is our last day on the ship and we will need to get packed-up for our Victoria Falls/Botswana segments of this adventure.

 

Did not realize till JP mentioned it about that [b']Durban stadium[/b] having such a rail car ride to the top. Interesting! Those stadiums for the 2010 World Cup look very good, but cost lots and lots of money. The stadium for Cape Town has turned into a "White Elephant" that has been less used and much more costly than estimated. Looks good, however!!

 

Lots more pictures to check, review and post. My wife's view is that the food on this cruise has been as good or better than a year ago and right up there with our first Silversea experience for doing Norway, July 2010. Did La Terrazza last night. Will be visiting in the Main Dining Room tonight.

 

Let me know any questions, comments, suggestions, etc. Don't fade away, the "best" is yet to come.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 135,717 views for this posting.

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Appreciate Keith's excellent comments and wishes for enjoying Botswana and Victoria Falls. Just had our last lunch on the open back deck of the Silver Cloud. Wonderful food!! Had a whole pig cooked and being carved for us among a variety treats. Their heated bread pudding with super sauce was excellent, among the best we have ever had for that type of dessert treat.

 

Lots of fog and cooler weather was we are now sailing towards Cape Town. The ship was sounding its fog horn very frequently. Working on getting bags packed in order to start part of the luggage in Johannesburg, while are on limited weight situations for traveling in small planes between the camps in Botswana's Delta region.

 

Below are some photos from our fun and very interesting experience at a school where our expert speaker Rob had been the head master of for nearly twenty years in East London. It was an extremely informative and entertainment program as presented by these young students. See the visuals below as "proof". We also had time to talk with the students, etc. Lots of smart, well-discipled students who are very focused on the future.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 193,996 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

Here is a sampling from the music and performance program by the students at Hudson Park School in East London. There was nice a variety of presentations on their love for South Africa, singing of songs, playing these wooden instruments, etc.:

 

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We watched some of the students doing practice for both cricket and rugby, two of the most popular sports here in South Africa. This gave us more background on both of these sports that are not as familiar for those from the USA. For rugby, there are no "break" period. It is all continuous play . . . AND without the pads used with American football!!:

 

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Finally, we chatted with a number of the students. Here is my wife with two of the young ladies who performed in the earlier program. We were able to share information and have nice discussions with them. Both of these girls wanted to visit the USA and knew where our home state of Ohio was located.:

 

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In checking the weather for next week while in the northern part of Botswana near their famed Delta areas, it looks like things are going to be HOT, HOT! Mostly highs of around 91-93F. Overnight lows around 71-72F. A few scattered showers during a few of days. We will not need to pack our sweaters and/or coats for this part of our adventure.

 

Below are some added "around the ship" visuals. More South Africa animal and bird visuals to be posted soon.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 208,763 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

As we were ready for our sail-away from Durban, here is our ship Captain shown without wearing his normal ball cap. Second is an example of the ship's mast and flag with the wind blowing hard during the Durban departure.:

 

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Here is the sun setting as we were doing our sail-away from Durban. The smaller ship was for the pilot who would jump off of our ship after we had safely made our passage outside of this busy harbor area. :

 

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On this sea-day as we move towards Cape Town and our Friday am, Feb. 12, departure from the Silver Cloud, today is a chance to catch-up on photo postings, etc.

 

RICHARDS BAY TWO-DAY VISUALS?: For Feb. 7, Sunday morning after docking at Richards Bay, we met our expert private guide, Hayden Elliott and his charming wife, Jackie. Hayden runs Outdoor Africa and gets well-deserved high-ratings from TripAdvisor and other ratings services. That gave us a total of eight eyeballs to be on the out-look for animals as we toured this large park.

 

We then headed towards the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Game Reserve, the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa and known for its rhino conservation efforts. While we did not get to see Lions and other “Big Cats” there, there many other interesting animals and birds, all “up close and personal” as I posted a super small sampling earlier. This park now has the largest population of white rhino in the world. We stayed overnight in the park to allow more time for later afternoon and early morning exploring on the morning of Monday, Feb. 8.

 

Then we headed towards St. Lucia Wetland or as it is now known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This large area is situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and is South Africa's third-largest protected area. From these two days, I had 1,478 pictures to review and process. Hard work, but somebody has to deal with these challenges!

 

Both of these parks, and much of South Africa, have been very, very dry. This year has been especially dry and that fact was very noticeable in both of these major parks.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 35,835 views for these postings.

 

 

Here was our sunrise at 5:25 am from our cabin at Hilltop Lodge. Dramatic? Also shown below are some other views and samples of the various animals, sights, trees, etc., there at Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Game Reserve.:

 

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These two pictures show some of the birds that would "ride" on the backs and heads of the large Cape Buffalo. The birds check for ticks on these animals and also help warn if danger is nearby. It is an interesting mutual "benefit" for both.:

 

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From being at Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Game Reserve, here are some added views, sights and experiences.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Wonderful Kotor and nearby Montenegro? Check these postings. Have had over 27,066 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and commented.:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

 

This wraps up some of the fun from being at at Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Game Reserve and its wildlife, hilly terrain, etc.:

 

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As we moved toward St. Lucia close to the Indian Ocean and these park areas, we had arranged to visit a local school with a guide connected to this Zulu community. We had driven around and saw some of the "real life" connected with these parts of South Africa. The good news is that kids really seek to learn and know that education is part of the pathway for the future. The kids, as we saw in many parts of South Africa, wear uniforms. This was a public school.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 57,467 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

 

As we walked to the classroom, these young children were very welcoming, including seeking to “high-five” with my wife. Next are various classroom views as these very attentive and well-discipled children were responsive to their teacher. We visited two different classroom. In the one class, the teacher, with an aide, had 57 children there this afternoon.:

 

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As we finished in the two classroom and handing out pencils and pens that we had brought from Central Ohio, the kids were super warm in wanting hugs and show their appreciation for our visit..:

 

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St. Lucia and its park/wildlife areas were the big “prize” for our later afternoon cruise on the waterways here. Need proof that things were good? Here are some examples that have not been posted previously.

 

Did we do any "swimming" during this cruise? Do you think it would have been safe here? Hippos are biggest killer of people in Africa, not lions, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For Athens, Greece, check out this posting with many ideas, tips and exciting visuals for our visiting there and nearby. There have been over 11,418 views on this posting. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

 

 

Although we had sailed in the Indian Ocean to reach Mozambique, we wanted to get much closer to this scenic and dramatic coastline. Here was our chance as Mission Bay near St. Lucia. We had lunch here and then enjoyed seeing more birds, wildlife, lots of hippos, several "crocs", etc., during our two-hour cruise on a small boat in this waterway.:

 

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From doing iSimangaliso Wetland Park near St. Lucia, here are a couple of wrap-up visuals. It was a fun, exciting and hyper-interesting two days with Hayden and his wife. The knowledge of our local guides in South Africa has been amazing and has added so much to our learning/travel experiences.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 135,717 views for this posting.

 

 

As the sun was setting, here is the view from a our boat as a large male hippo was following along with our boat as we were heading back to the dock. These hippo can move fairly fast!!:

 

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At the end of our sailing in this scenic waterway, here is our guide Hayden and his wife, Jackie, pictured with my wife, Penny.:

 

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Terry, Thanks for enabling us to relive this wonderful part of the world where so much adventure is possible.Your photos and narrative is first rate and we appreciate the time and effort you put in to enable us to share the experience with you.Pleased to hear of excellent food standards on the Cloud.We found the same on our last Cloud cruise just over a year ago.

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Terry, Thanks for enabling us to relive this wonderful part of the world where so much adventure is possible.Your photos and narrative is first rate and we appreciate the time and effort you put in to enable us to share the experience with you.Pleased to hear of excellent food standards on the Cloud.We found the same on our last Cloud cruise just over a year ago.

 

Appreciate this nice comment from brimary. Glad to help relive those wonderful, earlier memories.

 

Up early and the sun is now rising over Table Mountain and the Lion's Head as the Silver Cloud approaches its return to Cable Town's harbor area. Most everything is packed up, but just a few little items to clean up and do in preparation for our transfer to the airport, then the flight to Johannesburg.

 

Many more pictures to sort, review and post. PLUS, Victoria Falls and Botswana will be coming up soon.

 

THANKS to those who have joined in for our adventure! Don't be shy! Happy to hear any postings, comments, questions, etc. Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 208,763 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

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Wonderful photos - enjoying your review!

 

GweninTX: We would love to cruise South Africa! Thanks for sharing!

 

Appreciate these nice comments and follow-ups. Yes' date=' for our Texas friend, [b']it is very possible to cruise South Africa[/b]. The Silver Cloud sailing options worked well for us. Our plan has worked well to have a "mix" of Cape Town, cruising along the coast and then doing more in this general region of southern Africa. When you travel/fly this long of a distance, you want to maximize the sights and experiences.

 

Now, we are in Zambia. Sitting next to the sprawling pool at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort. Did a river cruise last night with a wonderful sunset, hippo viewings, many unique and interesting birds, etc. Had both drinks and then dinner later in the evening at the Royal Livingstone Hotel next door that reeks (in a nice way) of the British Colonial period from a hundred plus years ago. Ready to see Victoria Falls today that is right next to our resort area, plus there are other good options to consider. On Victoria Falls National Park, it is a World Heritage Site offers views of the 3,280-feet wide falls with the constant sprays, rainbow, nearby rainforest, etc. Tomorrow, we head to Botswana for six safari days there.

 

We were on the African Queen boat trip yesterday sailing along the Zambezi River and then had dinner with a couple from New Jersey who had been in Botswana. They super loved that amazing experience and gave us many details/tips. His pictures, just from his iPhone, of the sunsets there in Botswana were spectacular.

 

Much more to share in pictures and experiences from the cruise and South Africa. Plus, Botswana!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 135,914 views for this posting.

 

 

Here is the final view of Cape Town and its famed Table Mountain as we were getting ready to depart the Silver Cloud for our Feb. 12 flight to Johannesburg. Love this great mountain with its clouds rolling over its dramatic top portions.:

 

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Here are a couple views from the grounds of the Emperor's Palace Hotel where we stayed in Johannesburg as we headed to Livingstone, Zambia. Nice hotel next to a large game/food/shopping complex that sits adjacent to the JNB airport.:

 

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Below are the first of a series of visuals from our first 24 hours in Zambia. The airport at Livingstone is small, SMALL, but they have a fairly new terminal. This airport on a busy day, gets four flights arriving. On slower days, there only be two or three flights arriving. Not exactly busy. BUT, the visa for those from the USA is not cheap. $80 per person. BUT, it looks kind of pretty was a little slow from them to hand-write the info, etc.

 

Enjoying this Avani Victoria Falls Resort that had been previously know as the Zambezi Sun Hotel.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 194,080 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

At their sister hotel, here is my wife getting super friendly service and help from their uniquely-dressed waiter. Great views from this covered, large patio area as we looked towards their pool and the Zambezi River. Like?:

 

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The Royal Livingstone Hotel offered "High Tea" that afternoon. We had just drinks on the scenic patio, but this visual gives you a tasty, low-calorie sampling for only a few of their food offerings that afternoon Plus the "setting" for this traditional-looking area with such British Colonial "class" was so spectacular. Later in the evening, we had dinner at the Royal Livingstone Hotel.:

 

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From doing our late-afternoon, sunset cruise on the famed Zambezi River, here are just four samples of the hippo and bird action. Can you count the seven different hippo heads? More fun visuals to come from the Zambezi River, Africa's fourth bigger such waterway!! Like it when this one hippo answered the call to "OPEN WIDE"??:

 

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