Category: John & Sandy

Where in the World Are We?

We ae in Luanda, Angola, in Southwest Africa.

LUANDA, ANGOLA
A study in contrasting economies
A study in contrasting economies shows that Luanda is a boisterous coastal city of haves and have-nots.
As the capital of Africa’s second-largest oil-producing country, it has been deemed the world’s most expensive city. Since independence in 2002, everyone seems to be gunning for a piece of the post-civil war economy. Its renaissance offers a range of experiences, from cushy hotels to a restaurant-lined oceanfront promenade to locals hawking handmade goods at crowded public markets.

SIGHTS
• Palacio de Ferro
• Marginal Bay
• Angola National Bank
• Museum of Anthropology
• San Miguel Fort
• Agostinho Neto Mausoleum
• Presidential Monument
• Benifica Market
• Slave Museum
• Capela da Case Grande
• Miradouro da Lua

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
A seafront promenade known as the Marginal runs alongside Luanda Bay. Nearby is the well-preserved 16th-century Fortress of São Miguel, which now contains the Museum of the Armed Forces. The fort has views of the harbor and the Ilha do Cabo, a long, thin peninsula in the bay home to beaches, bars, and restaurants.
With its rich cultural diversity and traditions, Angola offers a variety of unique souvenirs that reflect the country’s heritage and craftsmanship. Here are some of the most typical and best souvenirs from Angola!

• Hand-carved Wooden Masks
• Semba Music and Kuduro CDs
• Basketry and Woven Goods
• Musseque Paintings
• Traditional Dolls
• Capeulan (Capulana)
• Coffee (Café do Angola)
• Marble Carvings
• Kisanji (Mbira) – Thumb Piano
• Mupa Tree Seeds Jewelry
• Mucubal Jewelry
• Traditional Angolan Instruments
• Cuca Beer Memorabilia
• Basket Hats
• Embroidery and Textile Art
• Tchokwe Stools
• Mahogany Carvings
• Local Spices
• Luanda Postcards and Art Prints
• Benguela Jewelry
• Beaded Necklaces (Miçanga)
• Moccasins (Chokwe Sandals)
• Cassava Flour (Funge Mix)
• Clay Cooking Pots
• Capim Dourado (Golden Grass) Handicrafts
• Dondo Pottery

Today’s Excursion – The Changing Faces of Luanda
Located on the west coast of Southern Africa, Angola was under colonial rule until November 11, 1975, when it became an independent nation. The Angolan Civil War began after the end of the war for independence from Portugal in 1975. The war featured conflict between two primary Angolan factions, the communist MPLA and the anti-communist UNITA. By the time the 27-year war was formally brought to an end in 2002, an estimated 500,000 people had been killed. Today, Luanda is undergoing a renaissance of epic proportions, driven by the vast natural resources that the country has in abundance – oil and diamonds. Its people are determined and committed to turning around their fortunes and rebuilding a strong and united Angola.

“Palacio de Ferro“
After departing the quayside, drive along Marginal Bay, with the commercial part of the city on the one side and views across the bay on the other. Drive past the Igreja de Senhora de Nazare – a small church and a National Monument. Continue visiting the old Iron Palace “Palacio de Ferro”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is believed to have been built and designed by the famous architect Gustav Eiffel or by someone associated with Gustav Eiffel, the builder of the world-famous icon, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Statue of Liberty in New York City. The structure’s history is shrouded in mystery since no official record exists. It is believed to have been pre-built in the 1890s in France and was destined to be placed in Madagascar via boat. Instead, the building ended up in Angola’s Skeleton Coast after the ship drifted with the notorious Benguela currents. Portuguese rulers of the colony then claimed the boat along with its contents, including the palace. The building is undergoing renovation funded by profits from Angola’s oil boom.

Drive to and make a photo stop at the Gothic-style church of Los Remedios, which was built in 1719 as a chapel. Francis Xavier reformed the church in 1798, accomplishing the work with donations from the faithful. Currently, dos Remedios Church is considered one of the most beautiful and best-preserved churches in San Luis.

Angolan National Museum of Anthropology
Visit the Angolan National Museum of Anthropology, featuring various art, sculptures, tools, weaponry, jewelry, clothing, and musical instruments. Founded in November of 1976, it is a cultural and scientific institution dedicated to collecting, researching, conserving, presenting, and disseminating the Angolan cultural heritage. The museum consists of 14 rooms spread over two floors and houses over 6,000 traditional pieces. These include farm implements, hunting and fishing memorabilia, and photographs of the Khoisan people. Other features of the museum are its rustic furnace for melting iron and its room of the masks, featuring the symbols of rituals of the Bantu people.

San Miguel Fort
Drive to and visit the San Miguel Fort original built in 1576 by Paulo dias de Novias. It was a Portuguese fortress and was the administrative center of the colony in 1627. It was a major outlet for slave traffic to Brazil. The fort was, for many years a self- contained town protected by thick walls encrusted with cannons. Inside the fort, elaborate ceramic tiles tell the story of Angola
from its early years, and in the courtyard are large, imposing statues of Portugal’s first King.Its purpose was to defend the port and the city from attack by the marauding French, Spanish, and Dutch armies. It was successful until 1641, when the Dutch seized Luanda. During Dutch rule in Angola between 1641 and 1648, the fort was known as Fort Aardenburgh. Until 1975, the fortress served as the headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief of the Portuguese Armed Forces. Today, it holds the Museum of the Armed Forces.

Agostinho Neto Mausoleum

Driving along the New Marginal, visit the unique Agostinho Neto Mausoleum, a huge stylized obelisk. Rumor has it that this is the grave of Angola’s first president, President Agostinho Neto. Neto, who had very strong communist affiliations, died in 1979, and it is said that this was erected as a gift from the Russian government.

“Cidade Alta”, (Uptown)
Thereafter, drive through “Cidade Alta,” or uptown, a pleasant, airy, and calm suburb above the rest of the city, with several pink colonial buildings. Here, you can see the Presidential Palace, the Prime Minister’s office, and the Ministries of Defense, Immigration, Justice, Health, and the British Embassy. Drive past the beautiful Catholic Church, “Igreja de Jesus,” where many important people of Angolan high society get married. However, taking photos in the area is forbidden due to the proximity of the presidential residence and heavy military security.

‘Baixa’ (Downtown)
Depart to ‘Baixa’ or downtown to view the houses of parliament – both new and old. After driving past many areas in the city that are due for total upgrades and whole communities being moved, the group will realize that this is truly a city that has a
rapidly changing face – well on its way to regaining its mantle of yesteryear – the ‘Paris of Africa.’

Dinner was in Atlantide Restaurant

LEANNE MITCHELL
SHOWTIME WITH WINNER OF THE BBC1’S THE VOICE UK

As the first-ever winner of BBC1’s The Voice UK in 2012, Leanne Mitchell was a dark horse whose emotion-drenched voice overshadowed the early favorites. Her voice is flawless throughout, a fantastic trajectory from when she first appeared in that nerve-wracking moment waiting for one of the coaches to turn around.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Walvis Bay, Namibia, in Southwestern Africa.

WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA
Walvis Bay is a thriving port town
On the west coast of Namibia, Walvis Bay’s history spans centuries. The first people to live in the area were the Topnaar, hunter-gatherers and fishermen. They had lived in the area for centuries before the arrival of Europeans in the late 18th century when the Dutch East India Company established a trading post in Walvis Bay. It became a regular stop for ships traveling along the African coast.

In the mid-19th century, the city was annexed by the British Empire and became a strategic port for British ships traveling to India and Australia. The British built a lighthouse and a customs house, and the town grew in size due to increased trade and commerce. The British also established a military base in Walvis Bay, which remained in operation until Namibia gained independence in 1990.

In the early 20th century, the town became a hub for the South African fishing industry, and it remained under South African control after Namibia gained independence. Walvis Bay was a contentious issue in the negotiations leading up to Namibia’s independence, as both Namibia and South Africa claimed sovereignty over the town.

In 1994, South Africa agreed to transfer control of Walvis Bay to Namibia as part of the country’s independence agreement. The transfer was completed in 1995, and the town became part of the newly independent Namibia.

Today, Walvis Bay is a thriving port town and a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The city’s diverse population reflects the many cultures and traditions that have shaped it over the centuries. Its strategic location on the coast has made it a vital hub for shipping and transportation, and its history is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the people who have called it home over the years.

SIGHTS
• Dune
• Flamingo Lagoon
• Kuisebmond Stadium
• Sandwich Harbour
• Walvis Bay Waterfront
• Walvis Bay Museum
SHOPPING AND CUISINE
The local cuisine blends fresh seafood, traditional Namibian flavors, and culinary influences from various cultures that have evolved over the years. The main shopping areas in Walvis Bay are Dunes Mall and The Waterfront.
Dunes Mall: A single-level mall with various stores, including clothing, groceries, pharmacies, and home decor. It is located on the main road from the airport to the CBD.
The Waterfront: A shopping complex located along the harbor. Features boutiques, souvenir shops, artisanal markets, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Offers a mix of retail therapy and seaside charm. It is a great place to find unique keepsakes and gifts.

Today’s Excursion – Swakopmund Highlights

We explored Namibia’s splendid beauty and Colonial past during this half-day exploration tour of Swakopmund. Highlights of
our excursion include a scenic coastal drive, historic landmarks, visits to the Swakopmund Museum, the Walvis Bay Lagoon,
and dunes. Enjoy the opportunity to browse for souvenirs at the local crafts market.
Swakopmund Exploration & Historical Buildings
Swakopmund is located 19 miles north of Walvis Bay at the mouth of the Swakop River. We saw magnificent views of dunes on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. We visited this seaside resort, which resembles a Bavarian village. We saw Swakopmund’s Colonial past reflected in the early-19th-century Art Nouveau architecture; many charming buildings found here have been declared National Monuments. We drove along Sam Cohen, Otavi Bahn, and Omeg Haus, right turn at Hotel Eberwein, straight past German Luther Church, stopped at Swakopmund Hotel, and took photos. Past Altes Amtsgericht, turn left at the police station, past Woerman Brock, straight past Hohenzollern Haus.

Swakopmund Museum & Crafts Market
Next, we proceeded to the Swakopmund Museum, which depicts the town’s local history. It also features a fascinating exhibit
of the various people inhabiting Namibia. Enjoy a guided tour through the museum. Following our visit to the museum, we enjoyed some free time browsing the local crafts market located next to the museum.

Walvis Bay Lagoon RAMSAR Natural Heritage Site
Before re-joining the ship, the final stop is Walvis Bay Lagoon and tidal flood plains. A RAMSAR Natural Heritage Site and
one of the most important wetlands along South Africa’s West Coast, the Walvis Bay Lagoon is renowned for its abundance of
marine life, flamingos (seasonal), pelicans, and other bird species.

Tonight’s Dinner was in Atlantide Restaurant.

HAPPY HOLI: SPECIAL BBQ DINNER UNDER THE STARS
FOLLOWED BY BOOGIE FEVER

Celebrate Holi: Festival of Colours with our food and music event.
Starting at 7:00 p.m., a delicious buffet-style dinner will be served, followed by our singers and dancers performing a fun music set. Then it’s party time with our Boogie Fever show and late dancing with DJ Gabor

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Walvis Bay, Namibia, in Southwestern Africa.

WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA
Bird lovers paradise

Home to a beautiful lagoon, washed pale pink by a colony of resident flamingos, Walvis Bay is a colorful African call where you can meet some of the continent’s most flamboyant wildlife. A small Namibian city on the Atlantic coast of southern Africa, the town takes its name from Whale Bay – which gives a clue as to the incredible wildlife-watching opportunities available here. The deep water blossoms with rich plankton levels, drawing curious marine mammals in large numbers to feast. As Namibia’s only deep-water harbor, Walvis Bay is an important fishing center for the country, and its sunny shores and natural wonders make it a popular spot for holidaymakers.

Walvis Bay is a bird lover’s paradise, and hundreds of thousands of birds assemble here to make the most of the tidal lagoon. Boat tours can take you out amongst the preening crowds, or you can admire the flamingos, herons, and carefully treading-wading bird species from afar. Meet the pelicans at nearby Pelican Point—a sandy spit that calms the waves heading for the waterfront. With whales and dolphins frolicking offshore. There’s a wide variety of wildlife to see here.

On the cusp of the sun-scorched Namib Desert beyond, Dune 7 rises to form the highest dune in the country, with sands piling up 380 meters. Perfect for a picnic or a pulse-raising desert sport, like sand skiing or sandboarding. Climb to the top for views from its heights, or take a flight tour to see further afield and spot some of the extraordinary land animals that roam the landscapes. See the natural drama of Sandwich Harbour, where the golden dunes plummet directly into the ocean’s waves.

SIGHTS
• Dune
• Flamingo Lagoon
• Kuisebmond Stadium
• Sandwich Harbour
• Walvis Bay Waterfront
• Walvis Bay Museum

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
The local cuisine blends fresh seafood, traditional Namibian flavors, and culinary influences from various cultures that have evolved over the years. The main shopping areas in Walvis Bay are Dunes Mall and The Waterfront.
Dunes Mall: A single-level mall with various stores, including clothing, groceries, pharmacies, and home decor. It is located on the main road from the airport to the CBD.
The Waterfront: A shopping complex located along the harbor. Features boutiques, souvenir shops, artisanal markets, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Offers a mix of retail therapy and seaside charm. It is a great place to find unique keepsakes and gifts.

Today’s Excursion – Flamingos, Salt Pans & Dunes

On this half-day exploration tour, we discovered the Walvis Bay area and its natural wonders. Over the years, the area around Walvis Bay has become something of a tourist destination and economic hub, and this whistle-stop excursion gave us a chance to find out why.
Walvis Bay Lagoon & Salt Pan.

The sheltered Walvis Bay Lagoon is a RAMSAR site famed for its abundance of birdlife, including flamingos and rare white pelicans. At certain months of the year, the lagoon is a vital stopover point for migratory birds en route to Etosha and Botswana.

Namibia’s largest salt mine.

We stopped outside the facility, which was a good opportunity to take a few snapshots and learn some information about the mining process.
Dune 7 Belt – Namibia’s Highest Sand Dunes
Only 15 km outside Walvis Bay is the oldest desert in the world—the Namib Desert, with some of the world’s highest dunes. Take a moment to bask in the spellbinding views of Namibia’s famous dune belt and take more photos for your memory book.

World Cruise Event – Dinner between the Dunes M

Beneath the vast Namibian sky, an unforgettable evening unfolds amidst the golden dunes of the Namib Desert.

A glowing marquee stands against the dramatic landscape, where tables elegantly adorned with flickering candles and subtle lighting create an air of enchantment.

Guests are treated to a feast of local specialties, paired with fine South African wines, while the rhythmic beats of marimba music, the harmonies of a choir, and mesmerizing fire-spinners fill the night with magic.

As the evening draws to a close, the warmth of a crackling fire invites conversation beneath the stars, completing a truly remarkable experience.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Luderitz, Namibia, in southwestern Africa.

LÜDERITZ, NAMIBIA
The Surf City
The scorched desert surrounding Lüderitz means the city’s collection of German art nouveau architecture couldn’t look more unusually placed along the Namibian coastline. This quirkiness is what gives the destination its charm. See gangs of playful penguins skipping across the waves, pink flamingos wading by the coast, and dolphins leaping into the air near Penguin Island and Seal Island. A much more haunting location with an incredibly dark past is Shark Island – which witnessed the deaths of between 1,000 and 3,000 people when it was the location of a German concentration camp between 1905 and 1907. Inland from Lüderitz is Kolmanskop, the site of a famous diamond mine and ghost town.

Colonial architecture: The town boasts notable German colonial buildings with Art Nouveau elements, giving it a distinctly European feel.

Diamond mining: Lüderitz was once a major hub for diamond extraction, which heavily influenced its development.

Wildlife viewing: The area surrounding Lüderitz is home to various marine animals, such as seals, penguins, and dolphins, making it a popular spot for wildlife tours.

Diaz Point Lighthouse: This lighthouse marks the historic point where Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias first landed on the Namibian coast.

Museum: The Lüderitz Museum showcases the town’s history, including its geological aspects related to diamond mining.

SIGHTS
• Diaz Point Lighthouse
• Felsenkirche Church
• Kolmanskop
• Lüderitz Museum
• Namibia Maritime Museum
• Site of Original Dias Cross

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Lüderitz offers a unique dining scene that blends traditional Namibian cuisine with influences from its German colonial past. Lüderitz is known for its seafood, including oysters, lobster, and mussels. The town also has a German-style confectionary (Schwarzwälder, Kirschtorte, Apfelstrudel) and snacks (Biltong, Droewors, Landjäger, Brötchen).

Divikz Ftlotp Street is a shopping street in Lüderitz.
Lüderitz is a port town in the IlKaras Region of Namibia.
The waterfront near the harbor has been developed with shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities.
The shopping street was used for general shopping by residents of Kolmanskop and nearby mining towns.

Today’s Excursion – Luderitz Walking Orientation
Lüderitz is an isolated town built on a windswept, rocky hillside beside the bay. It is located on the only part of the Namibian coast with a rocky shore. A peninsula with numerous coves juts out of the coast to form the bay. Three small islands – Penguin, Seal, and Flamingo – lie within the bay. Shark Island was once in the bay, but the new harbor development joins it to the mainland. Twelve islands, collectively known as the Penguin Islands, lie in Namibian waters north and south of Lüderitz. Behind the town, a road runs into the interior. It passes Kolmanskop, now a ghost town where diamonds were first mined, before reaching the next village, Aus, which lies 125 km to the east.
Luderitz Walking Tour
We took a walking tour through the town’s barren streets, passing many colonial German-style buildings with their domes, towers, and turrets, steep roofs, oriel windows, embellished gables, bay windows, and Wintergärtens (sunrooms), which provide shelter from the wind.
Luderitz Museum
Visit the Luderitz Museum, which features flora, history, and ethnology exhibits. It also contains information on local Indigenous groups and the diamond mining industry.
Goerke Haus
Other notable buildings visited include the Goerke Haus. Goerke Haus is a grand residence or “diamond palace” built in 1909,
restored to its former glory and furnished with period pieces. Originally the home of Lieutenant Hans Goerke, a German diamond mining company mine inspector, and designed by architect Otto Etrl, it was one of the town’s most expensive properties. Although the building was erected in the art nouveau period (1890-1910), its architecture is not typical of this style. Its ceiling is decorated with impressionistic paintings. A wooden loggia separated the anteroom from which all the other rooms were accessible. Apart from the hall and the arch, the spacious staircase joins the two stories. The arches are supported by a pillar with a Dorian capital and swollen shaft, reminiscent of Egyptian pillars. The colored glass of the staircase shows a flamingo with flowing lines typical of art nouveau, popular in German architecture at the time. All of the rooms were fitted with electrical lights.
Felsenkirche (Church on the Rocks)
Felsenkirche (Church on the Rocks) is the name given to the German Evangelical Lutheran Church built in 1912. The cornerstone was laid on 19 November 1911. The stained-glass windows and the woodwork inside the church are impressive. The pleasing proportions of the church and its verticality of form represent the Vertical Gothic style, popular in the Victorian era, rather than the neo-Gothic style, which was preferred in the German Church at the time. It was designed and built by Albert Bause for the German Evangelical Lutheran congregation. The side windows were donated by members of the aristocracy in Germany, while the altar window was a gift from the German Emperor. The church was claimed as a national monument in 1978.

Dinner was in Atlantide Restaurant

SPANISH FAVOURITES AND MORE
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER CARLOS BONELL

Carlos Bonell was born in London to Spanish parents and studied at the Royal College of Music with John Williams, where he was appointed the youngest-ever professor.
Enjoy tonight with virtuoso guitarist Carlos Bonell.