Category: John & Sandy

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Durban, on the Southeast coast of South Africa, in the Southern Indian Ocean.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA
The Surf City
What about South Africa’s third most popular city draws people so much? Is it the vibrant waterfront, complete with street performers and sand artists? Is it the melting pot of ethnicity, with all cultures from Zulu to Indian finding a home here? Is it the laid-back lifestyle that has locals calling it simply “Durbs”? Is it the sweeping landscape? The clement climate? One visit to Durban will quickly make you see why people love it, so it combines all of the above.

Durban has always been a beach city, but the massive investment in the 2010 World Cup put it on the map. A huge revamp of the promenade has brought some fantastic eateries that serve up all kinds of “chow,” from traditional bunny chow to bobotie (a sweet spiced mince dish with egg topping). Expect Asian influences wherever you go, too. Durban has the largest Indian population outside of India.

Although there is little evidence, it is known that the city of eThekwini – Durban in Zulu – was inhabited by hunter-gatherers thousands of years ago. It was first sighted by Vasco de Gamma in 1497, but it was not until 1824 that the British settlers raised the Union Jack. This was after King Shaka gifted a “25-mile strip of coast a hundred miles in depth” to Henry Francis Fynn after Fynn helped him recover from a stab wound. It remained part of the British Commonwealth until 1960 when it became part of the Republic of South Africa. The city’s Euro-African heritage remains to this day.

SIGHTS
• Durban Beach Front
• Durban Botanic Gardens
• Durban City Hall
• Durban Natural Science Museum
• Hollywoodbets Kings
• Park Stadium
• Kwa Muhle Museum
• Mitchell Park Zoo
• Moses Mabhida Stadium
• Phansi Museum
• PheZulu Safari Park
• Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple
• Ushaka Beach
• Umgeni River Bird Park
• Wilson’s Wharf

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Gateway Theatre of Shopping is the ultimate shopping, leisure, and entertainment haven! Gateway is the largest retail
destination in the city, offering an unrivaled experience that caters to all ages and interests.

The Victoria Street Market, where the scents of spices and the vibrancy of local crafts create an unforgettable experience.
The bunny chow – the Durban specialty – is unique to the city and consists of a quarter loaf of bread hollowed out and filled
with a curry of your choice. The dish is also called a ‘kota’ in many parts of the country. The original bunny chows were made
only with vegetarian fillings known as bean bunnies.

Today’s Excursion – A Glimpse into Durban’s Indian Heritage
This tour showcases the endemic and richly layered Indian influence in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This unique experience aims to
highlight the significant contributions of Indians in South Africa. Learn all there is to know about Durban’s Indian Heritage
during this half-day day exploration tour.

The Spice Emporium and Durban History Museum
What a fantastic experience! You can technically get anything you want in this spice place. Think you are in India and explore. They have an incredible selection of spices from all corners of India.

Shree Vishnu Temple
With its giant statue of Lord Hanuman. The statue is the height of a 3-story building, the largest in Africa.

Hare Krishna Temple & Gandhi Centenary Park
Next, proceed to the largest temple in Southern Africa, the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (Hare Krishna Temple or
the Temple of Understanding). Situated approximately 20km south of the Durban City Centre, its three domes of white and
gold rise above a dazzling octagonal roof. The temple has been acclaimed as an architectural masterpiece and a spiritual
wonderland. Following your visit, a short walk opposite the temple sets you on exploring the Ghandi Centenary Park.

Durban Scenes

PERFORMANCE OF THE ZULU WARRIORS

Experience the electrifying energy of the Zulu warriors as they perform a powerful dance, seamlessly blending traditional rhythms with stunning gymnastics. The dynamic drumming sets the stage, pulsating through
the air and captivating your senses. Each movement is infused with strength and grace, drawing you to the edge of your seat.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Post Louis, Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean.

PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS
The tragic fate of the Dodo
First documented by Dutch sailors in 1598, the dodo, a remarkable bird native to Mauritius, was a true wonder of the natural world. Standing nearly a meter tall, its robust body was cloaked in greyish feathers, while its tail featured a charming tuft of curly white plumes. The dodo’s prominent hooked beak suggested a diet rich in hard-shelled fruits. As a flightless bird, it boasted short, sturdy legs and diminutive wings, a testament to its evolution in an environment free from ground-based predators.

Renowned for its bold and unhurried demeanor, the dodo’s behavior likely stemmed from the absence of threats in its habitat. Its distinctive squawking call added a unique note to the symphony of sounds in the Mauritian jungle. This ground-dwelling bird primarily feasted on fallen fruits and made its nests in the natural clearings of the lush forests.

However, humans’ arrival on this untouched island marked the beginning of the dodo’s tragic end. Its fearless nature and inability to fly rendered it an easy target for hunters. At the same time, its eggs and young were vulnerable to invasive species like rats, monkeys, and pigs brought by settlers. The last confirmed sighting of the dodo occurred in 1662, leading to its tragic extinction in just 64 years.

The loss of the dodo had significant repercussions for the island’s ecosystem. The Tambalacoque tree, also indigenous to Mauritius, faced severe decline. The seeds of this tree relied on the dodo for a natural process that aided their germination as they passed through the bird’s digestive system. With the dodo gone, the number of young saplings of the Tambalacoque tree plummeted.

The story of the dodo and its connection to the Tambalacoque tree highlights nature’s fragile balance and poignantly reminds us of our responsibility to safeguard the planet’s wildlife and biodiversity.

SIGHTS
• Fort Adelaide
• Champ de Mars
• Natural History museum
• Marie Reine de la Paix
• Aapravasi Ghat
• Kaylasson Temple
• Le Jardin de la Vanille et l’Epice
• Blue Penny Museum

SHOPPING
Le Caudan Waterfront – Offers exciting shopping and entertainment venues intermingled with excellent hotels and restaurants overlooking the Port Louis Harbour.

Port Louis Market—The Port Louis Main Market (also known as the Port Louis Main Bazaar) is a treat with its exotic fruit and vegetables, clothing, wooden and traditional handicraft products, local jewelry, and souvenirs at very low prices.

Chinatown—Located in the heart of the city, this area is filled with shops selling Chinese and Far Eastern goods.

Today’s Excursion – Island Highlights

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden (SSRBG) covers an area of about 37.5 hectares, constituting various attractions in terms of flora and fauna of both terrestrial and aquatic origins. The origin of the SSRBG dates back to the French period. In 1736, the French Governor, Mahé de Labourdonnais, set up his domain around the present garden Main Gate. In 1767, the French Intendant Pierre Poivre, the garden’s creator, introduced vegetables, fruits, flowers, and spices from all over the world. It is the oldest Botanic Garden in the Southern Hemisphere.

Hilltop Fort

The hilltop fort in Mauritius is Fort Adelaide, also known as “La Citadelle. ” Located in Port Louis, it offers panoramic views of the city and harbor from its elevated position on a hilltop. The fort was built by the British and named after Queen Adelaide. 

Maison Eureka

The visit to the Eureka Mansion and its gardens provides an intriguing glimpse into colonial life. The house is filled with antiques and photos of the period. It also has a magnificent garden surrounded by waterfalls of the Moka River.

6:15 – World Cruises Cocktail Party

Turkish Family-Style Dinner

Tonight’s dinner was a Turkish Family-Style Dinner in La Terrazza Restaurant.

ENCORE PERFORMANCE BY VIRTUOSO PIANIST
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER TIAN JIANG

As one of the world’s most captivating and versatile musicians, pianist Tian Jiang instantly connects with his audience. The New York Times characterized his playing as: “Shining, crisp, energetic and colorfully illuminated”.

Tonight, his performance included Andrew Lloyd Webber, Italian Opera, Rachmaninoff, and a movie hits medley.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Port Louis, Mauritius.

PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS
A vibrant cultural mix
Located just off the east coast of Madagascar, Mauritius is fast making a name for itself as the tropical paradise of the Indian Ocean. A volcanic island approximately 10 million years old, Mauritius is thought to be the peak of an enormous sunken volcanic chain stretching from the Seychelles to Réunion. Volcanic lakes and inactive craters can be found scattered throughout the island.

Mauritius also boasts a unique marine environment. Surrounded by one of the most extensive unbroken coral reefs, conservationists are campaigning to protect its white coral sand beaches and fragile ecosystem.

Although it can be found on the maps of early Arab mariners, Mauritius remained uninhabited until the end of the 16th century. Portuguese became the first European visitors in 1510. However, they did not lay claim to the island. 1598, Dutch colonists settled on the island, naming it after Prince Maurice of Nassau. The Dutch colonial period saw the development of thriving sugar cane plantations, the decimation of the ebony forests, and the extinction of the dodo bird and other indigenous wildlife. Eventually abandoning their settlement in 1710, Mauritius lay unclaimed until the arrival of the French five years later. French continued the cultivation of sugar, indigo, cloves, nutmeg, and other spices, retaining possession of the island until 1810 when it was ceded to Britain at the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

Mauritius is now a vibrant cultural mix with impressive mountains, boundless sugar cane plantations, and some of the most exquisite beaches and aquamarine lagoons.

SIGHTS
• Fort Adelaide
• Champ de Mars
• Natural History museum

• Marie Reine de la Paix

• Aapravasi Ghat
• Kaylasson Temple
• Le Jardin de la Vanille et l’Epice
• Blue Penny Museum

SHOPPING
Le Caudan Waterfront – Offers exciting shopping and entertainment venues intermingled with excellent hotels and restaurants overlooking the Port Louis Harbour.

Port Louis Market—The Port Louis Main Market (also known as the Port Louis Main Bazaar) is a treat with its exotic fruit and vegetables, clothing, wooden and traditional handicraft products, local jewelry, and souvenirs at very low prices.

Chinatown—Located in the heart of the city, this area is filled with shops selling Chinese and Far Eastern goods.

Today’s Excursion involved exploring on our own, using the shuttle bus from the cruise terminal to the Caudan Waterfront.

Tonight’s dinner was in Alantide Restaurant.

BOOGIE FEVER – Tonight’s Show – POOL DECK, DECK 10
We put on our boogie shoes and felt the heat in our feet as we joined the Silversea Band, Singers, and Dancers for some disco fever and explosive dance moves. We got our toes tapping and heads bobbing!