Before, During, and After my SAS Spring 2011 Voyage: February 2011

One of the "once in a lifetime" experiences we had on ship during this segment was crossing the point where the Prime Meridian intersects the Equator ... the so called "zero-zero" point. A few minutes after noon on Feb 11, the captain advised that we would feel a light bump as we crossed it (his british attempt at humor). It was strangely calm that day at sea, and we marked the occasion with a few photos.

And then there was an elegant "Captain's Dinner," where we enjoyed eight courses of excellent fare and great wine. Quite a departure from the buffet! Below: Captain Jeremy with Liz and I at the mixer beforehand.

Cape Town, Thursday 2/17. We arrived in the waters just off the coast of this great South African city right on time at 0700. Cape Town's allure was just out of our reach as we heard the news that winds were too high and that we would have to bob like a cork in a bathtub for some time before we could successfully enter the harbor. We circled a few miles off coast all day and all night and still could not get into port ...

After about thirty hours within view of the scrumptious Cape Town coastline and sea views of Robben Island (Nelson Mandela's prison home) we finally caught sight of the long awaited pilot boat coming alongside to bring us into port. I'm not sure a pilot boat ever got such a standing ovation from a shipful of passengers!

And so we then entered the wonderful port of Cape Town. Sadly, we arrived too late and our original safari was canceled. However, with a little innovative scrambling, we put together an independent trip to the Inverdoorn Reserve for a two-day mini-safari that was just wonderful.

Inverdoorn "chalet" - very comfortable

This part of the country is called the Karoo, but if I didn't know better I would say San Luis Valley ... right Dad?

Except when you see giraffes, you know you're not in Colorado

Water Buffalo

Wildebeast

Springbok

Cheetah

Rhino

Hippo

Impala

Next was a sunset trip up to Table Mountain on the cable car. There we enjoyed some wine and watched the sunset (almost). Unfortunately the wind grew too strong and they blew the horn to indicate all must ride down or face a posible night on the summit. As you can see we just about got to see the sun set on the Atlantic ocean.

The next day was a well-awaited Habitat for Humanity service trip. It was sad to see the conditions in the townships just outside the downtown and port area. So much wealth ... then this ....

Sarge checks my work inside the front door

We finished all the inside walls on this home

After 9 long days at sea, we knew something was up when, through the fog at 1am on February 6th, we could see a light off in the distance. We could not make it out for certain, but it appeared to be a lighthouse which meant that the continent of Africa was close by. Finally, for the first time in my life, I stepped foot on a part of this planet not directly connected to North America!

The port of Takoradi proved to be less than we expected. The walk to the end of the pier was long (thankfully replaced by a shuttle for the last few days) and dangerous due to equipment. This was definitely a shipping port rather than a tourist pier. At that point we were literally "attacked" by vendors, obviously trained in the market of Accra. We didn't visit Accra, but others who went said the market scene was agressive mayhem. Our small taste at the port was enough for me.

We went for an overnight stay in the city of Winneba, a college town where the University of Education is located. This is the state college which focuses on education and the arts. They put on several drumming, music and generally good fun programs for us while there. These experiences almost made up for the 3 hours (each way) on overloaded buses without air conditioning. We were not quite ready for that! Also, the markets in Winneba were not agressive at all, in fact friendly and welcoming.

Along the road to Winneba

Seaside village

Our group with the Winneba Chief

University of Education School of Music and Performing Arts

Native drumming and percussion sticks performance

Drumming group

The next day I left bright and early on another 3 hours ride (A/C thankfully) to the Habitat for Humanity worksite where we worked on a few houses in the village. It was a blast, even though very hard work, and left me wanting more.

A finished H4H project nearby

Our H4H site

Sarge made the trip and helped

Our "extended family" daughter Rikki went on this project with me

I returned to the ship that evening to learn that due to a problem getting replacement water in Takoradi, there was going to be no water (except for drinking) on the ship from 10 pm until 7 pm the next day. And then 700 showers all at once??? Who knows what would happen after that, so Liz and I decided to take a cab ride to the city of Elmina (a place we had planned to go and see the castles and dungeons from the slave trade days) and find a hotel to spend the night. We ended up at the Coconut Grove Resort right on the beach and luxuriated for the evening and following morning following our castle tour. We loved this little (yeah only 800,000 population) fishing city.