Where in the World are Dave and Elizabeth?

 We had a beautiful day in Cape Verde (also known as Cabo Verde). These islands were uninhabited until the Portuguese arrived in the fifteenth century.  People still speak Portuguese and a Creole tongue, as well.   This colorful wall attached to the art museum is made of lids for 50 gallon oil drums. A few of the lids are attached in a way that they can function as louvers.  Dave and I took a shuttle a short way into town and walked around some.  We took a taxi about 30 minutes out of town to Plaia de Sao Pedro.  I walked the beach and hung out at Moreno Beach Club; Dave hiked 2 miles along the cliffs to visit a lighthouse.  When he got there, the lighthouse keeper was delighted to have company. He gave Dave a tour and offered him lunch, but Dave told him I was waiting and hiked back to have lunch with me.   This is part of the trail that Dave took, which is like that all the way.  The keeper (actually a live-in security guard for this non functioning lighthouse) has to haul his grocer

This morning, the air in Banjul and over the water was so smoky that you couldn’t see the horizon. Unfortunately, the residents of the city suffer health problems from the . poor air quality.  The view from our balcony of three black ships against the pale gray of the smog and sea was dramatic. Dave and I and friends from the boat took a shuttle to the sprawling Albert Market section of town.  This is Alisha, who operates a booth.  The stalls down this alley were devoted to food.  We had to turn back, as the odors of fish and other items sitting in heat, combined with the smoky air, made it hard for a couple of people to breathe. This woman sold fabric, among other things.  Even after having been to the market, I am not sure how it lays out.  The center seems to be a large colonial building and a main thoroughfare lined with local shops. These are not upscale outfits, but are specialized stores selling the necessities of life, such as appliances or clothing.  Our driver took us further

 There is still much to blog about — Capetown is one of the most beautiful spots in the world, I think. Namibia was fascinating, with its desert and oasis. But, I am taking a pause from the amazing places to talk about some fun happenings on the ship.  Here is my new look:  Just kidding!!  April 27th was Kings day in Holland, and our Holland America ship celebrated.  Sunday night was the farewell cocktail party hosted by Cruise Specialists, our travel agency. CS specializes in world cruises or otherwise longer trips, and they had three of their people — Keith, Suzy, and Tom — aboard to help us all along the way.  CS truly goes out of the way to make sure that their clients are happy, safe, and presented with opportunities for adventure.  Tomorrow marks twelve days to home!  See you soon! 

Hello from Ghana. Today is King Day for Holland, so the crew and lots of guests (even non-Dutch guests) are wearing orange.  Some just have a small amount; others are in orange from head to toe.  Tonight, there will be a celebration.    Earlier, Dave and I strolled through a dockside, makeshift market filled with dresses and  shirts in colorful patterns, beautiful wooden bowls and carvings, paintings, and Ghana’s famous beadwork jewelry.  Even though we didn’t venture far, we were ready to come in from the steam oven heat and the blinding sun.  One beautiful young lady who was selling at a booth was standing in the full sun.  She was sweating so that the grandmother in me wanted to fuss over her and fuss over her and get her into the shade.  But, I refrained from over mothering a stranger.  I saw a beautiful stool that I wanted, but couldn’t figure out how to get it home.  To ship it would probably cost more than to buy it.  There are floor windows on either side of the ship’s bridge.