photos

Mochuda, Eid and down on the farm

We've been very busy since my last update, unfortunately I'm on a computer that won't let me upload photos  but the photographic evidence will be posted soon.

We visited the neighbouring town of Mochuda and learned all about the Bakatla tribe at the museum there. This was really interesting, lots of artefacts and photos to look at and a helpful guide, who was patient and helpful as Rich asked his usual number of questions. We went to the launch of a new diamond cut, the Swana at the posh shopping mall and have wangled a trip to see diamonds being cut, polished etc. Friday was Eid and Richard and I had to dress appropriately to visit the priest and his family ( not sure I should post this photo- we make very convincing muslims and I don't want to alarm anyone). We then had to spend the day feasting and meeting hundreds of Iqbal and Waheeda's relatives at various lunch and supper venues. I think I've got the family tree sorted now although confusingly Iqbal's youngest sister and his niece are very similar looking. The food was mazing but old greedy guts here was defeated and had to go home early with tummy ache!
Saturday morning we left bright and early for Iqbal's game far, about an hour and a half away. This was a fantastic experience and really got us in the mood for our safari proper next week. We spotted giraffes, impala, wilder beast, kourou, stern bok, gem bok and some exciting birds including a horn bill which is quite rare and a Kori bustard which was huge. The biggest highlight for me was getting on a horse after 35 years and cantering to my heart's content. I enjoyed it so much that I went back twice for more. I'm completely hooked and can't wait to get back into the saddle again. We're now back in Gabs and Richard and Iqbal are watching the Liverpool match, I'm hoping to catch a bit of Torres later too. Can't believe we have only been here a week, we have done so much already and we still have lots to look forwards to. We have a 4.30 start on Wednesday to get to Maun and then onto the Okavango Delta. I have no idea what internet access will be like but I'm hoping the first and last lodge will have some wi-fi. I will also try and upoad some photos.

Early days in Gabarone

The wi-fi seems stable at the moment so can just update on our movements since Sunday night. We have been very well looked after by Iqbal and Wahida, who have shown us around the game reserve in the city and taken us to the Livingstone Memorial just outside the city. Gabarone is very modern in places but is not like a European city with a dedicated town centre. There are lots of Western style shopping malls and Nandos is very big here.
Iqbal's  business is diagnostic testing and yesterday we went to his lab where we gave some of our blood to be tested. One of us found this a bit overwhelming and had to lie down on the floor, complaining of feeling faint. I'm not mentioning any names..but it wasn't me. We are celebrating Eid with the family on Friday which will involve a very early morning trip to the Mosque and then a huge family meal ( there is an extended family of over 100). We are spending the weekend at Iqbal's game farm, where we hope to see leopards  and cheetahs and then on Wednesday we travel to the north on safari-we're going firstly to the Okavang and then to Chobe...as well as a quick hop into Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls.We will be back in Gabs on the 12th Nov. I can't believe I was ever on a ship, let alone in Antwerp for a week. Richard and I are still talking and now that we are staying at the house we have separate rooms at last bliss:)

Ship Shape

Days travelled-27
Ports visited -2
Miles travelled-5437
Equator crossed- October 9th but it was touch and go as the engine broke down and we just drifted     over.
Visits to Bridge- 80
Abandon Ship drills- 3 (only drills!!)
Wildlife sightings- dolphins, turtle, flying fish, shearwaters, seals
Imaginary bird sightings- 1
Polish words learned- 50.( including useful words like frog and net curtains)
Polish Grammar mastered- 0 (contrary to book purchased on Amazon Polish is not easy!)
Number of times teased about puchase of above book- 50
Number of Polish history facts learned- 50 (thanks to our helpful and knowledgable steward Mareck)
Time taken to learn that the answer to all Mareck's questions is Poland- 2 hours
Books read - 11 ( including David Copperfield which is very long)
Box sets consumed- 5 (also watched a few films, Richard LOVED Bad Ass)
Calories consumed- too many to mention. Polish food is filling and fattening
Parties attended -2, one on land and one Neptune Party on board. Richard leaves at 9.30 and Ali parties until 3.30.
Photos deleted after Neptune party - 5
Hangovers- 1 (see above)
Days spend wishing she was not on a ship- 1 (see above)
Attempts to blame hangover on seasickness- 10
People convinced by attempts - 0
Richard's obsessions- Man flu, iron deficiency,roughage intake, cement mixer (location of), horizon ( calculation of distance from ship) code word puzzles.
Arguments with Rich- 1/2 ( geography rather than obsession related)
Overall experience- 9/10
Likelihood of repeating the experience- 80%
Likelyhood of spelling likeli hood correctly- 0%

At its best the journey was relaxing, peaceful and full of laughs. It really is just you and the vast vast ocean. At its worst it could be boring, same old faces, same old routine and I underestimated how much I would miss my friends and family. But the worst moments were few and far between and in my case post Neptune Party related.It was a drag being stuck outside Walvis Bay for 4 days but it was better than being at work!

We are now in Botswana, after a brief stop over in Windhoek Namibia. We have experienced minibus travel Africa style which had its hairy moments, mainly due to some fellow passenger necking whisky and beer during the whole journey but the last 2 days have found us in the lapof luxury. Richard's friend Iqbal and his family have welcomed us with open arms and have planned an amazing trip for us while we are here. We feel very lucky.