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Paris, Africa, Spain, & More
  • Laura Folk
Feb – Apr 2024

Paris, Africa, Spain, & More

A 46-day adventure by Laura Read more
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  • Trip start
    February 29, 2024
    Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    On our way

    February 29, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 3 °C

    The first leg of our journey was from DCA to Philadelphia. The flight was uneventful. We arrived at gate F7. Our departure to Paris was at A 26. We estimate it's about 2 miles. Luckily, a lady with a cart offered us a ride soon after we hit Terminal A. Our gate was the last one. Our flight to Paris was nearly finished boarding when we arrived.

    On a happier note, the airport had been yarn bombed, with rocking chair sweaters and other fiber-licious sights.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Bienvenue a Paris

    March 1, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌬 7 °C

    The flight to Paris was very pleasant- Premium economy suited us well. We arrived and we're pleased that immigration and customs were so easy. Our driver was waiting for us, and we got to see that I-95 in rush hour has nothing on the Parisians. On our way, I received the confirmation boarding pass for the apartment.

    Great! Ready to relax and weather the jet-lag. Until the part where the lock-box where I was supposed to get the key was empty. I called the number on the email, and was told that someone was in the apartment and we couldn't check in until 4 pm. (Only 6 hours...). I was just shy of livid- no offer to help us out in any way- We couldn't even go for a cup of coffee with all our stuff. We sat in the building's vestibule with all our luggage for about half an hour, when a very nice man named François asked what was going on. We told him our sad story.

    François is a gem!!! He offered to let us put our things in his apartment, and gave us keys so we could hang out there until our place is available.

    We finally got into our "apartment." It's truly an efficiency. And very cozy- although lacking the charm that cozy infers. 10x10 is a generous guess- including the efficiency kitchen and washing machine. We can turn around in the bathroom. It apparently was a pest control business.

    We headed out to a restaurant in the block- La Mére Pouches. Open throughout the day. W had onion soup and a cutlet, and fries. I had eggs Benedict with salmon that came with salad. We were tuckered out. After opening the sleeper couch and futilely trying to get the TV to give us anything to watch, we retired early.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Versailles

    March 2, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    We headed to the Metro near our place, and a very nice young woman at the ticket office figured out a route for us-- easier than the one I'd conjured. We went from Nation to Alma -Marcrau on the #9 Meto, then transferred to the train which took us to Versailles. We stopped at a little shop for croissants and bevs, and I found an umbrella for €7. Of course I had one in my luggage- and a rain jacket as well- but did I bring them with me?

    We stood in a line and spoke with a nice couple from Belfast- and then found out we were in the wrong line.

    That put us closer to the beginning of the line we were supposed to be in, and we waited in that one instead. When our turn came, we toured through the Chateau. So many portraits! I wonder how many gallons of paint and linseed oil, and how many miles of canvas.

    After the Chateau, we took a stroll through the gardens- the drizzly day provided a view of what the Impressionists would truly have related to .

    We returned to the area near the train station and picked up gloves, and Wayne got a cap. (Did I mention it was chilly?). Then back to the Madeleine Cafe where we had some sandwiches for lunch before boarding the train back to our place.

    We found a Lidl down the block and around a corner and picked up some snacks. Then back to the room where we tried in vain to get the TV to work🤷‍♀️.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Big Bus and a Cruise on the Seine

    March 3, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    We took the Metro to Place de La Bastille, and had petit dejourner (breakfast) at a cafe on the square. Surprise! A footrace (we think half marathon). We then headed to the Louvre in search of the Big Bus. After a couple of false starts, we found the Big Bus office. I had reserved 48-hour tickets, which included a boat tour. I already reserved a boat tour independently, so double the fun!

    The Bus itinerary was a bit messed up because of the footrace (sorry, no Notre Dame today) and because it was Sunday (sorry) the Champs Elysees was walking only. We didn't have a lot of time, so didn't get off to walk.

    We did get off at the Eiffel Tower, then went to the Brasserie down the block before heading to the river for a boat ride. We'll do another tomorrow, since one comes with the Big Bus 48 hour ticket. We met a lovely young lady and her cousin, who lives in Germany. She's Persian, but has been living in the US for many years, previously in Northern Virginia and now in California. We chatted as we traveled up and down the Seine. There was a beautiful view of the Statue of Liberty replica, lined up with the Eiffel Tower. I missed getting the shot, but it'll live in my memory. Maybe I can capture it tomorrow.

    We bade farewell to our traveling companions, and headed back to our place.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    La Tour Eiffel, No Seine, More Bus

    March 4, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    On the Metro to Alma- then a walk to the Tour Eiffel. We had tickets for noon to the second floor, so entered the security line. Then waited in a line for the elevator. The tram up the side was very interesting. We got off, and were wowed by the views. Since our tickets included champagne, we each had a glass. Picked up some macarons, and took in some more views.

    We set out for lunch and a cruise- and discovered that the Seine is running high, due to our last several days of rain. So the cafe is closed as well. We headed back to the Brasserie of a few days ago. Had a nice lunch- burger for him, Croque Monsieur for me. Hopped on the Hop on Hop Off for a last go-around. We were able to see Note Dame- being repaired, and on her way back to former glory.

    Then back, for a bit of packing and some zzzz's    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Adieu, Paris

    March 5, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    A travel day. After leaving a braided Good Luck plant for François, Raja- our driver from a few days ago, picked us up and transported us to Charles de Gaulle airport.

    We had Business Class (thank you, air miles) and had the time to enjoy the British Airways lounge. On the very short leg from Paris to Heathrow, we were served afternoon tea. With wine. On a 1 hour flight.

    We had to clear immigration and security again at Heathrow. I was confused on time, and thought we were boarding. I was an hour off- we were early🤣.

    We boarded and settled in to our pods. Dinner, and sleep...    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Cape Town- LovelyTea & a Big Scam

    March 6, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    We met our driver at the airport, and he got us safely to the Holiday Inn Express in downtown Cape Town. Our room was ready, so we moved right in. I was very confused on time- my watch said 12:15. I had a moment of panic- we had reservations for Afternoon Tea at noon. I logged in to the Wi-Fi and googled "time in CapeTown." Turns out it was only 10:15. Deep breath.

    The front desk ordered up a cab to take us to the Mount Nelson Hotel. Wow. The Afternoon Tea, which began with sparkling wine, was amazing. In true fashion, we had sandwiches, scones, sweets, and the topper was a cake bar. We had way too much food, and were able to take the extras back with us.

    Good thing, too.

    Later in the evening we went for a walk to the ATM and decided to pop into McDonald's for a quick dinner to take back to the hotel. A guy at the door said they were closing, but that we could order at the kiosk. Big Setup. The kiosks don't take credit cards. We didn't know that... We also didn't know that we were getting scammed. A guy was trying to "help" us, and another guy came over and said he was the manager- and somehow in the middle of all this they took the credit card-- we don't know how/when it happened. One of the McD workers came over when our order would not go through, and she realized right away what happened. I tried to call the credit union, but the call kept dropping. We went to the hotel, where the very nice desk clerk let us use the office for privacy to call back to The States. In less than 1/2 hour, the worms tried to charge over $6000 worth of stuff. NFCU said all those transactions were declined, and had honored the valid ones that preceded the rip-off.

    We ended the evening with a glass of wine. There might actually have been two.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More
    1

    CapeTown-Seals,Penguins,Ostriches....

    March 7, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    And a Baboon. (And, oh by the way, Cape of Good Hope.) What a fantastic day trip from Cape Town.
    We started out with a boat trip to Seal Island- amazing- hundreds (if not thousands) of seal sunning, swimming, and flipping about.
    Then on to Boulders Beach to commune with the penguins. So. Many. Penguins.
    And then proceeded to Cape of Good Hope. We were at the Southwestern most point of Africa- VERY windy.

    We had dinner at Mint in the Taj Hotel. Lovely place, great food. We shared a calamari starter, and had lionfish as our main. Really good.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Cape Town- Checking in to Dawn

    March 8, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Pretty uneventful... Booked a car to take us to the port. We checked in and boarded, then hung out on the 8th deck lounge area til our stateroom was ready.

    A lot of the guests went back ashore, since we're staying overnight. We had dinner & racked out.Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Cape Town- Vineyards and Bo-Kaap

    March 9, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We contacted the driver who brought us back from the Mount Nelson Hotel Afternoon Tea, and set up a tour for our "spare" day in CapeTown. We discussed driving around CapeTown to see Bo-Kaap, going up to Table Mountain, and possibly a wine tasting. I received a text from him saying that he had to take his wife to hospital, but that one of his colleagues would take over if that was ok. It was fine with us. So our Driver was Ciril. The only problem was that in discussing things with the previous driver and us, the only thing that stuck in his mind was wine tasting.

    Not the worst thing.. but Table Mountain is out of the picture now. We will be back in Cape Town for turnaround day, but the cable car will be closed that day so the workers can attend a funeral. My Dad always said we should leave something for the next time.😁

    So we went to two vineyards and tasted some really nice wines.

    The first was Babylonstoren, where we had their Blend, Cabernet, and Shiraz.

    Then to Delaire Graff Estate (Stellenbosch) where we had Shiraz, Merlot, and Botmaskop.

    On the way back we drove through Bo-Kaap.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Mossel Bay- Botlierskop Game Reserve

    March 10, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    What a great day... these are some of the critters we saw today

    Impala, Wildebeastt (gnu), Zebra (a group is called a "Dazzle"), Cape Mountain Water buck. Water antelope Wide mouthed rhino Ostrich Elephants Cheetahs, Lions, Giraffe,Cape Buffalo, Golden gnu, Bontabok (avoiding botfly), wildebeest,burchill or plains zebra, springboks (little ones on the right)Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Port Elizabeth- Keriega Reserve

    March 11, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    We had an early start- grabbed a bite at the Garden Cafe before heading out.

    We had a 1-1/2 hour trip to Keriega where we were greeted with juice and water, then boarded our 4WD vehicles for some critter-watching.

    I accidentally deleted my list of all the animals we saw, but am happy to say we saw a sleeping lion (and the remains of his dinner.) Another high point was watching a parade of Cape Buffalo. We discovered that they were heading to the watering hole for some refreshment and mud-splashing. There were more giraffes there.

    I love the picture of the 2 zebra who look like they're cuddling. In truth, they're looking out for predators.

    There were some rhinos- we couldn't get close.

    There was a lovely lunch prepared for us, (I had ostrich) and the servers sang a couple of welcome songs.

    As we were headed toward our bus, we saw warthogs😁    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Busy Sea Day

    March 12, 2024, Indian Ocean ⋅ 🌬 26 °C

    We started the day with breakfast at O'Sheehans. I headed down to Le Bistro where we had the Cruise Critic Meet & Greet. It was a good group. The officers all came, and we appreciated their time. Afterwards, we had a good discussion, and the members brought up some legit concerns about Excursions. The Guest Services Manager had the Excursion Manager call me, and he addressed our concerns- several of which he had already taken care of.

    In late afternoon we went to the Latitudes reception. Another opportunity to interact with the officers (and snag a glass or two of "red".)

    We had dinner at LaCucina.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Richard's Bay

    March 14, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Well, into each life some rain must fall. And there was a whole lotta rain in the mountains where our excursion to Hluhluwe Reserve was. So much rain that 2 of the 3 buses from the morning excursion got stuck in the mud, and the passengers got back several hours late.

    We counted our blessings and enjoyed a "virtual sea day." Also glad the rain in the port area was enough to keep down the coal dust that was a problem reported on previous visits.

    Gotta roll with what happens    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Durban

    March 14, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ 🌬 22 °C

    We were in Durban for a short day, so we decided to stay aboard.

    We cleared immigration (Departing South Africa), then back onto the ship.

    We went to a really nice Military reception where we got to see the officers again, and get some complimentary glasses of "red."

    Dinner was at Cagney's... Always a good thing.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Walvis Bay

    March 18, 2024 in Namibia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    We got an early start, as we arrived at 6:00 am. Our driver, Andre, was from a Dutch family-the only of his sibs born in Namibia.
    Walvis is the largest natural bay- saw lesser flamingoes
    Salt factory- pink ponds from bacteria in evaporated water/high concentration salt
    We saw tracks of Black backed Jackal

    We drove to Sandwich Harbor, and to the end of the park, where most of our group climbed the Dune. The drivers put out bubbles and bites for us.

    We saw Oryx and Springboks feeding.

    Then back to the ship.

    Dinner was at Le Bistro- yum!    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Cape Town Turnaround Day

    March 20, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Turnaround Day- getting ready for the next cruise. We took a taxi to the area where the cable car goes up to the top of Table Mountain.

    We went through the shopping area near the port, then back aboard. We had a beautiful sunset.Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Walvis Bay Redux

    March 22, 2024 in Namibia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    We did another Walvis Bay excursion- saw some of the same things at the beginning- but the second half was totally different.

    We went to Dune 7 which is a national park. Some of our group climbed up the dune. I, knowing my limitations, stayed down & took pictures.

    We stopped in the desert to see the most amazing plants. At first glance the look like tired old aloe plants. In fact, they are Welwitschia plants- over 1300 years old!!!

    The Moonscape is an area that is breathtaking. Looking at the colors, contours, textures of the rocks, and realizing the millions of years that it took to create it-- so humbling.

    We had lunch in a lovely restaurant in Swakopmund. Wayne & I shared pizza and onion rings. He had a really good lager, too.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Luanda, Angola

    March 25, 2024 in Angola ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Those of us who continued on are in Luanda, Angola today. The people are so happy to have us here. We had a police escort for our excursion (4 small buses)(primarily to get us through traffic). A TV team followed our excursion, and some of us will probably be on the news tonight. Whatever we can do to bring joy☺️😁🤣

    We saw the church of St Mary Nasaré. The ladies were saying the rosary, so we couldn't really go in, but I got a couple of nice pictures through the window.
    The Military Museum & Fort was interesting. The interior building housed the museum, which had beautiful Portuguese tiles- the inner ring was African animals, while the outer focused on humans. There were weapons- Soviet & Cuban.
    We had a Police escort throughout the excursion- we were an "event".
    The Beaches were lovely.
    Our last stop was at the mausoleum of Aughostinho Neto- first president of Angola.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    São Tomé & Principe

    March 27, 2024 in São Tomé and Príncipe ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Today was a tender port. We arrived at the town and went up stone steps to the quay. It was so hot.

    A shuttle took us into the town, where the townspeople put on a dance for us. We walked around a couple of blocks. We went into a shop- interesting- fabric and clothing items, some sewing supplies, and surprisingly pots, pans, and water kettles.

    When we returned to the quay, it was still really hot- one lady needed to lie down in the tender, and the crew was trying to cool her with water.

    Apparently some of our passengers missed boarding time. This will be interesting.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

    March 29, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Abidjan, Ivory Coast... Today was a bit of a bust.
    Firstly, the pilot was very late getting to us. This resulted in our arrival being delayed significantly--a container ship took our time slot to depart. *
    Port Authority came aboard and informed the ship this morning that everyone debarking needed a form with their name printed out on it. (That was a "no-go.." not possible at last minute.) That got somehow negotiated with a blanket form for all passengers being accepted.
    Finally, scheduled excursions-10+ big buses allowed to leave (we weren't on one)
    We waited until a lot of people got off. The plan was to go into the city to walk, shop, and sightsee. We were at the passarelle, when all exit was "suspended".
    A lot of pax had already walked from ship to port exit.
    Then- they couldn't leave port without a shuttle bus. They were told to come back to the ship- a healthy walk in heat across sand.
    Shuttle buses were obtained.
    Then- shuttle buses not allowed off port.
    Then- hours later, apparently sorted, but by this time, most passengers stayed aboard.
    We figured that if there were a misunderstanding with a shop owner or police officer, there might not be a good outcome if things were this confused after all the coordination that NCL had tried to put in place before our arrival.

    Too bad... Many of us were planning to do some serious shopping. Guess they showed us🤷‍♀️

    Late entry- Buses from excursions just arrived- 40 minutes after "all aboard." It will take at least 20 minutes to board them all.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    A Few Days At Sea

    April 1, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We were scheduled to visit Gambia today, but the very shallow port requires entry and departure at high tide- which for our departure would have been at midnight. That's not a problem, but high winds are expected, making it too dangerous.

    So we've had 3 sea days... Fine with me.

    Berte & I had planned to put together an Easter Vigil on Saturday night, but were told that there would be one on the Catholic channel at 9 pm. I guess it was on at 9:00 in another time zone🤷‍♀️

    We've had knitting every Sea Day, and yesterday was Easter. We received a cake in our cabin (with frosting carrots and a bunny butt) from Lale- Food & Bev Mgr. There was a gorgeous bread display in the Garden Cafe yesterday morning. We sat and chatted with a lot of peeps in the 8th deck chairs- Bobbie shared her Easter Bonnet. We joined Ed, Gen & Rilla for dinner in Aqua- Easter dinner of Ham for Wayne, and Lamb for me. Gen & I got a picture with Ron & Randall who were festive'd up for the day.

    Ed & Gen Chesky are friends we made- he Army & she Navy vets. We ended up spending a lot of time with them.

    Annie finished her pearl-beaded shawl, modeled below by Andrea, the Special Events coordinator.

    I'm trying to fend off a cold- spent much of today resting in the stateroom, and "getting my knit on."    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Dakar, Senegal

    April 2, 2024 in Senegal ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We picked quite a day to visit Dakar. The new president was installed today, and we encountered motorcades and all types of interesting things. It seemed that all of Senegal came to Dakar today.
    Our first stop was the cathedral. From the outside it looks like a mosque- but inside, very Catholic. Beautiful windows, and a lovely organ.
    We headed to a market that had lots of interesting things- and I suddenly realized that I don't need anything- and that I don't want to saddle my kids with "stuff." I saw gorgeous totes- but I have way too many totes.

    There was a visit to a small fishing village where the Chief greeted us, and the ladies (representing the numerous wives that the tribal chiefs had in years gone by) danced for us. I loved watching their kids emulating the dance.

    There is a HUGE monument to African Renaissance. Very impressive.
    We stopped outside the largest mosque in Dakar- and then got tied up in more traffic as we passed the Presidential Palace.

    We were ready to get back to the ship. I was tired and skipped dinner.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Santa Cruz de Tenerife

    April 5, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We had a delightful day ashore in Santa Cruz. Weather was perfect. We were berthed between 2 other ships from cruise lines I was not familiar with.
    We walked into the city-- lots of shopping opportunities for those so inclined- high end stores, shoestores, so many perfume stores...
    I happened upon Flying Tiger of Copenhagen where I resisted purchasing a carrot sharpener(!)
    We stopped for some nachos, a sangria for him, and a cafe for me.
    I hit an ATM for future European expenses, and got a small scoop of the most delicious Bailey's gelato.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerParis, Africa, Spain, & More

    Arrecife, Lanzarote

    April 6, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Lots of volcanoes-some 10 -13 million years old. Our excursion took us to Timanfaye National Park. There was volcanic activity in 1800s- Latest activity 1824.

    We had demos of how hot the earth is- not too far down. We were handed hot ash, saw some brush burst into flame when placed in a shallow pit, and geyser-appearing spurts when water was poured into a tubular hole.

    Driving through the park was fascinating. There were black and red ash and rock. There were dramatic contrasts between the very rough huge chunks of lava rock, and the smooth appearance of the ash. (Note- it only look smooth- but very chunky when one wears sandals on an excursion.) I saw some mini-Basalt columns.

    On to the green lake which gets its color from a concentration of algae. It"s really green- also some good views of a black sand beach below the walkway.

    We then proceeded to the wine tasting- or rather wine taste. We had a choice of dry or sweet (only one or the other.) My best guess. is that 10ml is a generous estimate for the volume. So perhaps "wine tasting" is a somewhat embellished description. The identical tour minus the wine was $25 less. (Hmmm..... Expensive tablespoon of not very good wine.)

    On our way back to the ship we saw a monument to the local animals- donkeys, camels, and something else(?). Takes some imagination.

    Back on the 8th deck, my pharmacy was pressed into action- one friend with a cold, another with a girl problem. I live to serve.

    😥We lose an hour tonight.    Read more

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