Feeding a Wild Lemur!
February 11, 2023 in Madagascar
We saw many different kinds of lemurs in Madagascar, but whatever kind is pictured here, are may absolute favorites!
There was no need to squint at them from afar, because these furry fellows hoppedRead more
Holy Tree in Nosy Be
February 11, 2023 in Madagascar
If you remember the plot to the first “Avatar” movie, then certain aspects of the story behind this tremendous tree may sound familiar! Read on:
In 1836, the Queen of the Sakalava tribe plantedRead more
Hellville Market
February 11, 2023 in Madagascar
According to Philippe, the difference between a town and a village in Madagascar is that a town has electricity and a village does not.
We ended our tour of Nosy Be with a visit to the the town ofRead more
Voice of the Sea
February 11, 2023 in Madagascar
Larry and I were chosen to take part in the ship’s Voice of the Sea competition. Larry auditioned with Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind,” while I sang Sarah Brightman’s “Think ofRead more
Blessings from the Chief
February 13, 2023 in Madagascar
The downpour continued as our boat pulled ashore so Lachaka suggested wearing life jackets in lieu or raincoats.
A small crowd of locals met us as we disembarked. If they thought we looked silly inRead more
Breadfuit
February 13, 2023 in Madagascar
You may not think you know what breadfruit looks like, but if you’ve ever seen a Hawaiian shirt, you probably recognize the leaf.
Breadfruit leaves are a popular design motif throughout theRead more
Village House
February 13, 2023, Indian Ocean
As we wandered along the main path through the village, Lachaka waved our group to one side.
“Come this way,” he said, steering us down a narrow walkway.
“Where are we going?” peopleRead more
Flower Children
February 13, 2023 in Madagascar
Our guide on the west side of Madagascar mentioned that, “In your movies, the men give their women flowers for the day of love, but we would never do that here.”
“Why not?” a Swiss womanRead more
Chameleons in Toamasina
February 13, 2023 in Madagascar
Some of the village kids in Madagascar make money by letting tourists like me pose with chameleons.
Another group of kids had some cute little animals in a bucket with a hat nearby for tips. Do youRead more
Pangalanes Canal
February 13, 2023 in Madagascar
Today we docked in Madagascar’s main seaport, Toamasina, and explored the area nearby.
“Toamasina” means “it’s salty” and there’s a funny story behind the name. Many years ago, a manRead more
Toamasina Market
February 13, 2023 in Madagascar
Armed soldiers stood at many intersections in Toamasina, a sight that always makes me uneasy.
The local market was big and bustling. I noticed men with t shirts labeling them as security patrollingRead more
Toamasina Dancers
February 13, 2023 in Madagascar
The people of Toamasina have interacted with sailers for centuries and it was easy to see and hear the European influence in their local culture.
Once again, our ship was met with lively dancers. WeRead more
Rainy Day on Reunion Island
February 14, 2023 in Réunion ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F
We had a mellow day on Reunion Island. The rain made it too foggy to justify a taxi tour, so we took a shuttle into Port Louis and wandered around, instead.
We’d heard that due to the FrenchRead more
Mauritius
February 15, 2023 in Mauritius ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F
We leisurely taxi tour in Mauritius. The town was pretty dingy, but we enjoyed the local market.
Larry bartered long and hard with the man you see in the photo. They were having a good time, though,Read more
Crime in Durban
February 19, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
Of all the places we have visited in our many travels, Durban has the dubious distinction of being the place where the most people we know were mugged!
A trio of friends went for a stroll around 10Read more
A Literal Tidal Pool
February 19, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
When I hear the phrase “tidal pool,” I think of a natural formation at low tide. Here in South Africa, it means a literal swimming pool created at the seaside.
In addition to shark nets, thisRead more
Rough Seas & Broken Bones
February 19, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ 🌙 79 °F
Seas were rough on the way from Durban to Elizabethtown (or Gqerbah, as it seems to be called on the maps!)
Simply walking around the ship was a challenge as it pitched and rolled, but Larry and IRead more
Chaise Lounge Mystery
February 22, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
What’s so great about chaise lounges? Can someone please explain?
I find them uncomfortable, yet judging by the myriad folks I see lounging in them every day, I’m in the minority.
Sure, IRead more
An Elegant Snack
February 22, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
Partway through our game drive, Nick stopped at a pretty overlook where we enjoyed a snack of dried mango, nuts, and some chilled white wine. I don’t usually drink white wine, but this was veryRead more
The Big 5
February 22, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F
Our excursion to Sibuya Game Reserve got off to a dubious start. Not only did our bus smell so strongly of urine that it made my eyes water, but instead of a guide, we were mistakenly given a SpanishRead more
Lions will be lions!
February 22, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
They keep the lions in a separate part of the game reserve at Sibuya. Not only does it have an electric fence, but it has an electrified area on the ground.
As we entered the lion section, Nick toldRead more
Impala for Lunch
February 22, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
After a nearly four hour game drive, we enjoyed a splendid lunch back at Sibuya Game Reserve.
Barbecued impala was featured on the menu along with a lovely pumpkin and garbanzo bean salad and freshRead more
“Wrongway” Crescent Moon
February 22, 2023, Indian Ocean ⋅ 🌙 70 °F
The sky was beautiful tonight! Venus, the moon, and Jupiter were all lined up and so bright that I was able to take photos of them.
Since the ship was moving, it made it a bit of challenge.
WhatRead more
Missing Friend!
February 23, 2023, Indian Ocean ⋅ 🌙 70 °F
We got back to the ship shortly before it was time to leave. As we showered and changed clothes, we heard an announcement over the ship’s loudspeakers.
Long story short: They were trying to findRead more
Table Mountain
February 24, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ 🌙 66 °F
Everywhere you go in Cape Town, Table Mountain looms in the distance.
Some mornings, a cloud layer forms over the flat looking crest of Table Mountain. According to one legend, this is due to theRead more



































































































































































TravelerBe still my heart!😍