Canary Islands dep. Spain

On Oct 17 “Lyubov Orlova” docksatFunchal on Madeira Island.It is an autonomous region of PORTUGAL with some 275k inhabitants. The islandis a 1,400m high volcano. Our 2 buses climb from the subtropical area at ocean level, past Mediterranean area to forestedtop. The houses cling to the hill-sides. When returning from the top we visit a church in town Monte, where the last Austrian Emperor and the Czech King, Charles I., is buried. Then we take a toboggan (sled) steered by 2 local men going down on cable stone streets. Back in Funchal I do walking on my own. City has a fort still in use by military. Then back to our ship. Next day on ocean.
On Oct 19 our ship is moored in Santa Cruz on the Tenerife Island, part of Canary Islands, an autonomous region of SPAIN.We depart for a whole day trip. From Santa Cruz our bus climbs the mountains to Laguna then to smaller town Esperanza. Later we see the highest point of Canary Islands and of Spain, the 3,717m high volcano Teide Peak. In winter there is snow on it. We enter “Park National del Teide” in a caldera of gigantic volcano.It is a moonscape. After lunch there is a stop at town Orotava with narrow and often steep streets. The last stop is in Puerto de la Cruz which has everything a beach lover would wish for. In the evening I explore Santa Cruz.
Overnight our ship crosses to the nearby island Gomera.There we are at the pier in San Sabastian. Here Columbus stopped in 3 of his 4 passages to America. There is a shore excursion of the island. Again, the island is mountainous and at places the narrow road is cut in the rocky outcropping and goes through several tunnels. Bus is passing through villages. Most of the center of Gomera is a national park. After return to San Sebastian some of us explore the town on our own. I visit an interesting church and let somebody show me the house Columbus stayed in. It is a Casa Colon Museum now. There is a tower in the town, a remnant of a fortress. Our ship leaves Gomera at night.
Next 2.5 days we are on the ocean. Every day lectures.On Oct 23 afternoon “Lyubov Orlova” docks in the Mindelo harbor of San Vincente Island of CAPE VERDE ISLANDS. I take a walk through the town. Next morning, we go for a trip.In the harbor there are 3 shipwrecks. We drive to the “Baia das Gatas.”The hilly countryside lacks any trees or bushes only grass and weeds. After lunch we have another trip to southern part of the island. Cape Verde Islandsare one of the poorest countries of the world.
On Oct 25 we are in Praia on Santiago Island, the capital of CAPE VERDE ISLANDS. A bus and minibuses take us for a day trip of the island. The capital has number of ministerial buildings. Outside the city we are ingreen countryside. We go through several villages. Houses do not have glass in the windows. There are wooden shutters instead. The school children have uniforms. Eventually we return to Praia.
Next 5 days we are on the Atlantic Ocean sailing south-south-east. On Oct 28 our ship crosses the Equator. That is welcomed by the Neptune celebration.
On Oct 31 we reach the Ascension Island (UK).First day we are circumnavigating the island. While there is greenery in the higher eastern part of the island, the lower altitudes are like a moonscape with many volcanic cones. In the afternoon we do birding from zodiacs off a tiny bird island. Underwater cables crisscross the island. The British have a garrison here. The Americans enlarged the runway, so Space Shuttle can land on it. The following morning, we get by zodiac to its only town, Georgetown. Minibuses are taking us around the island. Volcanic surface and no vegetation in lower elevation. A twisting road takes us in the mountains and lush vegetation. After returning from the mountains somebody points to a golf course. Its surface is volcanic sand instead grass. After lunch in a local restaurant we visit a museum. There are interesting collections of BW photographs from last 2 centuries here and old radio parts reminding me start of my carrier in Tesla. In other parts of this museum there are war memorabilia. While strolling the town I notice an “Exiles Club” (none-members welcome), Tesco store, Tourist Center, church, and a beautiful but empty beach. Late in the afternoonback to ship by zodiac. Next 2 days are spent on the ocean with more lectures.
On Nov 4 our ship drops anchor at Jamestown, St. Helena Island (UK). Zodiacs take us to shore. We have a collection of cars for the island tour. I get in a 1929 Chevrolet. We enter Jamestown through a gate in a city wall. There is a “Castle”on left. It was a fort, but it is administration building now. St. James’ Church from 1774 on the right. We are driving up the main street called Parade Groundsbordered by historical buildings. Above town we stop at Ladder Hill Fort. There are many forts on this island. St. Helena is mountainous. Another stop is at “Plantation House,” which is the residence of the governor. The wife of present governor shows us the building. In the garden we see a 200-year tortoise from Galapagos Islands. In higher elevation there is lush vegetation. Near the highest point of the island (818 m) we visit “Longwood House,” where Napoleon lived last 6 years of his life and died in 1821. When returning we see the place (picked-up by Napoleon), where he was buried. In 1840 his remains were brought to Paris. Our last stop is at “Briars Pavilion,” where Napoleon lived 2 monthsafter British brought him to St. Helena. We have free time in Jamestown and lunch in hotel Ambassy the only hotel on the island. There is a walking tour of the town with visits tothe “Court House” and the “Castle.” At 6 PM by zodiac to our ship.
Next 4 days we are sailing the South Atlantic.There are lectures every day. On Nov 9 our ship comes to Tristan da Cunha (UK). In this group there are 4 islands.They are Tristan da Cunha, Inaccessible, Nightingale and Gough.There are large waves and there is no harbor at the village called Edinburgh on Tristan da Cunha. We hope next two days there will be more opportunity to land there. Today we circumnavigate Tristan. The island is a large volcano 2,060 m (6,760 ft.) high. At the sea level there is the village and 3miles away are “The Patches” for growing potatoes, vegetable and even some fruit. After lunch we go on zodiacs to see some waterfalls and nesting birds on the island. The following day the situation is not better. No landing in the village a home to about 300 people. They fish for lobsters, process them and export. They have income from postage stamps, too. In 1961 a volcanic crater opened at the village. All people were evacuated to Scotland. They stayed 2 years there and when volcanic activity stopped they elected toreturn to Tristan. The third day several Tristaneans came to our ship with their souvenirs and stamps. They used a special ship which can take the waves. In the afternoon our ship pulls its anchor and sails south. It circumnavigates Inaccessible Island. Sheer rocks make it inaccessible. Then the Nightingale, where the people from Tristan have cottages. Next day we pass past Gough Island some 350 km southeast of Nightingale. Later our ship crosses to “Roaring Forties” known for stormy weather.
It takes 5 days in “Roaring Forties” & “Furious Fifties” to get to South Georgia. While on our way there, the waves are high. During lectures we sit on floor, because it is dangerous to sit onchairs. On Nov 15 we enter “Furious Fifties” and see first iceberg.
On Nov 16 before midnight our ship docks in town Grytviken on South Georgia Island, UK possession. South Georgia with its high mountain ridge is the most attractive island of South Atlantic. There used to bewhaling stations here and Grytviken was the last. Next day we visit the town with its falling apart whaling equipment, in sun resting fur and elephant seals and like doormen standing in their tuxedos“king penguins.”On local cemetery we see the graveof Antarctictraveler Shackleton.There are 3 people taking care of everything from a small museum and a post office to stamping our passports. Next 3 days our ship sails along the northeast coast of South Georgia visiting several bays, where we see more species of penguins, seals, and birds.
On Nov 21 we take course west and after 3 days on the ocean we come to Falkland Islands, UK, on Nov 24. In the morning there is a shore excursion of Stanley, the capital of the islands. Stanley is partly around a bay and mostly on an incline covered by nice looking houses. We drive through the town in a bus. There is a photo stop at a memorial of the 1982 conflict with Argentina. Thanks to that war the Falkland Islands entered 20th century. Then a visit to a museum and stops at other interesting places.An individual sightseeing of the town follows. Two large islands and many small form Falkland Islands. Next two days we do birding on 4 small islands.
We have a farewell dinner while sailing through Beagle Channel to Ushuaia. In the morning on Nov 28 “Lyubov Orlova” reaches Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, ARGENTINA.Ushuaia is the southernmost city of the world. We take a plane to Buenos Aires where at midafternoon. There is a sightseeing tour of the city. We stop in Recolleta cemetery at the tomb of Evita Peron, then we drive on the main street, “Avenida 9 de Julio,” do another stops at “Parliament” and at “Casa Rosada” a president’s office. The tour ends with a great Argentinian dinner, steak with French fries, vegetable and red wine.
An Aerolineas Argentinas planetakes me for a 10-hr flight to New York, USA, where in the morning on Nov 29. By bus and a subway to Manhattan. This time I do sightseeing of southern tip of the island. I go to Battery Park, then Trinity Church, Wall Street, and the World Trade Center. After that back to the JFK airport. In midafternoon I board a TWA plane for a 5h40m flight to Los Angeles. There I take a car in AVIS for drive home to Vista. I am there at 10PM.

Travel office: “Marine Expedition” through“Star Travel” in Carlsbad Mall
Who took part: 55 tourists, 62 Russian crews, 3 from Marine Exp. and 3 lecturers
The ship: “Lyubov Orlova,” 1,400 tons, 100.2 m long, 16.2 m breadth

After night sailing we find ourselves in Banjul, capital of GAMBIA, in the morning on Dec 11. This narrow country is wedged inside Senegal. During the day trip we visit “Abuko Nature Reserve,” “Makasutu Forest” and a museum in Banjul.
Another day on the ocean. On Dec 13, Freetown, a capital of SIERRA LEONE. This was the first place where Blacks from America were brought back to Africa. There is a sightseeing trip of the capital. Our bus is escorted by 2 motorcycle policemen. When out of this 1 million people city the road goes past beautiful but empty beaches. At one we stop for refreshment. Pleasant music and interesting dances performed by a local group. For lunch we are in a nice hotel while getting an interesting speech of American ambassador to Sierra Leone. On the end of the tour is a visit to “National Rail Museum.”
The following day afternoon we should visit Monrovia in Liberia. Our ship is waiting several hours for a Liberian pilot to take our ship into the harbor, but nobody shows up, so we leave for our next destination. It is a disappointment. Next almost 2 days Corinthian II. rounds Africa to Gulf of Guinea.
At noon on Dec 16 we land in Takoradi, GHANA. In the afternoon there is a bus trip through towns Takoradi and Sekondi. Next day another trip from Takoradi on the main highway along the coast east visiting local villages and an impressive fortress, “Cape Coast Castle,” started 1652 by Swedes and finish by British. Served for slaves to be sent to Americas and the British ruled Gold Coast from here until 1876 when they moved the capital to Accra. After lunch we see the “Emina Castle” and its “St. Jago” fort. At night Corinthian II. sailed to another Ghana harbor, Tema. In the morning on Dec 18 a bus tour to sightsee the 3 mil. people capital Accra. Among other places we stop at the extensive “Memorial Park” of the first president Kwame Nkrumah. The following 2 days in Tema we make a visit to “Shai Game Reserve” to see animals, later to a beads factory and the second day to a “Aburi Botanical Gardens” and “Mompong Center” for herbal medicine.
On Dec 21 morning our ship is moored at a pier in Lome, TOGO. Next two days we are in this on the map skinny country. There are 2 armed policemen in our bus. First visit is to a royal palace where we hear speech of the local king then a local school. In the afternoon there is a sightseeing of the capital Lome including a woodoo market. Next day morning a visit to a village with another king. In the afternoon a voodoo village s voodoo ceremony.
On Dec 23 morning our ship moves to the next country BENIN. We are in the harbor of its largest city Cotonou. There is a trip to the capital of Benin, Porto Novo, on the border with Nigeria. Again we have 2 armed policemen in each bus. One has a machine gun. The buses are escoted by motorcycle policemen. We visit an ethnographic museum in Porto Novo. Later we stop at Honme Museum, where the kings used to live. Afternoon trip is to Ganvie a village built on stilts in a large lake. We get there on a local boats. I have been here 9 years ago coming from Mali through Burkina Faso in a 4WD car.
Then we spend a day on the Gulf of Guinea, a day filled with lectures as always when on the ocean. On Dec 25 Corinthian II. put anchor at Limbe in CAMEROON. This is an English speaking part of this country which joined the French speaking one during the decolonization. The rest of the British Cameroon joined Nigeria. In the morning a visit to oil palm plantations and then we stop at a tea plantation and see the processing of tea leaves. Later on we see a palace, where a German governor had a seat, when Cameroon belonged to Germany before WWI. In the afternoon there is a stop at lava flow from 1999 when Mt. Cameroon erupted. The volcano is in the clouds above us. We also visit a collection of apes and monkeys in a zoo.
On Dec 26 morning we get to shore on zodiacs. Our ship anchors in Kribi in the French part of Cameroon. The countryside is covered by a rain forest. First on buses then on Lobe River we board boats of local pygmies a go to visit their village deep in the forest. There are not as small I thought the pygmies might be. They are hunters and gatherers and their children don’t go to school. In the afternoon we visit waterfalls on Lobe River. They fall practically into the ocean.
Our next visited place is an island country SAO TOME & PRINCIPE in the Gulf of Guinea. It used to be a Portugal colony. Originally uninhabited islands were used by the Portuguese over 500 years for coffee and cacao plantations. The work force was brought from Africa. The revolution in Portugal in 1975 withdraw that country from its colonies and the whole system collapsed. On Dec 27 we come to the Island of Principe. Again using zodiacs we get on the island. Four vans take us around the island. The following day a visit to the bigger Sao Tome Island where 160 thousand out of 200 thousand people of the country live. A tour around the island. High humidity and temperature. A stop at a waterfalls. We learn about the coffee production. Local women dancing in the street. A visit to a museum in an old Portuguese fort and local villages.
On Dec 29 we are back at the African continent in Libreville, GABON, practically on the Equator. In the morning there is a sightseeing of Libreville. At noon a lunch break some 40 km outside Libreville. Here we have an interesting talk with 7 employees of American embassy about their work in this country. In the afternoon, a visit of Monday Forest.
Another day on Atlantic Ocean with several lectures. On Dec 31 in Pointe-Noire, REPUBLIC of CONGO. This used to be a major French colony. Its capital is Brazzaville. Our bus goes through Pointe-Noire on its main drag, Blvd. De Gaulle, bordered by important buildings. We see a soccer stadium built by Chinese. Out of the city our bus follows the highway to Gabon. At noon, some 25 km from Pointe-Noire, we leave the bus and enter Diosso Gorge reminding Badlands in So. Dakota. Close by we see a museum which used to be a residence of Loando kings. Interesting was the royal succession: from the king to his nephew. After lunch in a beach hotel back to our ship.
Originally we were to enter the Congo River, but that was cancelled due to possible pirates on the river. Then there were to be 2 stops in Angola (Luanda and Lobito), but according to the information those harbors do not work around the first of the year. So we have now 3 days on the ocean going south to Namibia.
At noon on Jan 4, 2011 Corinthian II. lands at Walvis Bay in NAMIBIA. Until WWI it was a German colony, then it was run by South Africa and from 1990 it is an independent country. There is a bus tour to Swakopmund in the afternoon. Until quite recently the streets of this city carried names from the German era. The main street was “Kaiser Wilhelm Strasse.” Now it is “Sam Nujoma Avenue,” named after a Swapo member. There are high sand dunes near Walvis Bay. We have a dinner in a large tent under “Dune #7,” which is with its 800 m the highest. Next morning a trip in 4WD’s south to salt ponds, the coast and making runs among dunes. After lunch a visit to a township.
On Jan 6 we leave our ship and fly from Walvis Bay to Cape Town in SOUTH AFRICA. Our accommodation is in a 5* hotel “Mount Nelson.” The following day we take a cable car to the Table Mountain, visit the Peninsula with the Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Later a visit to the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The last day morning a wine tasting in Stellenbosch wine area outside Cape Town.
Early in the morning on Jan 9 I am taking a KLM plane from Cape Town to Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS, where in the afternoon. Due to 2.5 hour delay at departure I missed my plane to Los Angeles. On account of KLM I am spending a night in a hotel here. In the evening I take a train from the airport to downtown Amsterdam for a little sightseeing there. Next day, Jan 10, before noon I fly from Amsterdam to Los Angeles. Here I rent a car and drive home to Vista where just after 5 PM the same day after 42 days traveling.

Travel office: “Destinations & Adventures” and “Travel Dynamics International”
Who took part: Nov 30 through Dec 19 there were 59 passengers in 49 cabins, in addition there were 2 lecturers with wives and 4 people from Travel Dynamics who directed the trip. On Dec 19 some passengers and people from Travel Dynamic left and new came on board.
Corinthian II: The ship had 57 cabins each could take 2 passengers (so max 114 passengers). Gross Tonnage: 4,200; Length: 297 ft. (90 m); Beam: 50 ft. (15 m).