2nd Half Test for the World Cruise

The blog invites readers to take a quiz about the World Cruise, testing knowledge on destinations visited. Answers can be found through research or previous posts. Topics include unique wildlife, historical sites, and cultural events. Participants are encouraged to submit their answers for grading, aiming for an engaging experience.

Puerto Rico 5/6/2025

Nana showcased her watercolor paintings and performed at the guest talent show during the cruise. Following this, the family explored San Juan, appreciating its history, vibrant architecture, and warm atmosphere. They enjoyed local culture, tried a GPS-guided app, and savored piña coladas before preparing to disembark. Two more blogs are planned.

Lisbon, Portugal 4/28/25

Today, we met our son-in-law’s parents in Portugal while on a cruise. After navigating a city-wide power outage during lunch, we enjoyed city exploration and gifts exchanged. Despite delays due to the outage, we returned to the ship before departure. Tomorrow, we arrive in Tangiers with time constraints.

Gibraltar – 4/10/25

Gibraltar has a rich history, featuring Neanderthal fossils and influences from the Phoenicians to the Moors. It became a British Overseas Territory in 1713 after the War of the Spanish Succession. Today, it has a stable economy and a population of 30,000. Challenges in family dynamics and exploration during a visit are also highlighted in their experiences.

Santa Cruz, Canary Islands 4/7/25

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife in the Canary Islands (Spain), has a rich and fascinating history shaped by its strategic location in the Atlantic Ocean.  Before the Spanish arrived, the island was inhabited by the Guanches, an indigenous people of Berber origin. They lived in small communities and had a tribal society.…

Prai Ilha de Santiago 4/4/25

Santiago Island called “The Cradle of Cape Verde” was discovered by the Portuguese in 1460, Santiago was the first island of Cape Verde to be settled. Its strategic location in the Atlantic Ocean made it an important hub for trade — especially during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The first city founded was Ribeira Grande (now…

Walvis Bay, Namibia – 3/28/25

Walvis Bay, a coastal city in Namibia, is known for its natural deep-water harbor and vibrant marine life, driving its economy through fishing and offshore oil exploration, especially after the 2022 TotalEnergies discovery. Tourists are attracted to its unique wildlife, including seals and oysters, but environmental debates persist regarding offshore diamond mining impacts.

Cape Town 3/25-26 25

Cape Town offers stunning views of Table Mountain and has a rich, complex history, reflected in its socio-economic disparities. The visit included a scenic bus tour, a harbor cruise, and a trip to Groot Constantia winery, highlighting cultural and historical experiences.

La Possession, Reunion  – 3/17/25

La Possession, a commune on Réunion Island, has evolved from a small settlement to a thriving community of over 30,000 residents since its establishment in 1890. It features the dramatic Mafate caldera, historical sites, and faces challenges like Cyclone Garance’s devastation. Visitors enjoy hiking, urban development, and cultural heritage activities.

Port Louis, Mauritius 3/16/25

Yesterday, Papa attended magic lessons onboard a ship, hoping to perform tricks during his next visit. In Port Louis, Mauritius, a city with a rich history, we explored sites like the Chinese Pagoda and Father Laval’s shrine. The day highlighted cultural diversity, with Hindu ceremonies and local scouts engaged in cleanup efforts.