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.
Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, has a rich and layered history that blends maritime significance, piracy, volcanic activity, and cultural evolution. Lancelotto Malocello, an Italian navigator, is credited with rediscovering the island for Europe in 1312, giving his name to Lanzarote. The Norman nobleman Jean de Béthencourt led the Spanish conquest…
Nana performed a ukulele concert on their sea day before arriving in Richards Bay, a vibrant South African port city known for coal exports and industrial activities. Papa went on a safari at Tala Game Reserve while Nana relaxed. They discussed South Africa’s political climate, especially the controversial Expropriation Act.
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.
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.
The King Neptune Ceremony was celebrated on a cruise ship, marking the transformation of first-time equator crossers into seasoned sailors. The event featured humor and trials under King Neptune’s watch. Later, in Seychelles, the family explored local attractions including a Botanical Garden, enjoyed a sunset cruise, and faced slow internet.
Today, we visited the Maldives, a stunning travel destination made up of 1,192 coral islands. We explored Bandos Island Resort, renowned for its overwater bungalows and clear waters, perfect for snorkeling. Afterward, we returned to Malé and prepared for our next journey to Africa while managing ongoing work projects.
Yesterday was the Project Linus auction on the ship. Project Linus is non-profit that makes blankets for sick children in the hospital. They buy the yarn via the auction on each World Cruise and then use the yarn the next year to make new blankets. The blankets are knitted by people on the cruise. Everywhere…
Papa Top 5 – 1st Half Nana Top 5 – 1st Half
Here is a quiz from my blogs for the first half of our cruise. Yesterday was hump day (half way point) of our cruise. Nana and I are enjoying the cruise and there is something new each day. I challenge each of my grandchildren to fill one out. If you want you can do the…
papa carney 