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.WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016: LATEST SCOOP FROM DURBAN, SOUTH A F R I K A. All the way from Port Elizabeth to Durban we could see land. The weather forecast for Durban: cloudy and morning showers. But even here in this part of the world, that doesn't mean a thing, because it was a glorious sunny day. Lucky us! Or should I say…. unlucky us? The Durban pilot who was supposed to meet us out at sea at 6 am must have overslept and didn’t show up until the helicopter dropped him off at 7 am. What a maneuver that was. That of course meant, that all the excursions were delayed. Some people were not happy campers. Though to us it didn’t matter since we didn’t have a tour booked. Instead, we opted for a shuttle to take us to the Ushaka Market and the beach.

Durban is the 3^rd largest city in South Africa. First is Johannesburg and second is Cape Town. It also has one of the largest industrial ports. The pier is an industrial one and our last port/city in South Africa. No such thing as walking off the ship and going sightseeing on foot .  We were strongly advised not to wander off into the city unless we had a city tour booked. Since Jim felt like his old self again (and because he gifted me with his ailment) we were glad we didn’t book a tour, but had shuttle tickets to the beach area. Just walking along the beach was very relaxing. This time I kept an eye on those incoming waves and only got my feet wet. We noticed, that we were closer to the equator, because by noon we felt the heat and humidity. We strolled into the shade of the Ushaka Marine World Mall where there were shops, street vendors and restaurants. After a while, Jim heard the buffet at the ship calling and returned with the shuttle. Since we were in a safe place, I stayed behind and enjoyed watching the hustle and the bustle of the place. Jim gave me the rest of his South African Rands and I treated myself to a pedicure and foot massage at a spa and relaxed with a cup of ginger tea with honey. The young African lady did an excellent job. Rejuvenated, I made my way to the shuttle bus and arrived at the pier an hour before the ship went out to sea . Before getting back on the ship, everybody was required to go through immigration and hand in our passports.  

Now, we are on a bumpy ride to the French Island Reunion. It will take 3 days and is North East from Durban, just east of Madagascar. In other words, we have left South Africa for good and heading back to Australia. Fremantle (Perth), here we come!

Because the Indian Ocean is on the rough side, which doesn’t bother Jim nor me, the barf bags are displayed everywhere on the ship. The only thing I am trying to get rid of is this head cold. The three days out at the sea should do the trick. I have plenty of time to rest, while Jim does the laundry. He, he! Little does he know!   Now don’t feel too sorry for me, there are plenty of passengers who are also fighting a cold right now. I am not surprised, after all, we are in close quarters and many days at sea together.

For you wine lovers out there, NO, we did not take any Wine Estate Tasting Tours in South Africa . They were offered in abundance just because their wines are known worldwide.

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Friday, February 12, 2016, 9 am (2^nd day: High Sea)

Rise and shine, it’s breakfast time! Believe it or not, Jim not only served me breakfast in bed this morning, but already had the laundry going in full swing. What a gem! I am feeling better already and it is very relaxing sitting on the balcony. It is another sunny day out in the middle of the Indian Ocean.  It’s still rock and roll and "the bags" are out again. As I mentioned before, no problem in that department for the Trujillo’s.  

More later after we visit Pointe Des Galets (Reunion Island), Sunday, February 14, 2016.