This morning we all got a letter from the Captain concerning the upcoming ports in West Africa…… specifically, Angola, The Gambia, Senegal, and Cape Verde. HAL has analyzed the safety and security factors recently, and has come up with some guidelines for us to follow. We will be required to have a high level of vigilance and awareness of surroundings, as we always should.
In a nutshell, these warnings are:
Travel with others, avoid large crowds
Dress conservatively – leave the jewelry at home
Watch handbags, back packs, cameras, phones, and money
Be aware of surroundings
Be careful handling cash by separating the bills beforehand
Money & valuables can be replaced – let it go if confronted
Main tourist areas can be “pick pocket” havens
Avoid shortcuts through parks, vacant lots, & deserted places
If a local speaks good English, be aware
Do not give out personal information to strangers
If traveling alone or in a group independently, let Guest Services know your location on shore
Now, after reading all of that, we ask, “Why are we going here?” Because we can, and other than the regular stops coming in this direction, these must be the most civilized ports we can visit on this coast line. Crossing the South Atlantic from Namibia, our stops would have been St. Helena and Ascension Island. Our second chance to stop in West Africa a few years ago was dashed when ebola hit the area. So, here we are….well-warned and not knowing what to expect.
This afternoon, Barbara H gave her lecture on what to do and see in Angola. After listening to her talk, we think she may have scared many folks off from even taking tours in Luanda. Specifically, she was most adamant about going anywhere near the shantytowns that are here, there, and everywhere in the big city. Not only unsafe, but tourists are most unwelcome there. We have not booked a tour in Luanda, mostly because we hate the confinements of tours, and here, they are the most expensive we have ever seen. Fueled by oil revenues, Angola has the dubious honor of being labeled as the “most expensive country in the world”. For instance, a half-gallon of ice cream in the supermarket can cost $31 USD. In addition, she warned all of us about the sensitivity of the government with tourists taking photos in certain areas. That could be national monuments, government buildings, police activity, or military areas. Off limits to us. Restrooms could be non-existent, even while on organized tours. Also, we have the advantage on hearing firsthand stories about visiting here from a dear friend, who was recently here on another ship. He did not recommend going off on our own. We shall assess the situation once we arrive. One good thing is that there was no charge for visas in Angola, so nothing gained or lost if we go onshore or not.
Other lectures continued about African trade with caravans and caravels of the old days, and Africa, when the sea saved humanity. America’s Test Kitchen has continued with demos in the Wajang Theater on sea days. However, there has been no “hands on” cooking at all. Hope that still is happening on the other HAL ships. We will find out this fall when we go back on the Eurodam.
It was Sunday brunch day, but we skipped it, and had a Dive In burger and a hot dog. Far less food, and far less waste.
The day evaporated for us, since we are still deep into catching up from the safari trip. This will continue for at least a week before we can close the gap, and be up-to-date.
The entertainer was vocalist Jo Little, a petite gal, but a huge voice and personality.
One more day at sea, and we will be in a very different part of Africa.
Bill & Mary Ann
