Day 34 – Thursday 18 February

Melbourne.

 

We were met by our friend and fellow traveller, Bronwyn, who drove us home, sweet, home.

On this adventure, we had our first visit to southern Africa.

We had 5 lovely days in South Africa’s “mother city”, Cape Town.

This was followed by 3 days in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls (to add to our previous visits to the world’s other 2 great waterfalls, Iguazu, in Argentina/Brazil, and Niagara, in Canada/USA), where we also went on safari in Chobe National Park, in Botswana.

We then returned to South Africa for 3 days in Kruger National Park. After travelling along the spectacular Panorama Route, we went on several safaris and saw "The Big 5".

We returned to Cape Town to board the Queen Elizabeth for 3 weeks of relaxation, as we crossed the Indian Ocean (to add to our previous crossings of the other 2 great oceans, the Atlantic and the Pacific), with stops in Port Elizabeth (South Africa), Reunion Island, Mauritius, Fremantle (where we caught up with Amanda & Harjinder) and Adelaide (where we caught up with Glenda & John and Trudy and Mike).

The end of another wonderful holiday.

Day 33 – Wednesday 17 February

Sea Day 15

More relaxation.

We attended an interesting presentation on "The Life and Lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein", by Roy Hunt.

We then viewed a lovely movie, "Learning To Drive".

At our final dinner, the Cunard Culinary Staff were presented.

We were entertained by the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers, followed by Australian impressionist Danny McMaster.

Day 32 – Tuesday 16 February

Adelaide

We were met by our friend John and his beloved electric Tesla car, and then chaperoned around the City of Churches by him and Glenda.

We drove to the Adelaide Hills, where we stopped for a delicious lunch at the charming town of Hahndorf   -   https://www.facebook.com/TheSeasonalGardenCafe .

In the evening we went to the city, where we met our friends, Trudy and Mike, for dinner at – www.chopsticksonrundle.com.au , and then we were impressed by Adelaide's light show.

We then returned to the ship where we were entertained by three talented female vocalists, Virtuosity.

Day 31 – Monday 15 February

Sea Day 14

More relaxation.

We were entertained by the violin duo “Elektra”.

Day 30 – Sunday 14 February

Sea Day 13

More relaxation.

We attended an interesting presentation on "The Life and Music of Frank Sinatra", by Roy Hunt.

We had a lovely Valentine’s Day, with a delicious dinner at the Verandah restaurant.

We were entertained by the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers.

Day 29 – Saturday 13 February

Sea Day 12

More relaxation.

We were entertained by Australian comedy impressionist Danny McMaster.

Day 28 – Friday 12 February

Fremantle / Perth

We were chaperoned for the day by our friend Amanada.

Amanda drove us along the beautiful beachside suburbs, before going for a delicious seafood lunch at the – www.shorehouse.com.au .

During the afternoon, we stopped at some lovely suburban city locations, in between several shopping stops.

 In the evening, Harjinder joined us for a lovely Chinese dinner at – www.misschows.com.au .

Day 27 – Thursday 11 February

Sea Day 11

More relaxation.

We were entertained by the fabulous Donny Ray Evins, this time singing Soul and R&B covers.

Day 26 – Wednesday 10 February

Sea Day 10

We attended an interesting presentation on “The Music & Lyrics of Johnny Mercer ”, by Roy Hunt.

We attended a very interesting presentation on “Why the World will never be the same again – and what we should do about it”, by British MP  Lord Paddy Ashdown.

We were entertained by the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers.

Day 25 – Tuesday 9 February

Sea Day 9

More relaxation.

Bill attended an interesting presentation on why a replacement Concorde has yet to be built, by former Concorde pilot Rick Reynolds.

We were entertained by Hungarian classical pianist Ferry Bedy.

Day 24 – Monday 8 February

Sea Day 8

More relaxation.

We watched the movie, “Everest”, based on a tragic true story.

We were entertained by British magician Philip Hitchcock, followed by British vocalist Jacqui Scott.

Day 23 – Sunday 7 February

Sea Day 7

More relaxation.

Bill attended an interesting presentation on “the end of the Concorde”, by former Concorde pilot Rick Reynolds.

We attended an interesting presentation on “Ella Fitzgerald – Her Life & Music”, by Roy Hunt.

We were entertained by a wonderful Nat King Cole tribute vocalist Donny Ray Evins.

Day 22 – Saturday 6 February

Sea Day 6

More relaxation.

We watched the movie, “Max”, based upon the true story of a war dog.

Day 21 – Friday 5 February

Sea Day 5.

More relaxation.

We attended an interesting presentation on “The Lives and Music of George & Ira Gershwin”, by Roy Hunt.

We were entertained by British vocalist Jacqui Scott.

Day 20 – Thursday 4 February

Mauritius.

We had an early morning start from Port Louis, the capital, on the north-west of this independent island, with our driver, Bhugloo, as we headed south an inland.

Our first stop was at Floreal, where we looked through a factory shop of model ships.

Next stop at Curepipe, where we looked at the Trou aux Cerfs crater, and spectacular views of the Port Louis, Trois Mamelles and the west coast.

We passed by Mare aux Vacoas, the island’s major reservoir.

We then visited the Hindu sacred lake at the Grand Bassin.

We then drove through the Plante Champagne, with a stop at Alexandra Falls, with its spectacular views of the south coast, and a large snail.

The next stop was at the Black River (Riviere Noir) Gorges National Park, for more spectacular views, including some monkeys.

The next stop was at Chammerel to see the 7-coloured earth, and some tortoises.

We then had an enjoyable Indian lunch at Les Palmiers restaurant nearby.

We descended down to the south-western coast, and stopped at Tamarin Beach and another view of Trois Mamelles.

We passed by salt pans.

We returned to Port Louis for some sightseeing:

Chinese Pagoda

Fort Adelaide

Racecourse

The Central Market

The main esplanade, with the Parliament Building

We then returned to the Queen Elizabeth for dinner and entertainment from the magician, Philip Hitchcock.

 Now for 7 sea days across the Indian Ocean until we arrive in Fremantle.