Been There Done That Too…

Salvador de Bahia

// April 23rd, 2008 // Comments Off // Brazil, Transatlantic Nov'07

The next port of call was Salvador de Bahia. The main attraction in Salvador is the perfectly preserved 16th & 17th city, Pelhurinho. A UNESCO World Heritage site that commands the hilltop overlooking modern Salvador de Bahia. Salvador de Bahia’s close connection to Africa can be seen in the local costumes that the women dress up in for the tourists, and the images also appear in the paintings found all over the city. (more…)

Recife

// April 22nd, 2008 // Comments Off // Brazil, Transatlantic Nov'07

After sailing a day south along the Brazilian coast we arrived in Recife, another fun in the sun destination. In addition to the beach, Recife’s small historical center still has several colonial buildings dating back to the original Dutch settlement, and while some are in rather shabby condition, they are charming and worth a quick look. The downtown was the first stop for the ship’s shuttle bus and you can find a couple of small, modern shopping centers, tourist information, and an internet cafe here. (more…)

Fortaleza

// April 21st, 2008 // Comments Off // Brazil, Transatlantic Nov'07

After several days at sea we arrived in Fortaleza, Brazil. The main attractions in Fortaleza are the beaches. So, if you’re into sand and sun make that your main destination. This is also the best place to buy your Brazilian souveniers.

The Mercado Central is one stop shopping, eating, ATM, Bureau de Change, and (if it’s open) internet cafe. If you’re arriving on a cruise ship they usually have a shuttle (for a fee) to the Mercado. If you want to see a little something more than the Mercado and the Beach, the Cathedral is just across the street. (more…)

Lanzarote

// April 20th, 2008 // Comments Off // Canary Islands, Transatlantic Nov'07

The next stop after Agadir, Morocco was Lanzarote, Canary Islands. Before arriving in Lanzarote I had arranged a rental car through Vincente Cars. This worked out great. They met me at the port to deliver the car, and I simply returned it to the port when I was done. (more…)

Agadir

// April 20th, 2008 // Comments Off // Morocco, Transatlantic Nov'07

Next up after Casablanca was Agadir, Morocco. There’s really not too much to Agadir except for a beautiful beach area lined with restaurants and cafes. It’s a small city dedicated to its beach. There are no real historical sites, except for a wall from the old fortress. Everything was pretty much wiped out in 1960 by an earthquake. (more…)

Casablanca

// April 20th, 2008 // Comments Off // Morocco, Transatlantic Nov'07

I had decided before arriving in Casablanca to arrange for a guide. Normally I would have gone exploring on my own but there had been some problems in Casablanca a few months before and I didn’t want to take any chances. So, before arriving in Casablanca I had arranged for a tour guide through a recommendation on the Cruise Critic forum boards. While the guide originally recommended wasn’t available, he recommended another guide. At the last minute, the new guide contacted me to let me know that a friend of his would be meeting me and he would catch up with us around lunch. As a member of the Tourism Board he’d been pressed into service because of the shortage of English speaking guides and there were 2 cruise ships in town that day both with mostly English speaking passengers. He assured me his friend would take very good care of me. (more…)

Cadiz

// April 20th, 2008 // Comments Off // Spain, Transatlantic Nov'07

Next after Malaga is the charming, picturesque town of Cadiz. It’s compact layout is perfect for wandering. As one of Europe’s oldest cities dating back to approximately 1100BC it’s a true melting pot of styles, including Moorish influences from the 1100-1200s which can be seen in the many tiled entryways.

The city offers wonderful cafes and numerous shopping streets including their own version of the Ramblas with the Catedral de Cadiz at one end. The Cathedral features an impressive collection of treasures. (more…)