13 April . . Agadir/Taroudant

Perhaps preferring the leisurely lifestyle of a cruise guest, we’ve not indulged in any of the package tours offered to date. However, today we took the plunge – so to speak.

Arriving in Agadir in the early hours, we embarked on a two hour bus ride to Taroudant, to explore the Medina and other local delights. Our tour guide was a fount on information, and we arrived at the city gate much wiser to the ways of life in Morocco than when we started out. Although restored and rebuilt, the city walls date back to the 15th Century.

Driving through the gates and into the maze of streets that lead to the souk, we enjoyed the experience of being a typical group of gawking tourists, whilst being gawked back at by the locals. And I mean, honestly, who can resist the abundance of bargains on sale . . . .

Sigh!

Finally, liberated from the clutches of eager merchants, and out into the sunlight.
Very, very different from downtown Kingston.

Next stop, Roudana, to sample the delights of the fruit of the Argon tree.

An oil, extracted by traditional methods, good for cooking, and anything that ails you . . .

Hmmmm.

People aren’t the only creatures addicted to the tree. Local goats like the leaves so much, they’ve developed the ability to climb the trees to eat the foliage.
Billy up a Tree.
Good name for a pub perhaps?

Back on the bus, and instead of home to the yacht, it’s beach party time, with traditional dinner, Berber bands, and belly dancing. Look who can’t resist!

All amenities . . . the local washrooms . . .

Finally, sundown, time to fold the tents and head back to our home for the night.

12 April 2016

The last couple of days have been a little ‘odd’, adjusting to the ocean swell and recovering from a bug, probably picked up on the airplane journey down. But, never give in, never surrender 
Arrived in Lanzarote, the port being rather sad, run-down sort of place. But, weather was good, and an opportunity to stretch our legs, exploring the seafront. First stop – coffee! Indeed, more than coffee. A sandwich need to satisfy returning appetite, and what better than deep fried fish filet on a baguette! I know, sounds strange – but – have to say, one of the most unusual and tasty snack we’ve ever experienced. A true local, street side delicacy.

The town boasts a lagoon, and at the water’s edge, it very own castle, 16th century according to the guide, and in all probability built to fend off those dastardly English pirates.

Good thing we’re not driving there . . .

Rather, a leisurely pace along the front, before heading back to the Star Legend.

Soon underway and something you wouldn’t normally see, dropping off the Pilot at the harbour mouth before heading out to sea, on our way to Morocco.

Finally tonight,and a special evening at the dinner table, to wish Di a long-distance ‘happy birthday’!

10 April - Gomora

A bit of a rocky first night at sea. I takes a little while to get used to the fact that not only your bed moves in unusual directions, but your whole world does the same thing. Still, gradually getting our sea legs. The comfort level on board is excellent, and nothing too much trouble for the crew and ‘hotel’ staff.

Our first port of call, arriving early in the morning, is San Sebastian, on the small island of Gomera. A sleepy town, partially perched on top of an impressive cliff overlooking the Atlantic.

The local inter-island car ferry service kind of put our small Wolfe Island ferry into perspective . . . .

Deciding to avoid the organized island tours we strolled off the port into town, soaking up the local atmosphere and breaking for an el fresco lunch.

Although the ship wont leave without you, it does have a schedule, so back to the boat on time by all is appreciated . . .by all!

A final glimpse of San Sebastian draped over the hills as we slip out of the harbour. The pilot leaves us, and we’re on our way again, next port of call, las Palmas.

9 April

The Canaries (named after the dog breed, not the bird!) . . .and a hotel with a view!. A far cry from suburban London, and the weather just right.

Probably fair to say we don’t usually treat ourselves to such luxury, but after the Ryanair flight, the treat was deserved. Hotel Botanico comes by its name honestly. The gardens are spectacular, and a rival to Kew. I counted seven types of palm tree . . .

Trees with blue blossoms!

Turtles as well as black swans . .

Ponytail palms larger than anything we’ve grown at home in 30 years. Ours is still in a pot!

Orchids in every corner.

Finally – our yacht.

Settled on board, and with great fanfare, raising the Windstar flag as we leave port . . .

A new adventure . . .

Well, I honestly don't know where time goes to, but making the most of it, we're on another adventure, this time a cruise off the east coast of Africa. But . . . first a stop in London, for some R&R and recovery from jet-lag.
London wouldn't be the same without theatre.
London's West End surely rivals New York's Broadway for live theatre entertainment, and nothing more uplifting and enjoyable than the West End run of Beautiful, the story of Carol King. Brilliant musician and composer, and one of our all-time favourite artists.

Now, packing tonight, and heading out for Stansted tomorrow. . . . south to the sun!

Tuesday - 1 March, and the end of our idyllic month in the Bahamas . . .

Well, as we know, all good things come to an end.

A last evening on Elbow Cay proved idyllic . . . not too hot, sunny, and bright.

But, an early start, and down to the dock early next morning for the ferry . . .

. . .and a last glimpse of the yachts in the harbour before the ferry bore us away for another year.

The big, most pleasing surprise was the hotel we'd booked in Nassau, close by the airport for an early start the next morning and the haul north to Canada and home. The last time we over-nighted at a hotel in Nassau was, well, horrible!

So we were not anticipating much for the accommodation that we'd booked over the internet, but only to be totally delighted with our 'find'. Thus, if you're looking for a place to stay in Nassau, we can 100% recommend 'A Stones Throw Away B&B'.

Huh - some B&B!