February 1 -- continued sailing in the Atlantic

The last couple of days have had us bouncing off the walls, but today is smoother. Another sign-up for trips has been conducted and I got many of the trips I requested. There will be a chance to sign up for additional day trips at a later date. These selections start in Cape Town, South Africa (after the port call in Brazil).

In addition to the four-day safari to Pilanesberg, I will be visiting the Desmond Tutu Peace Center for 3½ hours and hear a performance by Township Choir.

In Port Louis, Mauritius, I will be going to a Multi-Cultural Evening where we will be greeted at the Sugar Mill (Mauritian Creole-style) & enjoy a traditional Sega show with dancers who entertain us during a dinner show that features four dance performances (Indian, Chinese, Oriental & Creole). I will also visit the Mauritius Glass Gallery and go to the School of Design and participate in workshops focusing on art and design.

In Chennai, India, in addition to the Yoga retreat, I will go to the Theosophical Society & Kapleeshwara Temple.

And drum roll please! While we are in the Hong Kong port, I will take a 5-day trip to Bejing and see the Great Wall and Xi’an (where the Terra Cotta Army of 5,000 figures are).

While in the Shanghai port, I’ll take a 2-day trip to Hangzhou & visit the Linying Temple which is one of the largest Buddhist shrines in China and visit the Dragon Well Growing Farm and spend the night in a guest house.

While in Kobe, Japan, I’ll take a 2-day trip to Hiroshima, Miyajima and Himeji.

And lastly, I’ll visit the Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park while in Costa Rica.