The tardiness of this post is due to our intermittent loss of satellite signal.  Making our way across the Indian Ocean, where ‘civilisation’ is few and far between, the footprints of available satellites just cover the area or not at all.  Trying to download photos and videos becomes nigh on impossible.  Now, after leaving the island of Reunion, we’re back in business I’m pleased to write. 

The approach to the port, on Mahe, takes us through the numerous coral reefs for which the island is so famous.  The harbour is full of large fishing boats and ‘reefers’, cargo ships taking the catch to markets around the world.

The approach to the harbour

In towards the berth, passing numerous wind turbines, we make fast on the harbour’s main dock.

We, (Karen, Hazel and I) take a ride around the island, the first stop being the market.  Here locals buy their fruit, vegetables and fish; it’s a bustle of colour, noise (and smell).

Afraid of spiders? You wouldn’t like this one, a good 2″/5cms across, its web stretched across the steel beams of the market roof.

Coco-de-Mer, an inedible fruit which looks like a coconut except it has 2 ‘halves’.  The contents are used to make a lovely soap.

Here are some growing wild.

In the centre of Victoria, a familiar sight; a Hindu temple

From the town, onto the botanical gardens, a walk in stifling heat.  An enclosure with giant Tortoises amongst the foliage.

Finally, lunch beckoned and we asked our driver for a beach-side location where the food was good.  He managed admirably.

On the way back to the ship, a brief stop off the winding, steep road for a photo of the Amsterdam at her berth.  I apologise for the brevity of the post, our Presidents/CEOs joined us yesterday in Reunion and my days are now full of Master’s business and Social events, time is in short supply as we make our way towards Maputo, Mozambique.