We passed Port Elizabeth at 9 a.m this morning; paralleling the South African coast at a distance of 14 miles and, as we are at the southern end of Africa, making almost due west courses.
Typically for this region at this time of year, there is a large, rolling swell. It has slowly been increasing in height and has now reached around 4 meters, or 13 feet. Fortunately, its ‘period’, or the time between crests, is relatively long and so we have a gentle pitching motion. We can expect this all the way to Cape Town and there, the swell becomes the famous ‘Cape Rollers’ which we will have to negotiate. It’s not hazardous except that any object which isn’t tied down, or on the deck, is prone to moving in unwanted directions 😕
Last night, after I posted, I went to our Presidents Club dinner, a very pleasant affair and then, in the evening, a presentation by the Soweto Gospel choir. O Lord, it was stupendous, awe-inspiring, inspirational and every wonderful adjective I can think of. I actually succeeded in posting a video, yeah!
Here are some photos.
It was a feast for the eyes and ears, the most beautiful voices, I am lost for words, which is quite unlike me… 😉
A good night’s sleep and then the start of another day, a Sunday Eucharist, with the Archbishop, in the Queen’s Lounge. The choir was on stage and a small platform had been arranged on what was our dance floor. The singing was once again, amazing.
Choir on stage
Archbishop Tutu singing and swaying to the music 🙂
About to begin the service.
I then had to dash to the Bridge, as the Archbishop, his family and entourage had expressed a desire to see it. Stein and Arnold Donald too. We now have ship’s whistle that has been blessed by an Archbishop, he just wanted to blow it!
myself, Tutu’s brother,Stein, Tutu,Leah, his wife, his daughter and Arnold Donald
The Navigation officers with Tutu (and cap)
And so I have to finish, I have 2 Mariner parties to attend, followed by another dinner!
I leave you with a photo from Durban, when Stein and Arnold Donald arrived.
