November 8. Cape Verde. Mindelo.
No rush this morning as our excursion leaves just after 1pm, and what a lovely surprise awaited me at breakfast! Osetra caviar, all of the condiments, champagne, and eggs Benedict, oh my! Most passengers were off the ship early, so we had the dining room to ourselves... not a good thing, or maybe a VERY good thing, with all that caviar just waiting to be devoured! I managed to put a sizable dent in the tin before the guilt set in and I am delighted to report that Regent has upgraded the caviar since our last trip. Yum.
Very quiet morning, we even got a load of laundry done! There is usually a battle for the complimentary machines in the launderette, but this morning it was blissfully conflict free. A stop by the internet cafe for a quick visit with Nenad Jovanovic, the Mariner's Internet God. He was instrumental in getting the photos from the first few ports off of John's computer, moved them to his personal computer and sent them out to Jay for posting. The solution we've come up with is to take all future photos on my iPad in the greatest of hopes that they will be easier to access and send out with the blog. Nenad spent hours working to ensure that you all have the pictures to enjoy along with the blog. He's my hero! And, Karen Dickson has been very kind to provide the beautiful photos of the various pearls - So the blog and photos have been a team effort!
Quick luncheon at the Pool Grill before heading downstairs for our tour of Mindelo, the capital of Cape Verde. After such a relaxing, lovely morning, overlooking the stunning moon-shaped port, ringed by barren mountains it was hard to leave the ship, but it looked so charming, from a distance... in actuality it was quite a cultural shock. Our tour buses were the local transport buses, open windows, no air conditioning and it was hot! Cape Verde is a very poor country with distressing living conditions. However, we did learn that children must attend six years of school (thru about 14) and they are provided with meals while at school - sometimes the only meals they will have during the day. As for medical coverage; all employees must be given health insurance, and if unemployed, there is a program thru the government where those without funds can get a certificate giving them access to medical insurance.
Sunday was not the best day for a tour that included the vegetable market, the fish market and the African market... all closed for Sunday! We had a driving tour thru the colorful city with a few stops along the way: a handicraft store with local crafts, the charming little church (where our guide was married), a drive up to the lookout overlooking the city and bay, the beach and the finale, a "cultural event" with music, dancing and "grogue" - a drink that has an equivalent in every country... moonshine, firewater, raki, grappa, agua dente! Holy Toledo, was that strong! Even with the challenges, our guide, Carlos, was a delight and he and his new wife are expecting little Gabriel in January. I was glad we saw Cape Verde, but I was also very happy to get back to the ship.
Drinks in the Mariner Lounge with friends - Juan the bartender makes me the most delicious Rosetta's: St. Germain, Elderflower syrup and champagne - oh, so tasty! Lovely dinner at Prime 7 with the most marvelous foie gras, fillet and an excellent house Cabernet Sauvignon - Paripaso, Paso Robles, CA - all served beautifully!
Back to the cabin to a soft and inviting bed, with little chocolates on the pillows... each night there has been a different flavor and a different sentiment. Tonight is dark chocolate raspberry wrapped in a saying by Lin Yutang: "No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel... until he comes home and rests his head on his old familiar pillow." Night, night!
Oh, tomorrow another day at sea... and Emeralds! Can't wait to play!
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