Maria - Passports Overloaded

Capetown, South Africa

April 1st & 2nd, 2009

Today we flew to Capetown and took a taxi to our hotel the 12 Apostles. It’s the only hotel that is not on the strip downtown. It’s exclusive and quiet which is what we wanted since this was our last stop on vacation. After checking into the hotel, we took a cab to the marina to meet up with our friend Tina’s aunt and cousins for a sunset cruise. We were lucky enough to be on an amazing Yacht and had a great time cruising around Capetown. After our cruise, we ended up meeting up with Tina’s father Hugh to have dinner which was great. Hugh is a great guy, and it was nice spending time with him.

The next two days we had a few tours set up Cape of Good Hope, penguins at Boulders Beach and a few wine tastings. Our private car picked us up and drove us to Boulders Beach which had hundreds of penguins. After taking a bunch of pictures, we then drove to Cape Point which is the southern tip of Africa. The following day our first stop was our first wine tasting. The building was stone, and it was beautiful. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the names of the places we visited; I guess we have another excuse to go back. This one vineyard was the best wine tasting we’ve ever been to. They gave us a lot more than usual at a wine tasting which was rough so early in the day, but we managed (wink, wink).

This was a short stop in Capetown we didn’t have enough time to visit Table Mountain, but we will be visiting again so the next time we will be sure to see it.

Safari – Four days on Safari

March 27 – 30, 2009

What a great day it is we get to spend four days on Safari. As soon as we drove into Kruger National Park and arrived at Jacobin we saw an elephant just walking around which was amazing. The only time I’ve seen an elephant was either at the circus or a zoo, and these wild and free elephants are tremendous. We hung out with my good friend Tina and her cousins Sass and Tom were a blast we had a lot of fun with them.

After settling in and unpacking it was the perfect time to take a drive and have our first sundowners the real way. Elvis who was our driver at Jacobin packs the truck with all kinds of liquor, wine and soft drinks and a basket of finger foods that Saloni and Nora cook fresh daily. Once packed and ready to go for our sundowners Elvis drove us to this perfect spot and set up a table with a tablecloth and made us all drinks and set up the food. It was a fantastic welcome and a great experience.

Once we were done with the sundowners, we then drove to have a bush brie which is a barbecue in the heat of the bush. Once again another amazing experience. One of the things they told us was not to walk away from the other people and the fire because if Hyenas might drag you off and eat you.

The next day Tina and her cousins had to leave, so we had the whole place to ourselves which was great. We woke up every day at 5:30 am and were on the safari by 6 am hoping to see the Big 5 and of course all the other animals as well.

We were lucky enough to see the following animals.
Leopard
Cheetah
Giraffe
WartHog
Spotted Hyena
Impala
Zebra
Black Rhino
Cows
Buffalo
Elephant
Wild Dog
Baboon
Jackal
Wildebeest
Reedbuck
Nyala
Steenbok
Waterbuck
Bushbuck
Kudu

We were very lucky to see a Leopard that had just killed and dragged an Impala up a tree. The next day we went back to that same spot and saw the leopard finishing off the Impala, and you could hear the Leopard cracking the bones while eating it was wild. That afternoon we saw the leopard feeding her two cubs which is a rare sighting.

The only animal we weren’t lucky enough to see was the lion. Hopefully, the next time we go on Safari we will see them in the wild.

The never-ending road to Kruger National Park

While at the Bush Braai we were told not to go too far from the fire because we could be attacked by Hyenas and basically any of the wild animals. In the two pictures below my friend’s cousin fell asleep on the truck and fell off on the opposite side of where we were. Luckily nothing happened to him.

Outdoor dining at Jacobin with view of the watering hole

Locals carrying sticks for a fire on their heads

Dubai, UAE – Day 2 – Tour of the city

November 22, 2011

Today was our last day in Dubai and our last day on the ship. We disembarked from the ship and checked into our hotel Raffles Dubai which we booked for half the day. We only needed the room to freshen up before flying home for 12 hours. Unfortunately, it was hazy out so some of my pictures aren’t clear.

We jumped into a cab and decided to see as much of the city as we possibly could. The first place we visited was the fabulous Burj Khalifa. It is the tallest building in the world with the fastest elevator. We went up to the 122nd floor which was the lounge called Atmosphere. We had breathtaking views of the city. We saw the construction of the Palm Islands and The World. This lounge was expensive for lunch, but everything in Dubai is pricey. We then decided to go to the Dubai Mall of the Emirates, one of the largest shopping malls in the world

In the mall, they have an indoor ski resort called Ski Dubai where John and I did a few runs. It wasn’t big, but it was the only indoor ski resort we’ve ever seen. After doing a little bit of shopping, we went back to our hotel so that we can get ready for dinner in the Burj Al Arab (Sail Hotel). The only way you can get into that hotel is if you are staying there or if you have reservations for the restaurant.

The Burj Al Arab is a beautiful hotel with vibrant colors. We knew these two women who were staying there, so we got a sneak peek into their suite and boy was it gorgeous. Each suite has two floors with a beautiful staircase. After getting a tour of the room, we went to dinner at Al Mahara. The restaurant is basically a giant fish tank it, and anywhere you sit you have a great view of it.

From the menu to the stemware and the silverware everything was top notch. The food was delicious as well. After a very expensive dinner, we got a ride back to our hotel so that we can finish packing and get ready to go home. After a great 18 day cruise, it will be tough to go back home to reality.

Burj Khalifa – Picture credit Trip advisor

Maria & John at Atmosphere Lounge on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa

A hazy picture of the Burj Al Arab from the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa

A couple of the local in their traditional clothing

The pretty balconies in the Burj Al Arab

The staircase in one of the suites in the Burj Al Arab

Maria & John at Al Mahara Restaurant entrance

Maria & John – Burj Al Arab house car is a beautiful Roll Royce

Dubai, UAE – Day 1 – Desert Dune Drive Safari

November 21, 2011

Today we are doing a desert safari tour in a 4 X 4 vehicle. We drove deep into the desert where the driver took us on a wild rollercoaster desert drive. This type of ride is known as dune bashing traveling up and down the towering dunes. I thought the truck was going to tip over which added to the excitement.

After our crazy ride we drove to the camel and Bedoiun settlements where we had a chance to see how they live Arabian style. We had a good time sand surfing and taking in the breathtaking sunset views.

Muscat, Oman

November 20, 2011

Driving from the pier in Muscat we drove by the giant incense burner in the world. We then drove along the Batinah Coast which is very pretty. We arrived at our first stop Nakhal Fort, perched on a 200-foot high hilltop with spectacular views. We saw the ladies’ sitting room, the prison, the split level terraces, and courtyards. We then visited the Nakhal Springs, a tranquil and picturesque area framed by majestic mountains. On the way to our lunch at the Grand Hyatt, we drove through Nakhal Village. After lunch we drove by the Al Zawawi Mosque, unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to go inside, but the outside looks amazing.

We then headed to the exquisite Al Alam Palace which overlooks Muscat Bay. We didn’t see the inside of the Palace but the grounds were awesome.

One interesting thing our tour guide told us about was that you get a fine if your car isn’t clean.

The second to last stop on today’s tour was Bait Al Zubair, a private museum that has collections of Omani items such as weaponry, jewelry, clothing, books, photographs, paintings and old maps. We spent some time speaking to the owner of the museum who was very nice.

The last stop on our tour was a shopping stop at the colorful Muttrah Souq. We purchased frankincense, incense, and an Omani dagger.

Giant incense burner structure in Muscat Oman

Closer picture of the giant incense burner structure in Muscat Oman

Mosque of the Great Prophet blue minaret with Quranic scriptures

Salalah, Oman – Mughsail Beach & Job’s Tomb

November 18, 2011

Today we had a short tour of Salalah. We drove to the Garden City, Mughsail Beach, Job’s Tomb and Al Husn Souq. Mughsail Beach was very pretty the water looked amazing it’s two miles of unspoiled white sand beaches, high cliffs which are picturesque. We were lucky enough to be there at high tide and saw the spectacular “Blow Hole.”

After being there for about a half hour, we then proceeded to Job’s Tomb where according to legend, the remains of the Muslim and Old Testament Prophet Job can be found. Job’s Tomb is a sacred place of pilgrimage for Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Due to the fact that we were entering mosques on this tour, I had to have my shoulders and my head covered to enter.

The last stop on the itinerary for the day was Al Husn Souq where we had a chance to walk around and shop which is one of my favorite things to do. The colorful stalls are filled with frankincense, incense, bottles of fragrant perfume oils, pashminas and many other things.

Aqaba, Jordan – Petra & Wadi Rum

November 13, 2011

Growing up watching Indiana Jones movies made this next stop exciting. The ancient city of Petra, Nabataean caravan city, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum. This scenic drive is where Camel caravans passed through, loaded with spices, textiles, and incense from distant regions, and through that commerce, the city of Petra flourished, until a massive earthquake in 363AD left the structures of Petra in ruins. Upon arrival, we started our walk down the narrow gorge called the Siq (the shaft) to see The Treasury. The Siq is a natural geological passage formed from a deep split in the sandstone rocks. After a 15 minute walk, we finally see El Khazneh, The Treasury, carved directly out of the red sandstone cliff. This structure is impressive I have never seen anything like it before.

After spending an hour at The Treasury, we boarded our tour bus to drive to Wadi Rum. When boarded our 4 X 4 transfer stop, we were engulfed in the desert. Before arriving, I read so many things about Wadi Rum being acclaimed by many as one of the most stunning desert landscapes in the world.

The scenery was magnificent, towering cliffs, mauve colored stretches of sand were amazing. The rock towers reminded us of the Red Rocks in Utah. We drove passed a Bedouin camp where other tourists were going to have a buffet dinner served under the Bedouin tents. After having a nice desert drive, we drove back to our bus to drive back to Aqaba.

John in the narrow passage that leads to Petra

The first sighting of the breathtaking Treasury

The “Seven Pillars of Wisdom” rock formation through a window

The “Seven Pillars of Wisdom” rock formation

Maria & John – with our good friends Adrian & Irene Williams from London

Our good friends Fernando & Martin Alvarez from Miami, Florida

Beautiful water cruising the Red Sea to our next port Salalah, Oman

Luxor (Safaga) Day 2 – Desert Jeep Safari

November 12, 2011

Today we had an adventurous tour we began with a scenic drive in a 4 X 4 jeep from the port of Safaga to the Red Sea resort town of Hurghada. We drove onto the Eastern Arabia Desert. We had great photo opportunities of the deserts that we’ve seen in movies. We drove to a Bedouin camp (settlement), where we were welcomed by the locals (nomads). We had a chance to taste their sweet tea and ate some of their flat unleavened bread. After seeing how the locals lived and what they ate, we rode camels through the desert. My luck I get the angry Camel who was spitting at the handler.

Local woman making flat unleavened bread

Luxor (Safaga), Egypt – Day 1 – Ancient Luxor

November 11, 2011

Arriving at the port was interesting, we saw piles of duffle bags from Egyptians who were traveling to the Mecca. It seemed unorganized I don’t know how they would find their luggage when they arrive at their destination. Today we were going to have the longest day of driving 3.5 hours to get to Luxor to see ancient Egyptian architecture and see fascinating mysteries of centuries old culture and hieroglyphics. Once again it was nerve-wracking to know that we had a security guard on our bus who had an Uzi.

We arrived in Luxor we had a nice lunch at the Sheraton Hotel. After lunch, we continued our drive and crossed the Nile River proceeding to the West Bank area for a visit to the Valley of the Kings. We had a chance to see the tombs of Egypt’s ancient kings, their families, and other Egyptian nobility. It was amazing to see the hieroglyphics and how old they are, the colors were so vibrant. The only thing that was upsetting was that they didn’t allow any photography but luckily I was able to take two pictures before they told me I couldn’t.

Maria & John by the Steigenberger Hotel in Luxor

Valley of the Kings Entrance (I was lucky enough to take two pictures)

Valley of the Kings (I was lucky enough to take two pictures)

Next stop was the Hatshepsut Temple. This mortuary temple was buried under sand for centuries and was built by Hatshepsut, the only woman to rule and become a Pharaoh. Built into the mountainside, it stands as an incredible monument to the powers held by pharaohs.

Following that tour, we had a second photo stop to see Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues that originally flanked the entrance to Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple. Unfortunately, the temple itself was destroyed in an earthquake; the magnificent statues still stand guard today.

The final stop was the most impressive Luxor Temple complex. The complex was a collection of breathtaking ruins, obelisks, and temples that date back to the 14th century BC.

Suez Canal Transit

November 10, 2011

Today we sailed through the Suez Canal which is also known as The Highway to India. The canal is an artificial sea level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. It took ten years to construct, and it opened in November 1869.