salt life - Passports Overloaded

Alicante (2025), Spain

June 16, 2025 – June 16, 2025

Lying on Spain’s radiant Costa Blanca, Alicante exudes a rare beauty. Lovely Baroque buildings cluster around the historic central district. Marble plazas grace its broad waterfront boulevard, the illustrious Explanada de España. Pristine beaches like San Juan hug the shoreline. It’s no surprise that Alicante is popular year-round. Venture to the grand Castle of Santa Barbara overlooking the city and walk from its high towers down into the dungeon. Stop for a glass of refreshing sangria in the Old Quarter. Behold the masterpieces hanging in the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts, a former 18th century palace.

If you would like to see where and what we are while visiting Alicante

Granada (Motril) ( 2025), Spain

June 15, 2025 – June 15, 2025

Marvel at the sumptuous palaces, lush gardens and imposing citadels that are the Alhambra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most famous legacies of Moorish rule in Spain. Meander the narrow cobblestone streets of nearby Albaicín, the ancient Arabic quarter, or see a flamenco performance in the whitewashed caves of Sacromonte, originally settled by gypsies.

Gaze out over Malaga from the Gibralfaro Castle hill before exploring the city in-depth on an enlightening walk, taste some tapas in a typical taberna and learn about nougats, a truly Spanish sweet treasure!. Constructed in the 10th century on a hilltop where a lighthouse once stood, the castle rises majestically out of a forest of pines and eucalyptus trees. From this elevated vantage point, you will enjoy a spectacular view of Malaga, an Andalusian city with Moorish roots and an illustrious past. It looks even more magnificent up-close as you will discover while meandering the atmospheric streets. You will pass highlights such as the 1st-century Roman amphitheater, the home where Pablo Picasso was born and glorious Malaga Cathedral, whose construction started in 1528. It dragged on for centuries and the planned second tower still hasn’t been built, giving rise to the cathedral’s nickname: the “one-armed woman.”

If you would like to see where and what we are while visiting Granada (Motril)

Puerto Del Rosario, Spain

June 12, 2025 – June 12, 2025

Puerto del Rosario, the capital of the island of Fuerteventura, offers an endless array of white beaches and blue water. Warm weather year-round makes this destination the perfect paradise for beach lovers. Take a stroll around the city and view the beautiful murals and artworks, or visit one of the nearby picturesque hamlets, such as El Cotillo, to discover the slower pace of local life. Head inland to explore the island’s surreal volcanic and desert landscapes. The former capital town of Betancuria is an excellent location to delve into the island’s history, and the surrounding roads also offer some of the best viewpoints on Fuerteventura.

If you would like to see where and what we are while visiting Puerto Del Rosario

Santa Cruz De La Palma (2025), Canary Islands

June 11, 2025 – June 11, 2025

Stroll along Calle O’Daly, the pedestrian district named after an Irish banana merchant and lined with historic residences. Visit the Town Hall and the church, Iglesia del Salvador, both of the 16th century. There is an interesting museum of natural science as well as a naval museum.

Venture into the northern reaches of La Palma and explore highlights that include a revealing ethnographic museum and a traditional goat farm. Along the way, you will pause for photos of the black volcanic beach and spectacular cliffs at Playa de los Nogales. At the ethnographic museum in the village of Puntallana, you will gain a general understanding of the regional culture by browsing exhibits of handicrafts, tools and mannequins costumed in traditional clothing. As you will discover at a nearby goat farm, Puntallana is also known for its cheese, a variety made with raw whole milk from native Palmera goats. You will sample it as a tapa paired with a glass of local wine. You will then watch a unique demonstration of a folk-sport that originated as a means for shepherds to safely cross dangerous ravines. You will be amazed as the agile athletes leap across great distances using only long wooden poles.

If you would like to see where and what we are while visiting Santa Cruz De La Palma

Mindelo (Sao Vicente), Cape Verde

June 8, 2025 – June 8, 2025

Enjoy charming São Vicente and the amazing landscape here and on nearby Santo Antão. Stroll through town past vibrant markets and the replica of Lisbon’s Belem Tower. Visit the stark but lovely lunar-like beach at Catfish Bay. On Santo Antão see lush and rugged landscapes and picturesque villages.

See the world from atop a volcano, discover arid but productive valleys and walk white sands nestled against black lava cliffs on this panoramic coach tour. Ascend to the top of volcanic Monte Verde, the highest point on São Vicente, for sweeping vistas of the entire island. You’ll see lovely Mindelo and the eastern-shore beaches from your vantage point and appreciate the plant life and garden crops such as corn, sweet potatoes and bananas. Descend to Baja das Gatas, or Catfish Bay, and its sheltered lagoon created by volcanic eruptions spanning centuries. At Praia Grande beach, notice the stark contrast of the white sand against the backdrop of black lava mountains as you enjoy a pontche, a traditional island cocktail made with sugarcane molasses and grogue, the national liqueur of Cape Verde. Passing through an agricultural valley, find the stream that provides the island with much-needed irrigation. You’ll learn that despite São Vicente’s discovery in 1462, it wasn’t developed until the 19th century because of its arid nature and lack of substantial water sources, adding to your understanding of this enthralling island.

If you would like to see where and what we are while visiting Mindelo

Dakar, Senegal

June 6, 2025 – June 6, 2025

After three centuries of French rule, Dakar can’t help but exude a certain French flair, especially architecturally. Senegalese attire tends to be rather formal and conservative, but the city is full of life. Art galleries are plentiful, the beaches inviting, and the views fantastic from the Les Mamelles Lighthouse.

Treasure an overview of Senegal’s capital and its culture during an illuminating tour of traditional attractions and more contemporary landmarks. Travel to the bustling Kermel Market and pause at the majestic Presidential Palace for photos before passing signature sites such as the Senegalese National Assembly, Our Lady of Victories Cathedral, the Médina district and the Dakar Grand Mosque, which was designed by French and Moroccan architects. You’ll make another photo stop at the striking Gate of the Third Millennium, built in 2000 to symbolize the opening of the African continent to the next thousand years, and arrive at the famed Soumbedioune Market to browse local handicrafts and art. Glimpse the lifestyle of Dakar’s more affluent residents during a drive through the Fann Corniche district and observe Senegalese college life at the University of Dakar library, an outstanding example of International Style architecture. In the Mamelles area, the Cape Verde Peninsula’s highest point, you’ll take in expansive views of the city and then admire how Senegal’s colorful sands are imaginatively used in original paintings at the Sand Painting Gallery. Relish time for shopping at this unique venue for a keepsake as marvelous as beguiling Dakar.

If you would like to see where and what we are while visiting Dakar

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

June 3, 2025 – June 3, 2025

The Ivory Coast’s largest city and former capital, skyscraper-studded Abidjan curves around placid Ebrié Lagoon. Being one of the world’s largest French-speaking cities, it’s often referred to as the “Paris of Africa.” Abidjan’s more affluent Le Plateau and Cocody neighborhoods exude a palpable European ambiance.

Venture to Grand Bassam, the former colonial capital of the Ivory Coast, tucked between a lagoon and the ocean, on this enlightening coach tour. Observe abundant coconut groves before arriving in Grand Bassam village, briefly the French colonial capital of the Côte d’Ivoire in the late 1890s until government administration was transferred to nearby Bingerville. View splendid French Colonial buildings in the Ancien Bassam district during your narrated tour, some restored to their original grandeur, and pass sights such as the colonial governor’s palace. In the fascinating National Costume Museum, browse exhibits of colorful native garb, ceremonial masks and models of traditional houses and gain a deeper understanding of the vibrant history of the Ivory Coast. Wander through one of Grand Bassam’s finest arts and crafts markets with ample time to survey exquisite brass carvings, colorful batik paintings, eye-catching ceramics, intricate wickerwork and finely embroidered scarves in a dazzling display of Ivory Coast artistry.

If you would like to see where and what we are while visiting Abidjan

Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana

June 2, 2025 – June 2, 2025

The twin city of Sekondi-Takoradi was Ghana’s first deepwater seaport and has prospered greatly. Still, the ambiance is rather laid-back, especially in the inviting beach areas. Monkey Hill, a tropical reserve for primates, lies in heart of city. Nearby Fort Orange was built by the Dutch in the 17th century and now serves as a lighthouse.

Explore a monkey-filled forest, bustling markets, cultural landmarks and historic sites during this scenic tour of Sekondi and Takoradi, combined as one since 1946. Learn about Ghana’s main exports as you cross the harbor to Takoradi’s Western Gate. You’ll marvel at the unique virgin forest inhabited by scores of monkeys and birds at Monkey Hill, situated in the heart of Takoradi. Drive through the European-style town of Sekondi, passing aged colonial buildings, the stately High Court and tree-shaded residential areas. During a stop at the bustling Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Harbor, watch nets being repaired and women buying and preparing the fish. You’ll view Fort Orange’s impressive lighthouse and the Takoradi Market Circle, Western Ghana’s commercial and economic hub. Stop for a spirited cultural show with refreshments at a local hotel and reflect on the distinct personalities of Western Ghana’s thriving twin cities.

If you would like to see where and what we are while visiting Sekondi

Lome, Togo

June 1, 2025 – June 1, 2025

Wedged between a lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, Togo’s convivial, beach-rich capital of Lomé has emerged from its colonial past as pure African. For a glimpse of its history and unique Togolese art, visit the National Museum. The spired Lomé Cathedral is also noteworthy.

Behold the distinctive African traditions of Togo by visiting a market for voodoo practitioners, touring a rural school and watching a folkloric dance with a village monarch. Enjoy a brief drive through Lomé, an engaging capital city of wide boulevards lined with colonial buildings. You’ll find that, although the country’s religion is predominately Christian, many of the people remain faithful to the religious ancestry of voodoo, which you’ll see at an open-air market frequented by traditional healers seeking ingredients for rituals or the creation of magic charms and potions. Following this compelling and rather unusual visit, travel into the countryside to a Togolese village school, where you’ll learn how rural children cope with Togo’s educational challenges. You’ll find the nearby ceremonial grounds and meet the village’s distinguished royal court, who will introduce you to the local monarch.

If you would like to see where and what we are while visiting Lome

Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe

May 30, 2025 – May 30, 2025

Off the beaten path, São Tomé and Principe is a tropical paradise that offers lush rainforests, birdwatching, secluded waterfalls and pristine, isolated beaches. Enjoy spectacular views on a hike to the peak of Pico de São Tomé, go in search of the 109 species of orchid that decorate the landscape, or marvel at the impressive Boca do Inferno blowhole.

Glory in the culture and history of São Tomé and view its marquee attractions, including the National Museum, Presidential Palace and lively city market. Drive through charming São Tomé, a capital city founded in 1485 by the Portuguese and noted for its colonial architecture and brightly colored buildings. You’ll uncover the island’s rich past at the National Museum, which houses myriad artifacts, many religious in nature, in a 16th-century Portuguese-built fortress that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the nearby Pantufo fishing village, where you’ll revel in a traditional folkloric performance that lends even greater insight into the island’s culture. Returning to the city center, find the Presidential Palace, which features a rose-pink façade with neoclassical elements, and make your way through many popular squares to the bustling city market for a rewarding dive into local life.

If you would like to see where and what we are while visiting Sao Tome

We crossed the equator May 30, 2025

Alphabetic Links of Where We’ve Been