From: Sherman Rootberg (biggiroot)
Date: Feb 2, 2007 3:51 PM
Subject: Friday, February 02, 2007
Friday, February 02, 2007
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
We got in about 2:30 this afternoon. We had been warned to strap down anything that could go flying. Near the entrance to the harbor there are always huge waves. The captain took some longer route and mostly missed the big water. It was no more then a little rocky.
As we entered there was a fire boat leading us while spraying water in several directions. When we did dock there were a bunch of people lined up waving to us and then an African band started playing. There was mostly brass and drums. What a great welcome.
The harbor was beautiful. We went up on deck to watch as we entered but could have stayed in our cabin as we were on the side where everything was happening. There are high mountains just behind the harbor making a beautiful back drop for all the buildings. Every inch of land around the harbor is used for stores, offices and homes. There is a large modern shopping center just off the ship.
At 6:00 PM we had a captain's cocktail party for all the gold and platinum Seven Seas Society members. We got in buses for a ride through town to go to the Mount Nelson Hotel. This is the oldest elegant hotel in town. It was opened in 1899 and is a national landmark.
The ride was interesting. It started with mostly new and nice low rise buildings. The whole
docks area is a shopping and restaurant area. As we went further into the city we went through an area of high rises. You can always see the mountains just behind these high rises. Next we drove through a night club area. It was about two miles of one night club after another. We also went through an area of old historic buildings that were of very heavy construction much like what we have seen in major cities in Europe.
Finally we arrived at the old pink hotel. We debussed and entered the hotel. No elevator but just one floor up is the ball room for our party. There must have been 300 people. They were just serving drinks and chicken satay on sticks. If you wanted something complicated to drink you had to mix it yourself. I asked for a Bloody Mary. I was told no blood. No Mary. Just drinks and cocktails. I pointed to a can with some kind of tomato picture on the outside. The bartender picks it up and says, "do you want a cocktail? See it says cocktail on the can." I said okay, I'll have a Bloody Mary cocktail. I just get a blank stare.
Finally I had him pick up a tall glass. Into it I had him put ice almost to the top. Then I said to pour in a little vodka. He picked up a bottle of some God knows what kind of vodka and a tiny plastic shot glass. He very carefully filled the shot, with very little vodka. You would think he was paying for it. He added that to the drink and I instructed him to stir. I dared not get any more complicated then that with a drink. Bobbi just gave up and had a glass of wine.
There were people walking around with skewers of chicken and that was all I saw. There was a group in the far corner of the room banging on drums and some kind of all wood instrument. It sounded like a xylophone. After a short while the captain spoke fairly briefly. He said there would more of these events.
Quickly after that we left for the busses. We went back to the ship for dinner. Tomorrow we start very early on a tour.
Having a problem tonight. It is not sending photos.
Date: Feb 2, 2007 3:51 PM
Subject: Friday, February 02, 2007
Friday, February 02, 2007
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
We got in about 2:30 this afternoon. We had been warned to strap down anything that could go flying. Near the entrance to the harbor there are always huge waves. The captain took some longer route and mostly missed the big water. It was no more then a little rocky.
As we entered there was a fire boat leading us while spraying water in several directions. When we did dock there were a bunch of people lined up waving to us and then an African band started playing. There was mostly brass and drums. What a great welcome.
The harbor was beautiful. We went up on deck to watch as we entered but could have stayed in our cabin as we were on the side where everything was happening. There are high mountains just behind the harbor making a beautiful back drop for all the buildings. Every inch of land around the harbor is used for stores, offices and homes. There is a large modern shopping center just off the ship.At 6:00 PM we had a captain's cocktail party for all the gold and platinum Seven Seas Society members. We got in buses for a ride through town to go to the Mount Nelson Hotel. This is the oldest elegant hotel in town. It was opened in 1899 and is a national landmark.
The ride was interesting. It started with mostly new and nice low rise buildings. The whole
docks area is a shopping and restaurant area. As we went further into the city we went through an area of high rises. You can always see the mountains just behind these high rises. Next we drove through a night club area. It was about two miles of one night club after another. We also went through an area of old historic buildings that were of very heavy construction much like what we have seen in major cities in Europe.
Finally we arrived at the old pink hotel. We debussed and entered the hotel. No elevator but just one floor up is the ball room for our party. There must have been 300 people. They were just serving drinks and chicken satay on sticks. If you wanted something complicated to drink you had to mix it yourself. I asked for a Bloody Mary. I was told no blood. No Mary. Just drinks and cocktails. I pointed to a can with some kind of tomato picture on the outside. The bartender picks it up and says, "do you want a cocktail? See it says cocktail on the can." I said okay, I'll have a Bloody Mary cocktail. I just get a blank stare.
Finally I had him pick up a tall glass. Into it I had him put ice almost to the top. Then I said to pour in a little vodka. He picked up a bottle of some God knows what kind of vodka and a tiny plastic shot glass. He very carefully filled the shot, with very little vodka. You would think he was paying for it. He added that to the drink and I instructed him to stir. I dared not get any more complicated then that with a drink. Bobbi just gave up and had a glass of wine.
There were people walking around with skewers of chicken and that was all I saw. There was a group in the far corner of the room banging on drums and some kind of all wood instrument. It sounded like a xylophone. After a short while the captain spoke fairly briefly. He said there would more of these events.Quickly after that we left for the busses. We went back to the ship for dinner. Tomorrow we start very early on a tour.
Having a problem tonight. It is not sending photos.
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