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Published: March 2nd 2008
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So we have just spent three days at three different ports and the weather was fantastic, unlike today, Thursday, where the temperature was only 21c, the ocean was a bit choppy and the sun appears to have gone on vacation. Still cannot complain as it is the first bad day we have had and I am sure the weather will improve, he says full of confidence.
So our first port of call was Key West. Before I give you a bit of information on this port, a brief detail as to what we had to go through to get off the ship. First, even before we arrived, we had to be escorted into the harbor by two American police vessels. Once in no one was allowed ashore until we were seen face to face by the American immigration and this was for every one on the vessel including crew so some 1700 people. Interrogation, sorry I mean inspection, started at around 0815 and we eventually saw the officer at 1030. Well what a cheerful man he was, couple of glances, a few words, a stamp or two and away we went, no goodbye or have a nice day. Well that's
the Americans I suppose.
So to the port. The Spanish Conquistadors named the island Cayo Hueso, Island of Bones, for when they first landed they were rather disconcerted to find human bones scattered along the seafront. It has remained inconclusive to this day as to why the bones were there ,but fortunately the islands grisly name has been Anglicized, rather than translated, hence Key West is no reference to geographical location.
As a member of The Sunshine State of Florida, it is not surprising to learn that the average annual temperature in the Keys is 26c ranging from 70F in January to 84F in July. Winter is the driest time of the year and the summer brings along high humidity with frequent electrical storms.
So what did we do? Well a very hot day so we decided to go into the town and have a look around and find a nice place for lunch. Was very touristy with lots of shops to buy more T shirts and the like. We took a trip around on one of the small street trains so thought we would get a good idea as to what was around and about. Interesting
but the train covered no more than about half a square mile. After we had a look around and eventually found a nice place to eat. Must say that the staff in the restaurant were very friendly. After lunch, visited those t shirt shops, took a few photos and back to the ship for a bit more sunbathing.
Next day, Tuesday, we arrived at Fort Lauderdale, the Everglades. As we had seen immigration the previous day, no problems here. The city of Fort Lauderdale is situated in Broward County on southern Florida's Atlantic Coast, an area known as the Gold Coast. The city did not even exist one hundred years ago but today it is one of the most popular resorts in the state. Now known as the Venice of the USA, because of the great number of waterways, Fort Lauderdale has much more to offer than just miles of sandy beaches. Port Everglades is just 23 miles north of Miami and only 60 miles northwest of the Bahamas.
In the year 2000, it had a population of 151,939 of whom 15% were aged 65 years and over. So whilst there, we had to go to the Everglades
and what a fantastic day it was. As in previous places we had visited and not seen any wildlife, this was different. Not only did we see many different types of birds and turtles but many alligators. We took a trip through the Everglades on one of the air boats and were supplied with their version of earplugs. As the guide on the boat said and I repeat in his own words "These earplugs took Nasa 20 years to develop" and what were they you might ask. No doubt many of you have already guessed, yes the good old fashioned toilet paper, unused of course.
After the Everglades we went straight to one of their shopping malls. No bargains although did spend some more dollars. The mall was on the lines of our own Bluewater and I never go there so needless to mention how much I enjoyed that. Back to the ship, a bit more topping up of sun and then dinner and to the show so a very busy day.
Our third day, Wednesday, we arrived at Nassau in the Bahamas. The largest town and the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau is situated on the Providence
Island, the most important although by no means the largest island. The total population Bahamas is about 300,000 of whom two thirds live in New Providence Island. Nassau is only 35 minutes flying time from Miami and is a popular holiday destination for North Americans.
The first English settlers arrived in the mid 17th century and Charles Town, later called Nassau was founded by a group of Puritans, former black slaves evicted from North America. However, this was not a settlement based on agriculture but on piracy. During the American Civil War of Independence, the American navy briefly captured Nassau in 1776 and then in 1782 Spain took over the colony. However, the Bahamas were again restored to Great Britain in the following year and remained under British rule until independence was gained in 1973.
Again, a very tourist type area, plenty of shops and restaurants. We first of all took a walk around the area visiting a straw market. How the stall holders can be so happy with the amount of visitors they have passing all the time beats me. Brenda almost gave me away to a stall holder who was looking for a husband but not
enough camels were offered. We decided to return to the ship but as we arrived back at the port entrance there was the old horse and carriage so decided to take a ride which lasted some 30 mins. After, back to ship for some more top up of the sun.
So now seven days at sea arriving at our last port of call, Madeira, next Thursday.
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JT
non-member comment
Your mate
Sorry Fred but the bloke next to you looks like your twin with his head on upside down, even got your white hat