The Algarve

Reaching Portimau in Portugal, the clear weather was perfect for a full day of exploring and relaxing. Just a stroll from the ship passengers were able to enjoy the glorious sand beach and its 2.4 km boardwalk. In the opposite direction a deep promenade sweeps in a curve in front of the town centre with its shops, café’s and historic buildings.

Algarve, the name for this region, stems from the Arabic for West and the period of occupation of the Moors. Visiting Cape St. Vincent, the point furthest south-west in all of Europe was part of an excursion offered to guests.   The guides pointing South to Morocco and West to where the next land is the USA.

Fishing has always been important in the history of this port, starting with Phoenician and Roman periods. The conversion to prize winning waterfront Museum of a former sardine factory has created a venue to tell this and other stories.

On another option, travelling by jeeps through small farms and villages for an introduction to botany and local fruit and honey products.  The most prestigious crop here is the fine quality cork, explained to guests in the dappled shade of the quercus suber tree.   

Tonight the Captain has said his farewell for this Easter cruise concludes with the sights sailing into Lisbon in the morning.

The Atlantic Coast of Western Europe

Embarkation day in Lisbon. ... Santa Apolonia Pier on the bank of the Rio Teju is directly opposite the city’s first Railway Station. Opened in 1865 it still bustles with life. A grand arch alongside leads into what is now the Military Museum. Built on the site of a 16th century shipyard this grand building houses what is said to be one of the largest collections of historic weapons in the world. Amongst them the sword of great Portugese explorer Vasco de Gama together with artefacts relating to his discovery of the sea route to India.

Safety drill complete, we set off in evening sun able to see from deck historic city buildings and passing under the huge 2.2 km long suspension bridge that connects the river banks. Constructed in 1966 and originally named Ponte de Salazar after the dictatorial Portugese Prime Minister of 1932 to 1968. The current name of Ponte de 25 Abril commemorates instead the date of the overthrow of his regime.

As the Captain welcomed passengers with a toast at his Cocktail Reception the stance of the personnel gives away that unfortunately the Atlantic welcomed Fram with some larger than friendly waves for a first night on board.

Economic Heart of a City

Casablanca – is the largest in port in Morocco and third largest port of all Africa. Those who stayed on board enjoyed the vessel and loading activities around Fram’s berth.

Highlight of the city tour was the Hassan II Mosque. The tallest religious structure in the world, taking thousands of craftsmen only six years to build, the interior is finished with sumptuous marble and Venetian chandeliers.

Those who journeyed along the coast to the capital were shown around different parts of Rabat. The city centre is UNESCO listed as much for its 20th century urban planning under a French Protectorate as its early buildings. Some date back to the 12th Century including the mosque commissioned by Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour but unfinished due to his death. Close to the Royal Palace complex and passing through the mighty entrance to Fortress of Chellah a colony of storks has taken to nesting amongst the Roman ruins.

Close to the Royal Palace complex and passing through the mighty entrance to Fortress of Chellah a colony of storks has taken to nesting amongst the Roman ruins.

Agadir in Morocco

The Kasbah (walled village) dominates the skyline, then the national flag of Morocco greets arrivals at the port of Agadir.

The walled souk of the city, with every kind of goods available provided an opportunity to practice bartering. Men with wheeled carts ready to carry large purchases out of the internal maze of shops. In the food section storekeepers perched on their stalls which were stacked high with a stunning selection of vegetables and spices.

Some travelled to Taroudant nicknamed “Little Marakkesh, stopping to see the endemic Argan trees along the way.  In the past locals used the oil produced from this tree as standard for cooking but now that it its roughly thirty times the price of olive oil this is no longer the case. The medicinal properties of Argan and the threat to its natural forests have made the species a focus for conservation.

No sooner had afternoon lectures finished than gannets joined us swooping over the waves as we continued our journey north along the Maghreb coast...

Start of a Season

Yesterday, Las Palmas on Gran Canaria was preparing for the Easter Festival. In the Cathedral of Santa Ana the procession platforms were being varnished. Boxes of cut flowers were stacked waiting for the nimble fingered florist, who had already started making beautiful displays.

Today, Fram arrived from its Atlantic crossing to the port of Santo Catalina. Activity was high around the ship, bunkering completed as well as provisions delivered.

For passengers - after checking-in comes settling-in. Finding their way around the decks, though some already know the ship well. It is wonderful for us to see again those familiar with Fram having enjoyed other voyages.  Mandatory safety briefing over, we headed to the ocean as the sun was setting. Captain's introduction made this is the start of a season visiting many ports in Europe. It is only 112 nautical miles to the first of those, the town of Arrecife on Lanzarote Island.