Sandy and Jim WC 24-25

CADIZ, SPAIN   April 27, 2025 FUN RUN/WALK MARATHON DECK 2 of the VIKING SKY beginning at 6:45am All participants were up early today (Jim is NOT a morning person) for the 5k (about 3 miles) event as the Walkers began at 6:45am and the Runners at 8:00am. We were both walking and already had our t-shirts, BUT Sandy only walked a little over half of the way and Jim completed the entire walk!!   Neither of us has done this in a long time!!!!!   Then on to the tour of the day. This scenic southern region around Cadiz is home to the flamenco, the matador and world-class equestrian art.  The port city of Cadiz gained incredible wealth during the 18 th century as riches from the Americas were unloaded here.   Our scenic drive began atop a rocky hill not far from the Atlantic Ocean with gorgeous views.   As we walked through the cobblestone streets of Vejer, we wandered through a maze of secret corners, hidden patios, and whitewashed homes.  We then ...

  Agadir, Morocco April 24, 2025 Sightings of feeding dolphins and a Sei whale along with Northern Gannets flying along with the ship as the ship stirs up the marine life for these birds.   Situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Agadir is the capital of Amazigh culture – the Indigenous peoples of North Africa.  Historians believe the Amazigh migrated to Morocco from the Middle East and are descendants of the pre-Arab population.  Our first stop on this excursion was a cable car ride to the top of Agadir’s Kasbah hill, more than a mile above sea level.   The ancient fortress is massive with whitewashed walls and sweeping views over the city below.   Sandy admired the camels offering rides – she hopped on and hopped off !!   This city which emerged from the 1960 earthquake now has a sleek modern face.  We stopped at the Lebanon and Talborit mosques with their intricately decorated facades and ornate doors and the Wall of Reme...

  Tenerife, The Canary Islands April 22,2025 As we sail into the charming Canary Islands capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, we celebrate our 30 th Wedding Anniversary.   Both Spanish and island traditions are evident in the former fishing village which is now one of Tenerife’s top resorts lined with narrow cobblestone streets, traditional colonial-style cafes and bars, charming plazas and a quaint harbor.   The volcanic Mt. Teide, Spain’s highest point, watches over much of the island.   These rich hills have prime fruit plantations and vineyards that produce some of the nation’s finest wines.   We strolled through the city’s world-class botanical garden – home to exotic tropical and subtropical plants including the South American Liana Tree with a mass of intertwining trunks.   Our day was capped off with a private dinner for ten of us on board the Viking Sky to celebrate our Anniversary!  A beautiful day indeed!!

  PRAIA, CAPE VERDE April 18, 2025 Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, sits on the southern coast of Santiago Island.   Founded by Portuguese explorers in 1615, Praia is home to 90% of Cape Verde’s population and is the archipelago’s largest port.   The Old Town, nicknamed the “Plateau,” sits in the heart of the city overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. We walked by the neoclassical Our Lady of Grace Church, where a Good Friday procession with a Christ-figure carrying a crucifix was taking place, as well as the Palace of the President and the statue of Diogo Gomes, an explorer and writer and a servant to Henry the Navigator.  We then traveled to Ciduade Velha, the first city built by Europeans in the tropics and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then we toured the imposing Sao Filipe Royal Fortress perched on a plateau and overlooking the city since the 16 th century and then on to the main square. MINDELO, CAPE VERDE April 19, 2025 The Cape Verde archipelago is a group of...