February 22, 2020 - Saturday

Azamara Quest Cape Town to Athens 

Cruise Day 3 - Port Elizabeth, South Africa

We docked at Port Elizabeth this morning. We had a walking tour of Port Elizabeth scheduled for departure at 8:15. That meant rising early so that we could have breakfast before we left. 

Everything went according to schedule, and at 8:15 we were on a shuttle bus to the port gate where we met our guide, Leisil. Because this is a working port we were not allowed to walk out from the ship. We were dropped at the gate, but the shuttle went on to deliver passengers to a local beach district. Because of the elevated risk of street crime, the routine in South Africa is to drop passengers at a popular public location such as a beach or mall. From there passengers traveling on their own can take a taxi or Uber to make their way. The shuttles return people to the ship from the same drop off point. They run approximately every 30 minutes.

Liesil confirmed that all 19 members of our tour were present before leading us to the Campanile Memorial. This bell tower was completed in 1922 and is dedicated to the landing of the first settlers in 1820. At the top of 214 steps is the largest carillon in the country. We stood at the base and admired the 160 foot tall structure. None of us climbed up to the top.

After being warned of the vagaries of South Africa drivers, we carefully crossed the road on our way to market square. From this spot we were able to see city hall, the library and many churches. The square no longer hosts a market. As we walked on we did pass a street that represents the Old Business District. Many shops along this street provide the supplies that people from the surrounding countryside need. They do not shop here every day. Some may not even shop here every week. For this reason the quantities sold are larger volumes.

Now the fun began. We started walking up a high hill toward Donkin Reserve. At the top is a memorial to Elizabeth Donkin after whom the city is named. She died at an early after arriving with her husband and the first settlers in 1820. This monument is an impressive stone pyramid. Also atop this hill is a lighthouse built in 1861 and a 215 foot tall flagpole erected in 2010. The lighthouse is no longer in use. The flagpole flies a flag as large as a tennis court when the wind is not too strong. On the day of our visit the wind was gusting to 50 miles per hour and the flag was down.

Between the pyramid and the flagpole are a number of mosaics in the sidewalk. These are quite large and colorful. They depict scenes from South Africa’s journey away from apartheid rule into democracy.

The views of the city from the site were wonderful. When we left we went to the Grand Hotel for light sandwiches and juice before moving on to Fort Frederick. Along the way to the fort we passed the Little Theater and the courts.

Like the Donkin Reserve the fort looks over the city. On one side is a very deep valley with a river that runs through it. That area floods when it rains here. The other side faces the harbor and city center. This affords commanding views.

After earning that no battles were ever fought from here, we toured the grounds. Then we were met by a shuttle and returned to the ship. It was a very good tour. Our guide was quite expressive and very exuberant. We really appreciated being with her.

Since our return to Quest conceded with lunch time of course we had to stop to eat. Then it was time to meet with friends and discuss the highlights of the day.

Dinner was planned as a barbecue on deck 9. Showers passed on and off, but we had joined Margaret and Vivian from Australia at a table under the overhang of deck 10 alongside the pool. These lovely ladies are traveling alone and only met at a singles gathering the day before. Margaret is a seasoned cruiser, but this is the first cruise ever for Vivian. We had great fun sharing life experiences and the anticipation of things to come.

A program of local music and dance was schedule for the pool deck after dinner, but the weather forced this inside. We were very comfortable as a result and enjoyed the program.

Tomorrow is a sea day on our way to Durban, so we will be able to sleep in. We decided to stay out for our 10:00PM departure, but the dancers were late getting off the ship. We did not cast off until 10:30. We watched the lights of Port Elizabeth fade away. We were pleased to have had such a nice visit here. We may never return, but we will not forget Port Elizabeth.