Around Africa - Aqaba, Jordan Day 1

From the sunny Salalah, we headed to another city in the Middle East, Jordan!

We will be staying here overnight. And what am I most excited about? Visiting a wonder of the world, THE LOST CITY OF PETRA! That would be for tomorrow.

But for now, I'm gonna tour you around the city of Aqaba with the little time I had. This is not a boring place, ya know. This was the only place in all our travels where I saw most of the officers getting off at night but I didn't know why as I was on duty. Haha

There was a free shuttle service from the ship to the city center.

I was accompanied by one of the security officers who planned to go gold shopping! Hence, my pic here. Hehe

Maybe because it was a weekend, I didn't really know but most of the jewelry shops there were closed though some shops selling other goods were opened.

They said it opened during the night. My gosh, I just couldn't imagine going there and seeing yellow glitters all around! Haha

There was a mosque opposite the market.

Anyway, continuing our journey, I bought biscuits because I was just craving for salty biscuits. It has been several weeks already since I've last eaten skyflakes. Haha

Pistachio nuts are everywhere and coffee as well! I just regret why I didn't try it. :(

There were various colorful shops and markets which really made the ambiance sooo alive!

That's it for now! Will continue our journey tomorrow! :)

Around Africa - Salalah, Oman

After successfully passing by the Gulf of Aden, we docked in one of Oman's cities and the capital and seat of the governor of Dhofar, Salalah.

I never ever thought of ever been stepping into this place I only hear from OFWs. It's already part of Asia, the Middle East to be specific.

As this is an Arab country, I thought of deserts, camels and hot weather. And they didn't disappoint me.

I went on tour and really explored it the best I could!

After boarding the bus, we passed by the famous Mughsayl Beach.

Before heading to Marneef Cave..

where we enjoyed a spectacle of the popular blowholes!

After all the picture-taking, we went straight to Job's Tomb. Nobody can really tell if this is the real one as there are other tombs of Job in the world. But seeing this is quite an experience already!

Along the road, this is just a normal sight.

And they have that practice of honking the incoming vehicle if they have passed by a camel along the road to serve as a warning.

Camels are just everywhere!

The tour guide told us that all the dry land we see along the way become lush green comes the rainy season between June to September.

After our visit to Job's tomb, we dropped by the Government's Palace. We could not go inside. Hence, just these pics.

Then to the Old Market and bought souvenirs!

It was a fun-filled exploration!

Around Africa - Transit in Gulf of Aden

Well, there is nothing major here except for the fact that we're heading Middle East and there's no other route than going through the Gulf of Aden.

And why is this such a big deal? My dear, going to Gulf of Aden means passing by SOMALIA. It would have been alright if it would take us several hours only but my gosh, 3 freaking days is the journey time.

Onboard, there were security drills made by the crew and passengers alike. Security was tightened. In times like this, all we can do is pray that we will pass through and arrive in our next destination  safely.

And thank God for the successful transit.

Around Africa - Praslin Island, Seychelles

The next day of our journey was to Praslin Island! One of the best places to explore in Seychelles! As I'm not really a beach person, and we need tender boats to go there, I was not really enticed to really go out. But, I preferred to go anyway just to buy souvenirs.

But as we waited for the tenders, we talked with other crews and we ended up joining them on their way to the beach. There was no city center you can actually explore so it was a good idea to see nature's wonders (even if I'm not into them).

So off we go to one of the world's best beaches, Anse Lazio!

It's a 30-minute drive to this widely-known stretch.


And you will really be in for a big surprise!

I haven't tried dripping in the water but still enjoyed it! I went back with no regrets at all.

Around Africa - Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles

One of the places looked forward to by almost everyone onboard is this popular destination. I actually haven't heard of this place but I was kind of excited though I kept on hearing beaches and stuff which I'm sooo not into. Haha.

in the bus to the town center

While a lot of people went to the beach, I opted to stroll around the town center one lazy afternoon.

A shuttle service was available from the ship. It was not a long journey actually. You can even walk if you want.

I had researched of this place ahead of time. So, I have some kind of background already.

After alighting the bus, I looked for the famous clock tower. Luckily, it was just a few meters away. It's a replica of London's Big Ben.

A short history from www.seychelles.travel

The Victoria Clocktower, or Lorloz as it is better known in Creole, is the most prominent feature of Seychelles’ small capital, and has acted as a focal point for nearly 100 years. While all around massive transformation has taken place in the town centre, with modern buildings of concrete and glass springing up, the Clocktower has remained virtually unchanged. The Lorloz is an elegant replica of the clock that was first erected in London in 1897 at the junction of Victoria Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road, near Victoria Station. Seychelles' governor Sir Ernest Sweet-Escott, who had admired it during a visit to London, ordered a similar clock for Seychelles as a memorial to Queen Victoria, who died in 1901 after a reign stretching over 63 years. 

i can see it now!

closer look

I heard Victoria is the smallest capital in the world. So, I never had any doubts of exploring this cute city center.

Just opposite the clock tower is this historical figure.

And walking past that, you would see this at the end of the road which symbolizes the 3 original settlers of Victoria - Asian, African and European.

Walking back to the clock tower, and once you cross the street, you can see the National Museum and Liberty House.

There's also a postal service and see what they have here at the entrance.

Going straight, you would see St. Paul's Church. And moving ahead, a building that houses souvenir shops.

A block more and you would arrive at Victoria Street. It's the busiest place in town because of this market.

Inside one of the buildings, I tried their burger. Nothing special though.

A Hindu Temple stands tall at the end of the street as well.

And the Immaculate Conception Cathedral is in another street.

                                                       

Then there's this Italian Restaurant that you just couldn't miss. Their ice cream is super delicious.

After that break, we went back to the bus which was just meters away.

Super duper nice place to stroll around!