Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife is known as the ‘must’ for tourist things here. We are not here as tourists, but we had the opportunity to go to the park today. As you see in the photo, the dolphins are jumping. The dolphins and trainers did a great job. We enjoyed it so much that the Kronester family and myself went to the show twice. I have seen dolphins often as I have sailed on various ships, but it was great to see this presentation.
Loro Parque Orca
Today, 163 of the crew members of the Africa Mercy went to Puerto de la Cruz to the famous theme park, Loro Parque. This was provided as a gift from one of our international board members as a Christmas gift for the crew. At one show, we saw three orca whales perform (they were born at Sea World in the US).
Cabin Door 2008
Christmas Day 2008
From my home, cabin 4236 on the Africa Mercy, to your home, a very Merry Christmas
Cabin Door Gifts
Following the Dutch tradition, on Christmas Eve we place a shoe or boot outside our cabin doors. Then during the night we the crew have the opportunity to drop small gifts into the shoe or around the shoe of our fellow crew members. So on Christmas morning, I opened my door and saw small gifts all along my entire hallway (Deck 4 – which is the main accomodations deck for singles and couples).
Christmas Brunch
Christmas Brunch was wonderful – on the 25th from 9am-11am – since we have just arrived from Africa, we were all excited for the fruits – including one of my favorites – strawberries. Our Food Services team did a great job all around. Most of the crew volunteered to help in one way or the other.
Christmas Eve Rene & Philip
For Christmas eve we had a wonderful dinner in our dining room followed by the Christmas Eve Service. With me in this photo from our table is Philip from Sierra Leone in the middle and Rene Tolno from Guinea on the right.
Christmas Batik
My friend from Ashaiman, Ghana made this wonderful batik for Christmas for Mercy Ships. It is displayed in our International Lounge for the Christmas Eve Service.
Sunset from the bow
If the weather permits (meaning the waves are not coming over the bow), the deck officers open the bow for the crew to go out after dinner to watch the sunset. I am in the midst of the group there as my friend Marcin from Poland has taken this beautiful photo. Though the sunset was not terrific, it was just enjoyable to be out there.
Sail out of Liberia Dec08
My last shot of Central Monrovia in the background. This was taken a couple days before we sailed out of Monrovia. I have basically lived in Liberia for two entire years. I have mixed emotions about leaving, not knowing when I will see the people here again, especially the children at the orphanages that I have been so involved with.
Academy Christmas Play Dec 08
The children and teens in the on board Academy put on their Christmas play this year in the International Lounge. The drama was written by three of the high school students and it was called ‘Christmas in 2210’. They all did an excellent job. Every one was involved including those in the nursery program.