Since Namibia has a lot of German influence we had a Biergarten party at the Lido Pool.  These parties always end up as a good time probably more so than the formal nights.  This photo is of one of our favorite bar waiters clowning around with one of the large plastic beer mug decorations.

We have now gone over 29,000 miles and still have  12 more days.  I believe we are also going to cross the equator for the 4th time.

St. Helena is a volcanic island which is different than most of the islands we have visited in that it is not plush with greenery.  This is the island that Napoleon was exiled to after Elba.  Elba was considered too close to France  and he had escaped once.   This island is more than 1,200 miles West of Africa so it was considered escape proof and he eventually died on this island. 

The Jacob’s Ladder is most unusual with 699 steps straight up.  Several people from the ship did climb it and one of my friends went up  in 18 minutes and down in 11.  This is a super time.

The next island was Ascension Island and it also was barren volcanic rock.  Unfortunately even the crew could  not get off the tenders so  we were only able to do a scenic cruise around it.  Both of the islands  are British protectorates and use their own currency called the St Helena-Ascension Island pound..  Some of the local people did come aboard and we were able to purchase some souvenirs.

Joan’s friend, Pete, had a birthday and I snapped this at the  Pinnacle where he was being wined and dined,  Pete is from Tennessee and I have become very fond of him because of his good humor and happy demeanor.

 We were entertained by the Filipina crew and it was one of the finest crew shows that I have ever seen.  They had traditional music and dance and mixed it with some more modern numbers.  There was standing room only.  The Indonesian crew show will be next week.