Category Archives: GOING ASHORE
Going ashore in Durban
Located on the East Coast of South Africa and belonging to the KwaZulu – Natal Province, Durban is one of the country’s leading seaports and a very popular summer destinations. Blessed with a long and mild summer, Durban attracts mostly South African tourists who are coming here for the long white beaches and for a wide range of sport and fun activities connected with them.
Unfortunately, not so many foreigners choose Durban as a holiday destination because the city is known to be one of the most dangerous places in the country, with a high criminality rate – targeting especially the white people.
Going ashore in Singapore
More than 8 years have passed since my first visit to Singapore. It was December 2010 when I arrived in the Brani Terminal of Singapore Port, on board HS Bruckner. That was my first voyage to Asia and the beginning of my never ending love and admiration towards this part of the world (with a few exceptions, of course).
Going ashore in Laem Chabang Pattaya
The fame of Pattaya beach in Thailand has crossed time and space borders and it still represents the most popular attraction among tourists – especially single men – in search of sexual adventures.
Going ashore in Visakhapatnam, India
Visakhapatnam is located on the East Coast of India and it is the largest city of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh. Its port is one of the largest in India, being the biggest natural harbor on the East coast. Going out of the port of Visakhapatnam is quite a challenge for any seafarer, but nevertheless a rewarding experience, especially for those in search of the real taste and flavors of India.
Going ashore in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is located on the Saigon River, in the south of Vietnam and it is the country’s busiest port. Going out from the port of Ho Chi Minh can be quite a challenge especially for a seafarer with a fixed and tight schedule, but nevertheless it’s a rewarding struggle.
Going ashore in Panabo Davao
The port of Panabo belongs to the bigger port of Davao and it is situated on the southeastern coast of Mindanao Island and in the north part of the Gulf of Davao. It was opened in the autumn of 2015 and it is located in a very picturesque area, surrounded by coconut and banana plantation.
Going ashore in Manila
The capital of Philippines, Manila, is the biggest and most crowded port and city of the country. The Metropolis of Manila – or Metro Manila, how the locals are calling it – includes the city of Manila and some other smaller cities and municipalities and it has an area of more than 600 sq. km. The Port has 2 distinct port container terminals – Manila North and Manila South – and our vessel called both terminals, with an average stay of 24 hours in the North and 12 hours in the South.
Dampa Fish Market, Manila
I have visited many fish markets around the world and I think I will never get tired – nor bored – of visiting more of them each time I arrive into a new city, regardless its size or location. The most beautiful, clean and diversified fish market I have seen so far is Mercado Central from Valencia, but I prefer the colourful, vibrant and picturesque Asian markets where the fresh fish is displayed in huge piles, the vendors are friendly and the prices are always lower than expected.
Panabo Market
I love Philippines and all my friends know this already. I love their white sandy beaches, their amazing waters and all the other small things that can make up a unique and unforgettable vacation. But, most of all, I love the people living in this country. Despite their very difficult life, despite all their struggles and fight, hard work and uncertain future, the Filipinos always wear a big smile on their faces, always welcome foreigners in their communities and try to please them as much as they can.
Visiting the fish market in Panabo, Philippines
I always enjoy visiting fish and fruit markets whenever I arrive in a new town, regardless of its location or size. From the colourful and perfectly clean market of Valencia to the busy, crowded and noisy Asian markets I always find great pleasure in walking between the aisles, admiring their wide display and socializing with the vendors. From all the fish markets I’ve seen so far, Philippines’ markets are by far my favourites and no matter how many of them I visit I still want to visit more.
