A Bit About Us

Friday, November 17, 2023

Mamoudzou, Mayotte 11-17-23

Why is the Zuiderdam setting in the middle of a bay you ask?  We are at a tender port which means we take the small life boats from the ship since the dock is not equipped for depth or has a pier. Mayotte, a small island of Mamoudzou just off the coast of East Africa, a French overseas territory and part of the European Union. We were greeted by a group of women with an African chant and bamboo cymbals.  With a simple walking tour planned we set off for the main commerce area.  Glee was looking for African fabric and an upscale clothing store.  We greeted all we saw with bonjour, the sum of my French, along with merci. A few stares, as we believe the first cruise ship ever in their port. After the walk, hike, stroll and more water, we decided to take the ferry to a small island.  Found hordes of everyday people getting ready for Friday as well as the headquarters for the Navy.  Enough of the heat and humidity and back to ship via the tender.  Shower and late lunch.


Ziderdam at rest

At the the port

Markers along the street

Commerce area

Second ferry to another island

Don and Vanda

 

1 comment:

Christy said...

I love all their bright colors in their dress.