When in Balboa

Balboa is one of the ports in Panama, where there is mall nearby. A short taxi ride can take you to the Albrooks Mall.
Christmas is in the air at the mall. It was a payday weekend and you can feel the Christmas shopping rush. Some of the stores in the mall are still on sale.

One of the decors at the mall

It was a vibrant afternoon to spend the port stay at the mall especially mingling with the crowd, doing a little shopping and having some picture taking with the locals.

Happily, going back to the ship with these mementos. It is indeed, the most wonderful time of the year.

Top 20 Ports Good For Seafarer's Shore Leave

Shore leave is a valuable time, spent ashore for Seafarers who worked onboard ships, regardless, of vessel type. A change of environment, no matter how brief, is paramount in maintaining their well being and to avoid burning out. Shore leave helps them keep a sound mind, be refreshed and energized.
Below are some of the ports that I've been to and had memorable experience ashore:
1.) Auckland, NZ
Infront of the gate is a 24hr. supermarket. The waterfront is a short walk away, and lots of beautiful restaurants are available. A visit to the Auckland Tower should not be missed for a great view of the city.
2.) Algeciras, Spain
A small port city in the province of Andalucia. The gateway to Gibraltar and Morroco. Corte Englis is a favorite stop shop, but a walk around Plaza Alta, to hear mass or visit church, is a welcome break. Take some time to stop and smell the flowers in Maria Cristina Park. For the history buffs, the Algeciras Municipal museum has no entrance fee.
3.) Marin, Spain:
Marín is a town and municipality in Galicia, Spain in the province of Pontevedra. Stores are walkable from the gate. It is home to freshly catch seafood, because fishing. Fishing vessels are plentiful in the area. Old churches and the Museum is also with-in walking distance.
4.) Civitavecchia, Italy
The port of Rome. From the ship, there is an aircon bus that takes you to the gate, where an old fort can be seen.
Walk around the promenade and have some bite of Italian pizza. If time permits, take a train to Rome and see the Colloseum and the Fountain of Trevi.
5,) Naples, Italy
The city is quite near to the port. A short taxi ride can bring you to the center, for shopping, food trip, and sightseeing. Castle Nouvo is very near the port and an old Church too.
6.) Hamburg, Germany
The city center is a short ride away. Many sights, shops and restaurants await.
7.) Puerto Alegre, Brasil
Brasil, being home to the Havaianas and Garuto chocolates will always be fun to look forward to going ashore. Just outside the gate, shopping adventure begins and food delight can be found.
8.) Balboa, Panama,
From the gate, take a short taxi ride to Allbrook's Mall, where shopping, telephone companies, and gastronomic adventures awaits.
9.) Singapore
The home port to many shipping lines and bunkering port. Outside the container terminal, some shops are already available. By train or taxi, Singapore never let's you down.
10.) Freeport Malta,
The beach is walkable from the gate where restaurants, and grocery stores can also be found..A bus stop is also found near the gate, to Marsaxlokk, or Valleta, and other cities in Malta. Malta is the culture capital of Europe. Small city with old world charm.
11.) Tilbury, England
The gateway to London. The Tilbury port is very close to the Tilbury train station. A grocery is also found nearby.
12.) Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Depending on the berth assignment, there is a berth that is close to the center, where you can visit Euromast, have some shopping and dine in good restaurants. There is also a water taxi that can take you to the prominent Windmills, port stay permitting.
13.) Livorno, Italy
A gateway to the Tower of Pisa. Pisa, is just a 30minutes train ride away.
The city of Livorno itself, offers some attractions and shopping destinations.
14.) Hongkong
A short walk from outside the terminal to the train station, can take you to a nearby malls and all other parts in HongKong, for shopping and much needed Rest and Recreation.
15.) Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
A short taxi ride can take you to the famous beach Copacabana. Exploring further you can visit the famous Cristo Rey. Take a cable car ride to the Sugar Loaf Mountain.
16. ) Charleston, South Carolina
The Seaman's club is walkable from the berth. They offer a free ride to Wall Mart or Belk Shopping Center where you can also request for pick up. You can also visit the Pineapple Fountain and the Patriot's Point.
17.) Newark, USA
Shopping can be fun at the Jersey Garden, the Seaman's club service can take you there. If time permits, a short ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty from the New Jersey Park, is a worthwhile experience or just take a stroll at the New Jersey Park.
18.) Durban, South Africa
The Ushaka Marine Park is a must see in Durban. There are also lots of good restaurants that serve freshly catch seafood.
19.) Capetown, South Africa
A visit to the Table Mountain is a valuable experience. The Waterfront is a great spot to spend some time, shopping or just wandering around.
20.) Sydney, Australia
The Seamans Club also offers a free ride from the ship to the club. From there, you can walk to the nearby attractions and shops. It has a beautiful Harbourfront. The Darling Harbor, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach are alluring sights.

Sometimes life at sea, can get too much. Go, Chill and Take a Break!😁

Disclaimer: The list above is not absolute, depending on the vessels' type and trade, the places considered good may vary.
#Seafarer, #LifeatSea,#MarinoPh,
#SeamanOnline

Mornings at Puerto Bolivar

We got lucky to call during daytime on this small port in El Oro, Ecuador.
Taking a walk at their Malecon on a bright sunny morning as an exercise and take a break from ship environs.
It's a simple place, but have good restaurants near the boardwalk where fishing boats docked.
A brunch at Pepe's Restaurant cap our stay.

The local version of Titanic for photo ops

 The cultural center at Malecon

Playa Las Palmas in Esmeraldas

During our inducement call to Esmeraldas in Ecuador, we got the chance to visit their Malecon or Boardwalk. It is located in Playa de Las Palmas. While there are other beaches in the area, it is the one nearest to the port where we berthed. By a short taxi ride, we only paid $1.50 to get there. The cheapest so far. It is walkable but is not advisable. For foreigners, it is better to ride a taxi. The boardwalk has a lot to offer.

The fine sand litter free beach is a welcome respite,after a long voyage. The fresh air from the sea, with a good platter of grilled of seafoods and cervice, dancing to Latin American music to cap the night
In South America, our visit to Esmeraldas, brought me back to the dance floor, after a long, long while!😊
Hasta la vista.

Glimpse of St. Petersburg, Russia

We arrived in St. Petersburg, Russia at the start of winter. A first snowfall experience after several decades.

St. Petersburg is a Russian port city on the Baltic Sea. It was the imperial capital for 2 centuries, having been founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, subject of the city's iconic “Bronze Horseman” statue. It remains Russia's cultural center, with venues such as the Mariinsky Theatre hosting opera and ballet, and the State Russian Museum showcasing Russian art, from Orthodox icon paintings to Kandinsky works.
A visit to the iconic Church of the Spilled Blood was an awesome experience.

Life at Sea: Beyond the Fear

Who said that life at sea is a bed of green bucks? It was never nor will be, for the Officers and Crew who toiled hard, regardless of the weather and the risk, when unfavorable situations are encountered, and to the families who look forward to what the next port, is in store for them. A sailing experience, of how we were boarded with undesirable elements, made our world stood still for a while. Hanged on to faith and prayed that it will soon be over. Security protocols are working well and Coastguard assisted, for the intruder's search, but they already fled. All was safe and ended well.
In retrospect, it reminded us, of the cliche that "life is short,” even shorter when you were at sea. Emergency scenarios are eye-openers, that things can happen splits seconds and critical situations onboard, always demand, timely and decisive actions, following intensified security measures.
Better early, Never late, but always “Just in time." Indeed, experience matters. The wisdom gained therefrom, can't be underestimated. Yes, extra vigilance pays off, because the presence of local security guards onboard, does not guarantee, a security breach free transit. Thus, the need for the ship's crew to do a parallel double watch. Because of the vigilance of one crew, the contaminated cargo was intercepted. It opened our eyes to the harsh realities, that the outside forces have unlimited resources for notorious activities. It is a global menace, that needs to be addressed. Stepping ups security measures at sea and in port will require not just baby steps, but bold and stringent ways, to curb non-essential activities with the help of modern technology. The installation of CCTV's on deck will be of great help and deterrent too.
Courage and Determination are traits that keep the Seafarers going. Challenging voyages often lead to meaningful journeys. When the sun sets, we always look forward to another wonderful day. Hopefully, better and safer than yesterday.👌😊
Today is a different one, it is a time for a little fun. By coincidence, two ladies onboard celebrate their natal day.
It's a special time to say thank you for the gift of life, putting our fears behind us now.
Always grateful, for the chance to greet the sunrise, meet the horizon, and feel the ocean. God is good. Let's party! 🎂🍦 Cheers to you and me. Enjoy your youth, because it is the gift of nature, while I have to age youthfully, being a work of art.
May we be a timeless masterpiece created in his image and likeness, nurtured by Love, fortified by hope and faith. Let's keep believing that no matter how our day begins and goes, it can still end beautifully. Against all odds, Life goes on, blooming where we are planted.

#Seafarer, #FamilySailing, # SeamanOnline,# MarinoPh

Article reference: World maritme news