Following a successful series of recitals onboard the Braemar Cruise Ship sailing to and around Norway in July 2014, Corinne and Kim are now making preparations for more concerts onboard the Black Watch.
Funchal is our first port of call where the sun shines all year round and the gardens have stunning displays of exotic flowers. We will explore this modern and vibrant city, and perhaps take a trip to the charming village of Santana, with its unusual triangular thatched houses.
From here, we’ll cruise on to Santa Cruz in Tenerife, where the Spanish way of life influences the city. Witnessing the beautiful beaches to the natural beauty of Mount Teide, and from the many Spanish restaurants to exciting Loro Parque.
Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands is next, where traces of its Portuguese heritage are still evident, particularly in the Governor’s Palace and City Hall. We will try to visit the fascinating Municipal Market and explore the tiny shops in the town while we’re there.
Our cruise ship then takes us to Salvador in Brazil, also with Portuguese influences, coupled with African traditions. We’re looking forward to seeing many ornate churches and imposing public buildings in the Upper City, which are monuments to the wealth generated by the sugar-cane and tobacco trades. The people of Salvador also have a carnival at the beginning of each year, as in Rio so that will be fun!
We then head off to Rio de Janeiro which is a lively and exciting city with many easily recognised points of interest. We’re hoping to take a stroll along Copacabana Beach or a cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain; or marvel the largest Art Deco statue in the world; and definitely Christ the Redeemer at the peak of Corcovado Mountain before heading home to Heathrow! It’s going to be an interesting and exciting time!
