26 Apr 2010
Takoradi Market, Ghana
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25 Apr 2010
Voodoo in Lome, Togo
Voodoo is a religion here, not hocus-pocus.
30 million people in West Africa practice it.
Central to the belief is offerings to the gods, in the form of animal sacrifices.
Human sacrifices in West Africa ended more than a century ago.
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23 Apr 2010
Is the Art Ship Sinking?
April 10, I blogged about art auctions at sea, and the terrible reputations they have. Apparently at least one jury agrees.
The industry giant Park West Galleries (PWG), who sells on many large cruise lines (including Regent) is involved in many lawsuits. Recently, they took the offensive and sued the Fine Art Registry (FAR) for $46,000,000 and defamation.
Not only did PWG lose, FAR was awarded an additional $500,000! The defense argued the standard “truth is a defense” strategy.
During the trial, FAR experts testified that many pieces were forgeries many times over. They presented evidence showing PWG even wrote their own appraisals.
More specifically, FAR experts testified that PWG has been making and selling fake Salvador Dali prints, with forged signatures of the artist.
Please do not assume because you cruise on a legitimate cruise line that they care at all whether you buy fake and misrepresented art. Sometimes the almighty dollar gets in the way of integrity.
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22 Apr 2010
At Sea
We have been relaxing at sea for a few days, heading north up the west coast of Africa. In the morning we will be crossing the equator again.
Here is a selection of Allyn’s favorite nature shots taken previously:
Bali
Bali
Bora Bora
Borobauder
Maldives
Reunion
South Africa
Sailing
Seychelles
Seychelles
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20 Apr 2010
Dinner Under the Stars, Namibia
Almost 500 of us caravanned for 40 minutes, to someplace in the middle of the desert, for dinner and entertainment.
Notwithstanding the fact that the road was the worst ever, the food was modest at best, and the entertainment just ok, we actually all had a great time. It just seemed to work.
The star clusters were amazing. There was absolutely no ambient light which really brought out the stars.
After bumping back home, the ship’s staff was outside to give us the red carpet treatment. That was very cool.
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