Scenic Cruising, Ascension Island
Ascencion Island.is an isolated volcanic island, 7°56' south of the Equator in the South Atlantic Ocean. Ascencion is part of the British Overseas Territory of St. Helena, Ascencion and Tristan da Cunha.
April 10, 2014
Georgetown, Ascension Island, Saint Helena
We arrived in Ascension Island before noon. We were not able to land as intended given the rough sea condition with big swells. From the ship's rail we could see the coast where there are several small settlements. It is said to have at least up to 4,000 people, mostly military families.
Since, WW II, Ascension Island has been an important refueling stop. Frigate birds, castrels, and gulls hovered back and forth in long glides, while a few dolphins were sighted jumping along the bow. Our Cruise Director, Gene Young had a contest going for whoever spotted green turtles and donkeys, said to be the most visible animals on the island.
To appease passengers disappointments, it was announced that representatives from the island would come on board the ship and bring souvenir items for sale. Shopaholics fidgeted in anticipation of these souvenir items. They talked in hushed tones, casting glances toward each other. The others hastened to gather at what they thought might be the area for the instant market. Then the people from the island emerged and the area was opened to admit the shopaholics. Soon, all eyes were fixed on these items as they were laid on the tables at the atrium.
Men and women pushed and shoved in savage ways as if these souvenir items were the last ones on earth! A few women who got hold of some stamps shrieked with delight. Men and women yelled for the prices of baseball caps, and only those who were gifted with quickness and agility managed to scoop up those precious few fridge magnets, and key chains. For a few moments, it was madness at the atrium on deck 5.
It was fascinating to watch how some women jumped with joy as they walked away with handfuls of souvenir items. One woman, had a stack of t-shirts that hung around her arms. There were men trying on caps and shirts. At one spot I saw a woman who supposedly was Kardashian rich. She sprang from the crowd, pushing with her big arms, her big brown eyes fixed upon the fridge magnet as if it were a piece of jewelry from a shop in Dubai! Her head was held high with attention and she licked her lips in anticipation of her find.
Apart from yelling and pushing, there were foot thumping and hand slapping and NO, I wasn't mistaken! It really happened!