Monday 19th January Recife, Brazil We crossed the equator early on Sunday morning and are now in the Southern Hemisphere. Our first port in South America is Recife in Brazil. Recife is built on several islands so there are a lot of waterways and bridges around the city. We went on an excursion this morning stopping first at Praca da Republica to see the Governor's Palace and the Justice Palace before travelling to the old prison. This has been turned into a cul...

Thursday 15th January Mindelo, Cape Verde We have sailed further south and have arrived on the Cape Verde Island of São Vicente. The Cape Verde Islands are about 400miles west of West Africa. There are nine main islands and they were uninhibited when they were discovered in the 15th century by Portuguese explorers. Up to the 1870s the economy here was based mostly on the slave trade being on the route between West Africa and the New World. The majority of isla...

Monday 12th January Funchal, Madeira After leaving Southampton on Thursday we have been sailing south. We crossed the Bay of Biscay where there was quite a swell but were in calmer waters by Saturday. Today we have arrived at our first port, Funchal in Madeira. It's a lovely warm, sunny day here and we have spent it walking around the town. There is a new promenade since we were here last. We strolled along it and then stopped at a cafe to have a coffee. I want...

Southampton 8th January We got on board our ship Aurora at 1.30. It was a lovely mild sunny afternoon. The safety drill was at 5o'clock and after that it was time to go on deck for some champagne as we sailed out. Some lovely fireworks as we departed. All cases have been unpacked and put away and the cabin is looking much clearer. Time to get ready for dinner as we sail into the Solent.

Thursday 2nd January Cornwall With six days to go before we sail, our cases have been packed and collected. Hopefully we will see them again next week outside our cabin. They are going via Saltash and Bristol apparently, let's hope they don't get lost!