Cruise Africa: November 2017

Slave Trade in Libya! How? Why? When? First of all, let’s be candid. Slave Trade has been boundless in various corners of the world. Abolision of this inhumane trade has not aborted its under- covered development in some countries.
So definitely, Libya isn’t the only hub where this heinous commerce is taken place. But what makes the social media, the press, the elite and the masses point fingers at Libya is the fact that slave trade is undergone in the open. One could go to a farmhouse, place a bid for as little as $400 (N144,000) and practically “own” a person. The trade is so transparent that one could make any individual with human feelings go berserk.
Those people or refugees take the risk of going to Libya in a bid to escape war, poverty and unemployment. But once they arrive there, they realize that the intermediaries, to whom they trust their lives, are people smugglers. The refugees are then sold for a ransom and become subjects of forced labor or sexual assault.
Why has Libya been a consistent option for exit? Why do people "patronize" Libya for a better living? Well, this North- African country is actually a means to an end. It is the main transit for refugees to cross through the Mediterranean Sea and find themselves in Europe. Unfortunately, they have got another thing coming. What is shockingly disheartening is the fact that the Libyan Coast Guard is “directly involved” in the human trafficking. The political affairs of Libya are not governed by the rule of law in the first place. So accountability for this obscene crime is lightly addressed.
The European Authorities collaborate with the Libyan Coast Guard in order to obstruct the inflow of refugees. The EU Authority doesn’t seem to favor the commerce of slavery. However, their inactive response indicates that they prefer Africans being enslaved in Libya to being free in Italy. Hmm…

source:humansrefree.com

You don’t have to a brother, a sister or a parent to the victims before you sympathize with them. Even celebrities such as Cardi B, Pharell and the likes are frowning and tweeting against this unwholesome activity. Rapper Eldee thinks outside the box and maintains that slave trade occurs even within people’s houses by assaulting housemaids. In essence, slave trade is a loud reflection of the inhumane treatment towards domestic staff in African countries.
Slave Trade in Libya is disgruntling and gruesome. Peoples’ sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces are traded for a ridiculous amount of money as a sacrifice paid in pursuit of a better living.
Slave Trade is unwelcoming and MUST be aborted!

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source:jostylin.com

Wanna travel to a fascinating destination this year? Try Nairobi! Yes! This is a spectacular place to visit if you wanna have a comprehensive taste of what Africa has to offer!

Nairobi (otherwise called the Green City in the Sun) is the capital city of Kenya. The name comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi, which translates to "cool water. The city became a centre for the colony's coffee and tea industry.

Kenya is situated in east Africa and her colonial history emerged from the Berlin Conference in 1885. That conference determined the British influence in Kenya for the next decades. During this period, a boundless number of Indians brought the Kenya- Uganda Railway Line to fruition. And that’s how the project of Nairobi was targeted. Nairobi was founded in 1899 by the colonial authorities in British East Africa, as a rail depot on the Uganda Railway.

The town quickly grew to replace Machakos as the capital of Kenya in 1907. After independence in 1963, Nairobi became the capital of the Republic of Kenya.

Nairobi is the 10th-largest city in Africa, including the population of its suburbs. As an established economic and hub, it hosts thousands of Kenyan businesses and over 100 major international companies and organizations, including the United Nations Environment Program (UN Environment).

Excited, huh?

So what attractions would dazzle a traveler like you in Nairobi for 6 good days?

Day 1
Nairobi National Park

source:mambo zuri

If you are aw wildlife enthusiast then, this park is one of the targeted parks to go to. Why? Well, let me not brag, but the park is a rhino sanctuary, which protects more than 50 of these critically endangered creatures. In addition to the rhinos, visitors could gaze lions, gazelles, buffaloes, warthogs, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and ostriches, and more than 400 species of birds have been recorded in the wetlands. The Nairobi Safari Walk is a popular attraction offering animal lovers the chance to spot wildlife on foot, and walking trails weave around the area known as Hippo Pools. Even at the very main gate, visitors could get super emotional with orphaned baby elephants and rhinos at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. I mean, who wouldn’t?

Day 2
Kenyatta International Conference Centre

source: wikimedia commons

This memorial cylindrical Kenya International Conference Centre is an internationally recognized venue for conferences, meetings, and exhibitions. Named after the Republic's First President, Jomo Kenyatta, it dominates the skyline with a 28-story tower overlooking a large amphitheater. Its architectural finesse reminds the tourist of the ancient Roman Senate. Visitors have the privilege to admire panoramic views over Nairobi right from the rooftop, or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants.

Day 3
Giraffe Center

source:trip advisor

Do you love to see these long-necked animals in documentaries? Well no worries. Coz there is a park flooded with beautiful, charmingly walking giraffes. At the Giraffe Centre, on the edge of Nairobi National Park, visitors can come face to face with endangered Rothschild's giraffes. Its main mission is to provide conservation education for children. The visitor center displays information about these graceful creatures, and a raised platform allows visitors to feed them at eye level with specially prepared pellets. This attraction is a favorite with children - photo ops with wet gray giraffe tongues slurping little faces are priceless. Isn’t that cute and dreamy?

Day 4
National Museum of Nairobi

source: traveldiscoverkenya

The National Museum in Nairobi is filled with activities to embark on. This museum exhibits copious cultural and natural history features including more than 900 stuffed birds and mammals, fossils from Lake Turkana, ethnic displays from various Kenyan tribal groups, and exhibits of local art. In the Geology Gallery, visitors can even explore an impressive collection of rocks and minerals and learn about the life cycle of a volcano. The Hominid Vault contains a collection of prehistoric bones and fossils. At the museum, visitors can purchase combination tickets, which include entrance to the adjacent Snake Park with live specimens of Kenya's most common reptiles.

Day 5
Ngong Hills

source:africanspicesafaris

White settlers established their farms here in the early colonial days."Ngong" means "knuckles" in Masaai. It is named this way because these beautiful pointed green hills resemble the back of a fist facing the sky. The hills are the peaks of a ridge overlooking the Great Rift Valley, and many Half-timbered houses and flowering gardens remain. And guess what? Yes. Wildlife still captivates a major part the Ngong Hills.Buffalo, gazelles, giraffes, bushbuck, the occasional klipspringer, and troupes of baboons are often sighted along the roadside.

Day 6
Bomas of Kenya

souce:gha.com

Of course, we would save the zenith of leisure for the last position. Yep yep! Bomas of Kenya is a living museum celebrating the colorful tribes of Kenya. Visitors are at liberty to learn about the lifestyle, art, music, crafts, and culture of each tribe. The place houses a traditional village with homesteads or bomas built in the traditional style, each one reflecting the culture of a major ethnic group. A team would perform traditional dances and songs in the large theater.

Definitely, these attractions are not the only assets Nairobi boasts to amaze tourists. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Karen Blixen Museum, the Railway Museum or National Archives are just a few of the august sites you would long for. Nairobi is a cosmopolitan city that appeals to tourists in terms of accommodation, culture and sightseeing. Would you give it a try? Sure you would! Cruise Africa!

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Source: CPA CANADA

Ghana! This country that is infused with so much history and culture hosts one of the most colorful and vibrant cities in Africa- Accra. This amazing economic hub has so much to write home about. It has long been the capital of the country, be it former Gold Coast or currently Ghana.

This economic hub hosts different business activities in the financial and commercial sector. The local language is Ga. But don’t worry. The widely used language is English so means of communication is not an impediment for potential tourists.

Accra embraces copious of tourist sites that could make you appreciate Accra, Ghana or Africa as a whole. It sounds amusing but the name Accra has originated from the nkrah which means ants. The whopping number of anthills seen in the countryside of Accra prodded the Ga people to name the city “Accra”. By the way the Ga people are the original founders of this mind-boggling city. So let’s explore the wonders of this city that they have discovered! Ready?

6 Places to visit in Accra.

1. Labadi Beach

Source: amedzonfevillage

Who doesn’t know Labadi beach? This beach also called La Pleasure Beach, is one of the popular spots in Accra. There you could settle in an ice cold star lounge, get some delicious food such the well-known Ghanaian jollof rice. The place is lively, colorful and rushed with vibrant little boys who perform acrobatic tricks. On holidays and weekends there are often performances of reggae, hiplife, Playback, and cultural drumming and dancing.

Another entertaining view in this beach is the beautiful trendy young people dancing to hip-life, men on horseback offering rides to shy ladies, and rasta groups playing for money. Oh! And regarding swimming, the waves are strong here. So a dip to cool down is more advisable than a long swim.

2. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum or Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

Source: Amedzonfevillage

This Museum that is dedicated to the first President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkruma , houses the personal effects and publications of Ghana’s first president and pictures showing his life history.

Some of these pictures of Dr. Nkrumah with some of the most famous people of his time are an eye opener. For instance you would see that he is pictured with renowned people like Jawarharlal Nehru, Fidel Castro, John F Kennedy of U.S.A, Sir Alec Hume, Queen Elizabeth II of England, Harold Macmillan, President Nasser of Egypt, etc not forgetting Nigeria and many more.

As you get closer to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, you’ll see springs on either sides of the walk way. Each spring has seven bare-chested, squatting statuettes of flute blowers, that look as if they are welcoming the arrival of world leaders and other important personalities. The design of the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, which represents swords turned upside down symbolizes peace. It can also be viewed as an uprooted tree to signify the unfinished work of Dr. Nkrumah to totally unite Africa. Here you would definitely exhibit the “genesis” of the actual History of Ghana.

3. Artists Alliance Gallery

Source: Artists Alliance Gallery

Huge metal sculptures mix with antique Asafo flags, kente cloth, furniture, and fantastic masks can make any lover of art amazed. Some favored artists like Ablade Glover are highly acclaimed for the make-up of this mind-blowing gallery. You can buy most of the art you see here direct from the artist. Oh yes! They can ship all over the world and even accept credit.

According to No Worries Ghana.com, the Artists Alliance Gallery is a gem of a gallery full to the brim with artistic expression. With over three floors of art, sculpture, carvings and artifacts it is definitely a haven for anyone looking to be inspired or simply enjoy some phenomenal works. Quality is good, and prices from quite reasonable to international standard. Admission is free and the gallery is open daily. It's located near Labadi beach, on the Accra-Tema Beach Road.

4. W.E.B Du Bois Museum

Source: Trip Advisor

This is a spectacular museum was founded with an incidental story. Du Bois was invited to live in Ghana by Ghana's first President, Nkrumah in 1961. Du Bois was invited to work on an African Encyclopedia.

So at the ripe old age of 93, Du Bois and his wife traveled to Ghana to take up residence and commence work on the encyclopedia. In early 1963, the United States refused to renew his passport, so he made the symbolic gesture of becoming a citizen of Ghana. His health declined during the two years he was in Ghana, and he died on August 27, 1963. His tomb shares the same grounds as the museum. His wife stayed on in their home until 1967.
So you see, the museum is quite small, but very interesting and filled with personal artifacts. You would literarily sense his presence when looking at the gifts he received while on his international visits.

5. Oxford Street

Souce: Discover Ghana

This is a lubricant to economic activities of Accra. According to Discover Ghana.com, this street is the most popular street in Ghana and it derived its name from the famous Oxford street in London, U.K because of its busy nocturnal activities. It is also known as the "West End". Some of Accra's best restaurants, bars and shops are on this spot. Stalls selling fake rolex watches, pirated CD's and football shirts line the street, traffic is bumper to bumper, all adding to the general exuberant atmosphere. If you are hungry, you just grab some delicious fufu from cool restaurants around there.

6. Jamestown

Source: Wikipedia

Jamestown is an profound segment of Accra, loaded with history and riddled with poverty. Here, the Portuguese and the British left behind some interesting buildings. Despite the ramshackle nature of this neighborhood, it's advisable you tour this area while considering the local guide and spot the historical buildings in between the painted storefronts and shacks. It's basically a lively, very community-oriented section of the city. The neighborhood is famous for producing good boxers and you can see homemade gyms dotted around.

You can’t tour Africa, without exploring Ghana’s beating heart, Accra. The above six tourist attractions are just a handful of places to visit. Once you get there, you would anticipate your journey to other wonders of Accra or Ghana as a whole. So don’t waste much time. Book your trip online, grab your luggage, take a flight and enjoy Accra. Cruise Africa Rocks!

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This popular trend that agitated the foreigners in South Africa is at the forefront once again. Once again? Wait! Has Xenophobia occurred in the past? Are Nigerians the only sufferers of this violent movement? What is Xenophobia? Why is it exhibited? What do the people that bear the brunt of insurrection have to say?

Let’s see, let’s see. What is Xenophobia? Xenophobia is a Greek - originated word, connoting the fear or abhor of anything or anyone foreign. So who are these people that make South Africans so audacious to hurt, torture or even murder? Be informed though, that this persecution has been a reoccurring event in the political history of South Africa. The Congolese and the Mozambicans before 2012 have been also been victimized in this unlawful manner. For instance, Legislative acts have been enacted against the Indian immigrants. The 1994 establishment of democratic government has not really pacified the effects of the apartheid policy. Rather some nationalists have resorted to a series of xenophobic attacks.

South Africa happens to be one of the most resourceful country in Africa but it also has a subhuman standard of living within and out of the economic hubs of the country such as Johannesburg. They are equally struggling for survival and try to maintain the hard work of sustainable infrastructure and other amenities. When they see that a number of foreigners is not respecting the principles, laws or policies of their country, people are agitated and feel threatened. Therefore, irate missions such as xenophobic attacks come to play.The recent outburst has now targeted Nigerians, among others.

Why? Many arguments are raised. But the one that rings a sounding bell is that the Nigerians are getting hold of their jobs and their women. Plus they infuse the drug dealing business into the society Hmm…Is such an argument plausible? The Nigerian society defends that this obnoxious act is ungratefulness on the part of the S. Africans. A reliable media source assures that between 1960 to 1995, the Nigerian government spent over 61 billion dollars for the abortion of the apartheid policy. What do they get in return? Attacks, physical and emotional threat, murders.

According to Omano Edighedi, the few zealots of Xenophobia confuse immigration with criminality. Their stereotyped beliefs that all immigrants are criminals and evil to the society have rubbed their minds off reality. Their actions contradict the race Nelson Mandela has run for cultural unity and the title Archbishop Desmond Tutu has bestowed on South Africa –the Rainbow Nation.

Xenophobia within Nigeria

But pause a second. We have accosted South Africans enough. Does Xenophobia exist within Nigeria and practiced against fellow Nigerians? The objective answer is yes. As earlier stated, Xenophobia is the loathing against anything or anyone foreign. Let’s be candid. Don’t indigenes of one state condemn the natives of another directly or indirectly in Nigeria? Do individuals with political power not do the utmost to drop fellow Nigerians from ascending to a higher position in any organization? Does tribalism in different regions of Nigeria not raised upheaval, intolerance and racism within the country? Let’s face it. Just because xenophobia is pronounced in South Africa doesn’t mean that Nigeria or any other tribe-driven countries is left out. Xenophobia against people of other religions and ethnicities in Nigeria is as inhumane as xenophobia abroad against so-called foreigners in South Africa and elsewhere.

Conclusion

Concerted efforts have to be put in South Africa or Nigeria as a whole to embrace the history of Africa and its values. The respective governments need to adopt active measures to curb the political unrest in South Africa, Nigeria or any other country as a matter of fact. Educational institutions should encourage temporary exchange of students in a bid to understand the diversity of Africa and implement solutions for a permanent unity as the next promising generation.In that way, missions of curtailing hatred would be abated to the minimum. Cruise Africa Rocks!

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Highly Credited by: Solerebels

All die-hard fans of Capuccino, Latte and the likes should be told about the history and origin of this stimulating beverage. Yes! I am talking about coffee- the Ethiopian Coffee. Ethiopia is renowned for the production of this beverage and tourists have ardently been enamored with it. The country happens to be the world’s seventh producer of coffee. 10% of her revenue stems from coffee’s international trade. Starbucks (a popular world coffee shop) had happened to be a whopping consumer of it. Even the etymology of the word “coffee” seems to originate from the Ethiopian language (kaffa). Because of its value domestically and internationally, the past regime instituted he Coffee and Tea authority (CTA) to regulate the prices of coffee. Now what is the story behind this drink?

Mythologists and even historians tell about a goat herder from Kaffa, called Kaldi. He notices that the animals he has been keeping an eye on are surprisingly vibrant and active. He realizes that the goats have eaten some uncommon plant (now called coffee Arabica). So he tries it. Then he feels stimulated and energized as well. For proper confirmation, He seeks the help of the monks in a monastery. After showing some disdain about what was discovered at first, the burning aroma welcomes those coffee beans as an aid to keep the monks awake while on spiritual ceremonies. Hmm…look what we’ve got here.

Types of Coffee Beans

There is a vast diversity of coffee collection, such as Bedeka, Teppi Sidamo, Harar, Limun etc. But the three types of coffee that shout out are:

Ethiopian Sidamo
Ethiopian Harar
Ethiopian Yirgacheffe

Sidamo coffee beans have citric elements and lemon. It is the family to Yircacheffe and Guji. They are less expensive than Yirgacheffe and even more valued and consumed. They occupy the Southern part of Ethiopia. Harars are characterized by fruity or winey tones. It has bright acidity and are processed in a dry form (natural). Its shells are equally used in a tea called hasher-qahwa. The Yirgacheffe are saturated with this floral aroma, spicy fragrant, toned with citrus. It is highly in demand by exporters and regardless of the fact that it is costlier than any other coffee type. Although it is originated from Sidamo, the flavor and aroma makes it highly distinctive.

Coffee Ceremony and Culture

“Buna dabo naw”. This is a common phrase that shows how ingrained the role of coffee is the Ethiopian culture. This phrase means “Coffee is our Bread”. Just as bread is an especial part of a tribe or and a society’s cuisine. So is coffee respected and immensely used by the Ethiopians. Even the popular coffee ceremony has been instituted because of this natural beverage. The coffee ceremony involves a host (a woman honorably) that processes coffee and serves it to the participants who are at liberty to add sugar, salt or native butter.

Source: Seattle Weekly

Where to drink coffee in Addis Ababa
According to Mark Wiens in Migrationology, there are 5 coffee shops that would fascinate you as a prospective tourist. Let’s mention 4 of them:
1) Tomoca Coffee: That is a pretty popular coffee shop. The Ethiopian style of macchiato is a drink that is greatly recommended to you. There is the strong or medium version.
2) Mokorar( Harar Coffee): Another center of delicious macchiato treatment
3) Kaldi’s Coffee: This is the Ethiopian version of Starbucks where they serve a spectrum of international coffee drinks cappuchino and mocha.
4) Yeshi Buna: this is a restaurant and coffee shop simultaneously. You can relax and grab some cup of coffee or you can eat some dishes of Ethiopian cuisine.

Definitely, if are travel aspirant and intend to go a neighboring or distant country (pending on where you live) , Addis is an appropriate African tourist site. And of course, don’t forget to taste the Ethiopian coffee - the drink that constitutes Ethiopia a memorable destination. Cruise Africa Rocks!

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Source: Skyscraper City

The New Flower, The political city of Africa. Yep! That’s Addis Ababa. This city that was nominated as the no.1 tourist spot by the European Council of Trade and Tourism is what we refer to as Addis Ababa. This is the largest and capital city of Ethiopia. It houses different political institutions. As African students would be aware of in the subject of government, Addis Ababa is the headquarters of the African Union and equally hosts the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). So because of its intergovernmental and political parameter, the city is also referred to as “the political city of Africa”.
Just as every country in Africa, Ethiopia has its own pool of history and origin. One of the significant fact that marked its record is the two-faced war of the Italians and the Ethiopians; namely the First Italo-Ethiopian War and Second Italo-Ethiopian War. The First Italo-Ethiopian War was fought between Italy and Ethiopia from 1895 to 1896. Surprisingly, the battle was won by the Ethiopians due to the consolidated power of the traditionalists, African supporters within the country and beyond, Russia’s military contribution and the United Kingdom’s diplomatic backup. After the popular Battle of Adwa (link), the Ethiopian army dealt with the heavily outnumbered Italians. I quote a historian: "In an age of relentless European expansion, Ethiopia alone had successfully defended its independence".

The Second Italo-Ethiopian War or Second Italo-Abyssinian War, was a colonial war whose duration was between 1935 to 1936 between Italy and the Ethiopian Empire . Ethiopia was defeated and subjected to military occupation until Italy was defeated in East Africa in 1941, during the Second World War.
For this reason, till today the buildings in Addis Ababa, especially in the Piazza district have adopted the Italian architectural style as the city is flooded with many Italian restaurants, as well as small cafes, and European-style shopping centers.

Attractions
Now why is this city even worth the attention of a potential visitor? Addis Ababa (meaning the New Flower) is located in the beautiful Ethiopian highlands. The weather is very welcoming and pleasant. There are many attractions that the city unfolds; from the local and international cuisine, exceptional coffee to ancient churches and interesting museums. Let’s Cruise Addis Ababa.

1. Addis Mercato

Source: Youtube

Mercato means “market” in Italian. This is the largest open air market in Africa, where you can buy all sorts of things; souvenirs, clothes you name it. You could also do what they call “window shopping” and just enjoy the busy ambiance.

2. Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kidist Selassie) and Museum

Source: LinkeIn

If you want to feel some form of religious ambiance here is the Holy Trinity Cathedral- the most sacred Ethiopian Orthodox church in the city. It is marked with carvings and statues and penned with some Ethiopian historical elements, a selection of Amharic Bibles and religious writings and crowns of former Ethiopian Emperors. This is where the famous Haile Selassie was buried

3. National Museum of Ethiopia

Source: News On Air

This is the spot of joy and research for archaeologists! Why? Here there is a good collection of archaeology, like skeletal remains from early homicides and you will definitely notice the consistent mention of the famous “Lucy”. It also houses a good collection of some Ethiopia’s most famous works of art.

4. Monuments, Lion of Judah, Derg Monument

Source:GPSmycity

Addis Ababa is filled with monuments at nearly every public square, place of importance, or within the large road roundabouts throughout the city. One of them is the Derg Monument. Located on the Churchill Avenue, it gives you the sense of North Korean presence. The Statue of the Lion of Judah represents the Ethiopian pride and the emperor. And a replica of it made from black stone sits outside the National Theater (pictured).

5. Ethiopian Coffee

Source: solerebels

If you are die hard coffee lover, here is the oasis of consistent coffee drinkers. There are two main versions in the country and they are served in all Ethiopian restaurants and even in the streets.

Addis Ababa is a worthwhile destination especially for religious tourists. While it is a hub for over 120 international missions, it’s also one of the best sites for archaeological appreciation. With its historical record and its beautiful attractions, one would feel at home while touring this metropolitan city. When going to Addis Ababa, ensure you take plenty sips of Ethiopian coffee-the grand characteristic element of Addis Ababa and beyond! Cruise Africa Rocks!

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Giraffe Center

Nairobi Safari Walk

Nairobi Animal Orphanage

Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs