Day 29, Monday 17th February 2020
Richards Bay is an industrial port and mainly a staging area to visit some of Africa's game reserves.
We decided not to go on a tour and instead caught to ship's shuttle to the local shopping centre. A new modern and clean mall, catering to high end clothing stores and middle range clothing as well. A Woolworth's store here did not sell groceries (that we could discern) but a Target type store instead. We felt very safe and comfortable here. I tried to convert some Australian dollars here, firstly in a Standard Bank branch located in the car park area. A clean, modern and air conditioned building with lots of seating inside. I now know why there is so much seating available. The line up to exchange money had 9 cruise ship people in front of me with two bank booths operating, Well 25 minutes later I had 8 people in front of me. It was taking over 20 minutes per exchange. DH was outside waiting for me, so considered it wasn't worth our time.
We found a Western Union Branch inside the mall where DH could sit whilst I lined up for an hour to change some money. An expensive exercise not only in time but commission we paid for conversion. The only shopping we did was in the grog shop where we bought a bottle of brandy for under AUD 15, good value.
I had exchanged Australia dollars to Rand in Australia but at the time the place I went to didn't have enough for our tour payments, so I just needed to top here in South Africa. Also some spending money would help.
The passengers who did the shore tours here were very happy with what they did, however Princess were heavy handed in charging.
Our approach to Richards Bay, South Africa. Note that Nosey Bey' has been deleted.
So exciting to know we actually arrived into South Africa.
Very busy Industral Port of Richards Bay.
Ready for sail away
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