A life on the ocean wave - Part 3

Day 3 saw us still corkscrewing our way up the coast, with some relief as we entered the small port of Port Elizabeth. We berthed smoothly alongside, thanks to the amazing bow-thrusters which enable the ship to 'park' sideways - no tugs are required for these modern vessels. A dinky cruise liner of about a quarter the size of the MSC Opera was already in port, her passengers standing at the railings on the balconies outside the cabins, waving a welcome to what must have seemed a behemoth of the seas, although in reality it is not a particularly large cruise liner. This particular vessel takes its passengers around the world, with on-board lectures and visits to historical sites - a more leisurely and culture-based cruise, like a conference at sea. But I digress...

There are many options for shore visits, including a trip to Addo Elephant Park for game viewing, but we had other fish to fry! As you can see from the photo, a grey and drizzly day greeted us, but within an hour it had cleared to a grey day and we set off in a mini-bus (not a taxi!) for lunch at a restaurant that has a reputation for sushi and Eastern cuisine that required testing. Fushin (Stanley on Bain, Richmond Hill) did not disappoint. Step aside, all other restaurants in this market, for this food was sublime in presentation and heaven on the tastebuds. The dishes were served in the manner of tapas, with a selection of rainbow trout, Alaskan Snow Crab sashimi (to die for), spicy baked scallops, prawn or vegetable tempura, spicy octopus, black pepper squid and seared steak carpaccio, among others. Each portion was savoured, to the extent that fingers were used to scour the plates of the last drops of each mouthwatering sauce/dressing, washed down by sips of fine white wine. Many of the ingredients are provided by the young owner and master chef from his own farm and authenticity is his trademark. Although the prices were eye-watering, this comment is in no way intended to denigrate the experience, as this is gourmet eating at its very best and not aimed at the mass market, and so we did not begrudge the cost. No bookings are taken, and variations on the theme can be found in two other ventures of his nearby. Port Elizabethans are immensely fortunate to have such outstanding cuisine on their doorstep.

Unfortunately I was too busy falling on the food with unseemly haste to take any more photos. I can only say that if you are ever in Port Elizabeth, do not leave town without partaking of these delights!
After lunch, it was back to the ship for more rest and relaxation!