Arvin Travels

October 4, 2024

Nanortalik Greenland Iceberg Boat Tour

Nestled at the southern tip of Greenland, Nanortalik is a charming town known for its stunning landscapes and rich history. One of the best ways to experience this breathtaking region is through an iceberg boat tour. The boat tour was a shore excursion organized by my cruise company.

Setting Off from Nanortalik

As we embark on boat tour, the excitement builds. The colorful houses of Nanortalik fade into the background as we venture into the open waters. Our guide and boat driver, a local expert, shared insights about the area’s geography, history, and wildlife.

Awe-Inspiring Icebergs

One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to see magnificent icebergs up close. These natural wonders come in various shapes and sizes, often glistening in shades of blue and white. The boat navigates through the fjords, allowing you to appreciate the scale and beauty of these floating giants.

Stunning Photo Opportunities

The unique beauty of the icy landscape provides endless opportunities for photography. Whether it’s the shimmering icebergs, the rugged mountains, or the charming town itself, you’ll want to capture every moment. Don’t forget to take some time to simply soak in the scenery!

A Memorable Conclusion

As our boat tour comes to an end, we returned to Nanortalik with a newfound appreciation for this remarkable part of the world. The combination of breathtaking natural beauty, and rich cultural experiences makes an iceberg boat tour a must-do when visiting this enchanting Greenlandic town.

Tips for Your Tour

Dress Warmly: Even in summer, temperatures can be cool. Layer up to stay comfortable.

Ask Questions: Engage with your guide to learn more about the area’s ecology and culture.

With its awe-inspiring scenery and immersive experiences, a boat tour from Nanortalik promises to be a highlight of your Greenland adventure. Don’t miss the chance to explore this incredible region!

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September 27, 2024

Qaqortoq Greenland Walking Adventure

Exploring Qaqortoq Greenland on Foot: A Walking Adventure

Qaqortoq, a charming coastal town in southern Greenland, offers a delightful experience for those who enjoy exploring on foot. Qaqortoq is surrounded by majestic mountains, fjords, and glaciers, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

Above Picture: Tender Boat bringing visitors ashore in Qaqortoq. Tender ports are those where cruise ships cannot dock directly at the pier due to water depth, infrastructure limitations, or other factors. In such cases, smaller boats called tenders are used to transport passengers from the ship to the shore and back. This town was my second stop in my Cruise to Greenland, the First being Nanortalik.

Got off the Tender boat and right across from the port is a big sign 'Welcome To Qaqortoq' with a gift shop were one can buy Greenland souvenir's and T-shirts.

Right behind the gift shop on a small hill are these stone carvings. The rock face is predominantly dark, likely a natural stone like granite or basalt. Carved into the rock are numerous fish-like shapes, arranged in a swirling pattern. The fish are detailed with fins, scales, and tails, and they appear to be swimming upwards. Fish are a significant part of Greenland's marine culture and economy. The carvings are weathered and slightly faded, suggesting a long history. Lush green grass grows at the base of the rock, adding a natural touch to the scene

Snapped a few photos of the rock carvings, there are several other carvings of animals and human faces, kind of open air gallery.

There is a push to attract more tourist to Greenland. Made my way back down the hill and was off to explore the town.

Walked past and admired the vibrant and colorful houses that line the streets, adding to the town's charm. I was headed towards the church when I came across circular fountain surrounded by a stone wall. The fountain is a popular tourist attraction and a gathering place for locals. The dolphins are a symbol of the town's connection to the sea and its marine life.

Memorial Fountain

A short walk from the Fountain is the Qaqortoq Church. Its a beautiful red church, a prominent landmark in the town. The Church was closed.

Continued on my walk, there are cafe's and a Grocery store. Grocery store was well stocked with food and bakery items, I also passed a fish market on my walk. The town has a long history of Inuit settlement, and there are several cultural sites and museums that showcase the region's indigenous heritage.

Street Names are not easy to pronounce, The words tassuunnaqquunnerit Tamaasa mean “I think of you every time I pass by" The roads are paved and there are Taxis available.

It was an overcast day, dress warm and have comfortable walking shoes, after a few hours I took the Tender back to the ship.

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Explore Sydney Nova Scotia

Sydney, Nova Scotia, is a picturesque town located on Cape Breton Island, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. This was the first stop on my cruise from Boston to Greenland.

Outside the port where the ship docks there are several Taxi drivers eager to show you the Town, as a solo tourist the prices were high, for a group of 3 or 4 people they would be reasonable. So decided to venture on my own and walked along the Sydney Waterfront a leisurely walk along the waterfront boardwalk, with beautiful views of Sydney Harbor. The area features benches, public art, and picnic spots.

Situated on the Sydney waterfront is the Big Fiddle is an iconic 60-foot fiddle sculpture, a tribute to Cape Breton's musical heritage. It’s a great photo opportunity!

Big Fiddle

Continued my walk past the street musicians and came across the Merchant Mariner Monument.

Merchant Mariner Monument

This bronze statue commemorates the brave merchant mariners who served during World War II. The sculpture shows four figures, representing different aspects of their service

A sailor on the dock: This figure symbolizes the courage and determination of the merchant mariners who faced dangerous conditions at sea.
A sailor reaching out: This figure represents the camaraderie and mutual support among the crew members.
A sailor struggling to board a lifeboat: This figure depicts the perilous situations that the merchant mariners often encountered.
A sailor looking out to sea: This figure symbolizes the hope and resilience of the merchant mariners who endured hardships and dangers.

The monument also features a plaque that provides additional information about the history of the merchant marine and their significant contributions during the war. The inscription on the plaque reads

"We were the forgotten service. We were the unsung heroes. We were the merchant mariners."

From the harbor walk I ventured into the town saw a arts and craft fair, the fair was nothing to write home about. The downtown area is not too far from where the ship docks, walked along George Street which is a popular downtown location with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Came across Highland Arts Theatre. It is a historic building that was originally constructed as a Presbyterian church in 1911.

Tired from all the walking, headed towards the Port of Sydney where the cruise ship was docked, there are all kinds of souvenir Shops on the way, bought a couple of T-Shirts, and was just in time to get some lunch as the buffet closes at 3 PM on the ship.

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September 25, 2024

Discovering St. John’s, Newfoundland

St. John's is a Hidden Gem of Canada

Was on a cruise from Boston to Greenland and had a stopover at St John's on the way back to Boston. The plan was to explore the city on my own, and it was raining so had to go with Plan B which is no plan. As I ventured off the ship and walked across the pier a person approached me with a city tour for US $60. Took his offer and 10 minutes later I was on the tour bus and off we went to our first stop

Signal Hill

Signal Hill is a prominent hill overlooking the city of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Scenic views, The hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, harbor, and the North Atlantic Ocean.

Cabot Tower

Above Picture is The iconic tower, located on Signal Hill, there is a gift/souvenir shop inside the Tower.

Quidi Vidi Village

Our Next stop was Quidi Vidi Village which is a charming fishing village and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring St. John's, offering a glimpse into the city's maritime heritage and natural beauty.

There is Quidi Vidi Brewery, selling craft beers. Now the bus tour passes through several historical and tourist sites. Sites like Jellybean Row which is one of the most iconic and charming features of St. John’s, Newfoundland. This vibrant street is famous for its brightly colored row houses, which have become a symbol of the city.

Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

This was our 3rd and final stop, it was still raining. This lighthouse is the most easterly point in North America, offering stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The visitor center provides information about the history of the lighthouse and the surrounding area.

On a Rainey Day the tour was worth every penny and turned out to be peachy.

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April 30, 2024

Explore Austin Texas

Austin, Texas is a vibrant city known for its live music scene, outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and delicious food. It is also home to the University of Texas, one of the largest schools in the USA, South by Southwest, an annual set of film, interactive media, and music festivals. Home to Formula 1 races at Circuit of the Americas.

Austin Street Art, above “Greetings from Austin” 1720 S. First Street, Austin

Here are some popular things to do in Austin:

1. Live Music and Entertainment: Sixth Street: Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Sixth Street offers a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues featuring a diverse range of genres.

ACL Live at The Moody Theater: A popular music venue that hosts concerts, performances, and tapings of the Austin City Limits TV show.

The Continental Club: A historic music venue featuring live music, including blues, rock, and country.

2. Outdoor Activities:

Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake: Enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or simply take a stroll along the scenic hike-and-bike trail around Lady Bird Lake.

Zilker Park: A large urban park offering picnic areas, Barton Springs Pool (a natural spring-fed swimming pool), and various recreational facilities.

Mount Bonnell: Climb the stairs to the top for panoramic views of the city and Lake Austin.

3. Cultural Attractions:

Bullock Texas State History Museum: Learn about the history of Texas through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and immersive displays.

The Blanton Museum of Art: Explore a wide range of art collections from various periods and cultures.

Texas State Capitol: Take a guided tour of the state's impressive capitol building and learn about Texas history and government.

Texas State Capital

4. Food and Dining:

Food Trucks: Austin is known for its food truck scene, offering a wide range of cuisines from tacos to gourmet doughnuts

Franklin Barbecue: Famous for its mouthwatering barbecue, be prepared to wait in line for this culinary experience.

South Congress Avenue: Explore eclectic shops and dine in trendy restaurants along this bustling street.

Home Slice Pizza on Congress Ave

5. Outdoor Markets:

Austin Farmers' Market: Visit local farmers' markets to find fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts.

Hope Outdoor Gallery: An outdoor graffiti park where artists create colorful murals and visitors can admire the artwork.

6. Natural Springs:

Barton Springs Pool: A natural spring-fed pool in Zilker Park that offers a refreshing swim year-round.

Hamilton Pool Preserve: A stunning natural pool formed by a collapsed grotto, surrounded by lush vegetation and a waterfall.

7. Nightlife and Entertainment:

Rainey Street: A trendy area with bungalow-style bars and food trucks, offering a unique nightlife experience.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Enjoy movies, food, and drinks in a fun and interactive movie theater setting.

University of Texas Austin

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April 3, 2024

Crossing the Panama Canal

Crossed the Panama Canal from Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. This was on a cruise ship.

Crossing the Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, or vice versa, is a remarkable maritime journey that showcases one of the world's most impressive engineering feats.

The ship we were on is a bigger ship and used the new locks. The new locks in the Panama Canal are called the Gatun East and Miraflores West locks. They were added between 2007 and 2016 as part of the canal's expansion. The new locks are larger than the original locks, allowing larger ships to travel through the canal. The ship enters the lock chamber, and water is either released or added to adjust the water level and help the ship ascend or descend.

Tugboats are used to help ships maneuver through the Panama Canal

The old canal utilized locomotives on either side of the ship to pull the ship into the lock. The new canal uses tug boats. From the Pacific side we go through three locks. Then we cross Miraflores Lake, Gatun Lake then 3 locks to go down to Atlantic sea level.

Gatun Lake Crossing:

Once the ship passes through the locks, it enters Gatun Lake, an artificial lake created as part of the canal system. This is the highest point of the canal and offers beautiful views of the surrounding rainforest.

Gatun Locks:

On the Atlantic side, the ship goes through the Gatun Locks, which consist of three chambers. The ship is lowered back to sea level, allowing it to continue its journey toward the Atlantic Ocean.

Atlantic Ocean Exit:

Once the ship passes through the Gatun Locks, it enters the Caribbean Sea, marking the completion of the Panama Canal transit. From here, ships continue their voyage to their final destination.

Duration and Experience:

The time it takes to complete a Panama Canal transit varies depending on factors such as the size of the ship, traffic, and canal conditions. Generally, the transit can take around 6 hours. Passengers on cruise ships or other vessels often have the opportunity to observe the process and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Crossing the Panama Canal is not only a marvel of engineering but also a chance to witness the historic importance of this waterway and its role in global trade and transportation.

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March 26, 2024

Day Visit to Cartagena Colombia

Cartagena, Colombia is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture, this was a cruise ship day stop for me, Here are some of the top things to do on a visit to Cartagena

Explore the Old Town. Cartagena's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with charming cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and beautiful plazas. Be sure to wander around the Plaza de Bolívar, the city's main square, and admire the architecture of the Palace of the Inquisition and the Cartagena Cathedral.

Cartagena old town

Walk the City Walls. Cartagena's fortifications are some of the most impressive in South America. You can walk along the top of the walls for stunning views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.

Visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle. This massive fortress is one of the largest Spanish forts ever built in the Americas. It's a great place to learn about Cartagena's colonial history and explore the tunnels and ramparts.

Go shopping at Las Bóvedas. This craft market is located in a series of arches that were once used to defend the city. You can find a variety of souvenirs here, including Colombian handicrafts, jewelry, and clothing.

Las Bóvedas

Sample Colombian cuisine. Cartagena has a great food scene, with everything from fresh seafood to traditional Colombian dishes like bandeja paisa (a hearty platter of rice, beans, and plantains).

These are just a few of the many things to do in Cartagena on a cruise ship visit. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and delicious food, Cartagena is sure to be a port of call that you won't forget.

Here are some additional tips for your cruise ship visit to Cartagena

Be sure to bargain when shopping at the markets.

The local currency is the Colombian peso (COP), Bought a T shirt and the vendor took US$

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March 24, 2024

Labadee Haiti

Labadee in Haiti is private peninsula leased by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and was a stop on a cruise for me.

Here are some things you can do near Labadie Haiti cruise port

Relax on the beach: Labadie is known for its beautiful beaches, so you can spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. There are also a few different beaches to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for you.

Go ziplining: If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, you can go ziplining over the ocean. There are a few different zipline courses to choose from, so you can find one that's right for your level of experience.

Take a cultural tour: There are a few different cultural tours available in Labadie, so you can learn about Haitian history and culture. These tours are a great way to get to know the local people and see a different side of the island.

Go shopping: There are a few different shops in Labadie, where you can buy souvenirs and Haitian crafts. Haggling is expected here, so be sure to have some fun with it!

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February 29, 2024

Kennedy Space Center Port Canaveral Florida

Visited the Kennedy Space Center in Port Canaveral Florida, used a tour company as I don't drive and there is no public transportation is available for the visitor complex. It takes about half an Hour to get there from Orlando, Florida

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers launch viewing, a Saturn V rocket, and the real Space Shuttle Atlantis

TIP: leave souvenir shopping for the last stop as you might not want to be caring around a bag of souvenir, as the space complex is huge.

Above: The Rocket Garden showcases various historic rockets and missiles from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo eras. It's a great place to explore and take pictures with iconic space vehicles. As you enter the complex, you'll see the Rocket Garden to your left Side. Our tour guide ha suggested we do the Apollo/Saturn Center first as that is a 15 minute bus ride from the Visitors center, The bus tour is included with daily admission and departs every 15 minutes.

On our bus ride we passed the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is the world's largest single-story building. It's used to assemble and house pre-manufactured space vehicle components, such as the Saturn V, the Space Shuttle, and the Space Launch System.

Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)

We arrived at the Apollo/Saturn Center. This center provides an in-depth look at the Apollo missions, including the Saturn V rocket, which took astronauts to the Moon. Exhibits include moon rocks, astronaut memorabilia, and multimedia presentations.

Above Picture is the Engines of the Apollo Rocket, give your self a good hour and half at the center. I did go outside to have a look at the Launch Pad which was being prepared for Space X rocket launch, its at a distance and could not get a good Picture. Depending on the timing of your visit, you might have the opportunity to witness a rocket launch. Check the launch schedule and plan accordingly.

I did touch the Moon Rock before talking the bus back to the center. At the center my next stop was Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit Hall. Spent another hour going through all the exhibits.

One can see space-related documentaries and films in the IMAX Theater, offering a cinematic experience with stunning visuals and surround sound. Also checkout the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to the men and women who have made significant contributions to space exploration.

My last stop was the gift shop where you can find space-themed memorabilia.

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January 17, 2024

Puerto Plata Dominican Republic

Puerto Plata is a Port city in the Dominican Republic, located on the Atlantic Ocean at the base of Isabel de Torres Peak. Puerto Plata translates to "Silver Port" in Spanish.

Puerto Plata Dominican Republic was a day stopover on Caribbean cruise, had booked a shore excursion to see the city and The Christ the Redeemer statue which is a famous landmark located at the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres. After a 10 minute walk to exit the Taino Bay Cruise Port, The tour bus was waiting for the group of folks that booked the tour. It takes about about half an hour to get from the Port to Mount Isabel de Torres.

One can see the beautiful beaches and the city of Puerto Plata Dominican Republic from the Mount, on the way down from Mount Isabel de Torres the group decided to walk half way down as suggested by the tour guide, not an easy hike down though very scenic and beautiful through lush green gardens.

The tour continued and the tour bus drove towards Fort San Felipe, a historic fortress built in the 16th century. We drove through The Malecon street which is about a 3 kilometer Picturesque drive on the oceanfront.

Next stop on the tour is Parque Independencia which is a gazebo structure in city center across from Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle. We did go inside the Cathedral and spent a good 20 minutes there.

Independence Square Puerto Plata

This is the main square of Puerto Plata where you can walk to the cathedral. the two statues are of national heroes Juan Pablo Duarte and General Gregorio Luperon. From this square, we walked to the surrounding attractions Umbrella Street, and Victorian pink alley Paseo de Dona Blanca

Pink Alley Puerto Plata

We stopped at souvenir shops in downtown, they all charge tourist prices. The tour bus dropped us off at the Taino Bay Cruise port entrance, Taino Bay has music blasting with bars and shops selling T shirts, coffee, chocolates ect, there is also a pool and a lazy river, there is also free WiFi

It was a hot afternoon in December and I took a free Tuk-Tuk ride from Taino Bay to the Ship, and tipped the driver 1 USD.

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December 17, 2023

Things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

Exploring Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, on a walking tour can be a delightful way to immerse yourself in its rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant culture.

Arrival - Took a bus from Riga Latvia, cost was around 15 USD

Stay: Stayed at a hotel on Gediminas Avenue which is the main street of Vilnius, It connects the historic city center and the Cathedral Square to the Lithuanian Parliament. Walking distance to most tourist attractions. Gediminas Avenue is lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

Presidential Palace Vilnius

Did the walking tour of Vilnius, the tour starts at 9 AM, and the meeting point is Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square: At the heart of Vilnius, where you'll find the stunning Vilnius Cathedral and the iconic Gediminas Tower on the hill overlooking the city. Took some time to explore the square and its surroundings.

Vilnius Cathedral

Vilnius University: Admire the architecture of Vilnius University, one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe, and the stunning St. John's Church and its bell tower.

Pilies Street: Pilies Street, a picturesque cobblestone street filled with boutiques, souvenir shops, and cozy cafes. This street is a true representation of the city's charm.

Presidential Palace: As we continue on Pilies Street, you'll pass by the Presidential Palace. Stop to take photos and learn about Lithuania's government.

Town Hall Square: Reach Town Hall Square, surrounded by colorful buildings and the Vilnius Town Hall. In winter, this square turns into a lovely Christmas market.

Užupis District: Cross the Vilnia River to enter the artistic and bohemian Užupis district. This self-proclaimed "Republic of Užupis" is filled with art galleries, sculptures, and a unique atmosphere.

Angel of Užupis: Look for the Angel of Užupis sculpture, a symbol of the district's artistic spirit and independence.

St. Peter and Paul's Church: Head back towards the Old Town and visit the impressive St. Peter and Paul's Church, known for its intricate and decorative interior.

Vilnius' Gates: The remains of the city's historic gates: the Gates of Dawn and the Medininkai Gate.

Literatų Street: Stroll along Literatų Street, lined with colorful artwork and tributes to Lithuania's literary heritage.

The Bastion of Vilnius Defensive Wall: The tour ended by exploring the bastion, a part of Vilnius' defensive fortifications, offering historical insights and panoramic views.

The above Picture is my reflection taking a picture of the Užupis Constitution.

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December 12, 2023

Old Town Panama Visit

Exploring the old town of Panama City, also known as Casco Viejo, is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the area. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with charming colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. Visited Panama in February, spent a day in old town Panama and the next day crossing the Panama canal

Things to do and see in Old town Panama

1. Plaza de la Independencia:

This historic square is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings and is a great place to learn about the area's history. You'll find the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Municipal Palace here.

2. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral:

Take a moment to step inside the Metropolitan Cathedral, a stunning example of colonial architecture. The cathedral has an impressive altar and beautiful stained glass windows.

3. Walk along Avenida Central:

Avenida Central is a lively street with many stores, cafes, and restaurants. It's located in Casco Viejo, between Plaza Santa Ana and Plaza Cinco de Mayo. The colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere make this a delightful walk.

4. Stop at Plaza Bolivar:

Plaza Bolivar is a charming square named after Simon Bolivar, a prominent figure in Latin American history. The square is surrounded by historic buildings and is a great spot to relax and people-watch.

5. Explore the San Felipe Neri Church:

Continue your walk to the San Felipe Neri Church. This church played a significant role in Panama's history and has a distinctive yellow façade.

6. Visit Plaza de Francia:

Plaza de Francia offers panoramic views of Panama City's skyline and the ocean. It's a tribute to the French engineers who attempted to build the Panama Canal in the 19th century

8. Wander through Plaza de la Catedral:

This picturesque square is surrounded by historic buildings and is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The Plaza de la Catedral is a great place to take a break and soak in the atmosphere.

9. End at Bóvedas and the Sea Wall:

Finish your walking tour at Bóvedas, a series of archways that were once used as dungeons but now house souvenir shops. Nearby, you'll find the sea wall, a perfect place to take in views of the ocean and the modern skyline.

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November 10, 2023

Fish Market Lake Victoria Kampala Uganda

Lake Victoria is the biggest lake in Africa. Hired a motorcycle driver to take me Ggabba Market in Kampala. The Cost was 15 USD and included a fish dinner.

Ggaba Fish Market is the largest fish market in Kampala. It is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, in the Ggaba neighborhood. The market is open from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. It is a lively and colorful market, with a wide variety of fresh fish on offer. You can find Nile perch, tilapia, catfish, and many other species.

Was the only tourist at the market. Below are few photos, did ask for permission before taking photos.