The world’s largest floating bookshop, Logos Hope, arrived in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday (June 1 2016) for its fourth stopover on its maiden voyage to South Africa.
For volunteer crew member Jemma Coetzee, 20, of Port Elizabeth, the arrival was “exciting and overwhelming” as she was welcomed by her parents who she had not seen since joining the OM mission ship in February.
She said, that she never realised how beautiful the city is, before she sailed into Port Elizabeth on the Logos Hope. She said she is looking forward to welcoming members of the public on board from next Thursday, June 9, after the crew of 400 volunteers from 55 nations completes a short rest break.
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Logos Hope captain Chris Hughes said he is looking forward to experiencing the hospitality of PE of which he has heard.
Port Elizabeth OM representative Fred van der Westhuizen who was at the harbour with members of the Logos Hope’s international preparation team to welcome the ship, said he felt almost speechless with excitement after three months of hard work preparing for the visit. The preparation team have been busy partnering with local churches and ministries preparing for events on the ship and in the community aimed at bringing knowledge, help and hope.
The ship is berthed at the multi-purpose terminal which can be accessed from the Fleming Street entrance to the harbour and will be open to the public from June 9 to June 19. Visiting hours are: Wednesday to Saturday — 10am to 9pm; Sunday to Tuesday — 2pm to 9pm. The entrance fee is R5 per person; children under 12 years old enter for free, but must be accompanied by an adult.
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The book fair, with more than 5 000 titles offers visitors the opportunity to buy a wide variety of books at low prices. Additionally, the rest of the visitor experience deck is also open for the public to explore. From the welcome area, which introduces the new vessel through a short movie and interactive displays, to the International Café, which has ice cream, drinks and snacks for sale, there is sure to be something for everyone.
On board events lined up include Anchor of Hope, a youth event with exciting crew member testimonies on Friday June 10; Meet the World — music, dance, multimedia with an international flavour on Saturday June 11; and a theatrical presentation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on Sunday, June 12 and 19. Tickets for the events should be booked before the day of the performances and can be purchased at the following places:
1) Cafe au Lait – 6th Avenue Shopping Center, Walmer
2) Christian Connexion – The Bridge Shopping Center, Greenacres
3) Multiserv – Cleary Park Shopping Centre, Stanford Rd, Normanmiddleton
4) Lineup Office – GAP Church(Greenacres Presbyterian), 50 Nile Road
5) Cuyler Service Centre – 28 Cuyler St, Uitenhage, 6229.
More information is available on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/1128931643806426/
The full on-board programme of events can be viewed by clicking on this link.
After PE the ship will conclude its SA visit with a stay in Cape Town from June 23 to July 12.
Looking forward to the visit of Logos Hope. Last time on Dolos after their repair in Cape Town harbour with OM was worth it.