According to Jeanetta Marais, chairperson of Mossel Bay Tourism, this is a strategic part of marketing the town and its attractions.
"Due to Mossel Bay's connection with the Portuegese, hosting these two was an obvious choice."
Having arrived last Sunday, they had a jam-packed schedule experiencing Mossel Bay in four days, before leaving for Cape Town on a blitz visit and then returning to Portugal this weekend.
Miguel, initially starting off his career in international relations, eventually ventured into travel journalism and now focuses specifically on writing lifestyle related articles.
Adelino, a professional photographer, works on commissions from various publications, including newspapers and magazines.
Staying at The Point Hotel during their stay in town, they visited the Pinnacle Point caves, also known as the point of origin of modern man, where the inimitable archaeologist Dr Peter Nilssen explained the significance of this site in terms of understanding the development of mankind as we know it today.
With Portugal having a strong culture of wine making, the two travelling journalists also paid a visit to Jakkalsvlei Private Wine Cellar in Herbertsdale.
Taking a walk on the wilder side of Mossel Bay and surrounds, their trip also included a game drive at Botlierskop and an up close and personal meeting with the bay's most enigmatic inhabitants, the Great White Shark during a shark cage diving experience.
Obviously, their visit to Mossel Bay would not have been complete without spending some time at the Dias Maritime Museum Complex.
"We were very surprised to see what a big attraction the Maritime Museum is in Mossel Bay. Especially given the fact that Portuguese seafarers only docked in Mossel Bay for a quick stopover, in comparison to the Portuguese influence felt in other parts of Africa like Mocambique and Angola. It is great to see the old seafarers honoured in this way," said Miguel.
"I find the town incredibly quiet and peaceful," commented Adelino over dinner with local journalists at Cattle Baron Restaurant on Tuesday. He was notably surprised on being informed of the summer holiday rush experienced.
"Visiting South Africa was certainly on my bucket list, hence I am happy to have had this experience," Miguel concluded.
Bracing themselves to meet the sharks, Miguel and Adelino prepare for
their shark cage diving experience at White Shark Africa.
João Miguel Simões and Adelino Meirellz, a journalist and a photographer, visiting from Portigal as part of an initiative by Mossel Bay Tourism to market the town and its attractions. Here they are served dinner by Francois Wolfaardt at Cattle Baron, courtesy of Langeberg Mall.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: CORNELLE CARSTENS, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST
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