Feruary 25, 2010

Dears,

What a great time I had first thing this morning!!!!!!!! I was typing out an email to Ed while looking out on the south China Sea and the brightest red rising sun I have ever seen, and suddenly there were Sandy and Rick and later Tucker on Skype. They could hear me, but not see me which was a good thing as I was still in my nightie and hadn't combed my hair (hadn't expected to have visitors), and they vice versa. But we had a great time catching up on all events in your part of the world.

I still haven't figured whether Spype is legal or not, but as yet I am not in the brig. I hope it will work with more of you.

Since February 9th and until March 3rd this is, and will be, a whirlwind trip. On the 9th we arrived in Yokahama to freezing weather, left there on the 10th, had one day at sea, arrived in Kobe on the 12th, left there on the 13th, had classes at sea on the 14th and 15th (Marc's birthday), arrived at Shanghai on the 16th, departed on the 18th, at sea on the 19th and 20th, arrived in Hong Kong on the 21st and departed on the 23rd.

It leaves me a bit out of breath, but what a wonderful experience. I have seen a lot of the cities, done a bit of shopping and am at peace. Yesterday we were back at sea and will be until tomorrow.

Today we all began the malaria pills, which will become a daily event until we are almost to Fort Lauderdale.

Since we left Hong Kong it has been getting warmer until now it is very hot and humid. I am thankful for my glorious cabin with balcony and breezes.

Bright and early tomorrow we will dock in Viet Nam, clear immigration and then hurry off to Pnohn Pen (or however you spell it) and then to Angkor Wat, which I am very excited about as it is new and historic territory. In my Sacred Places course, which starts shortly, the professor will talk about the buildings and their transition from Hindy to Buddist temples.

The Viet Nam war has been a big part of class discussions for the past few days. This morning 2 veterans and a protester sat as a very emotional panel. It is a time that I remember, but these kids on boards weren't even thought of.


Laura, I hope that in your early midieval studies that You get a glimpse of the civilizations that were thriving in this part of the world, while europe was in the dark ages. it is an eye-opener.


There will be silence from here until after I get back from Cambodia on the 28th late.

Love to all,