Hi, Dears,
We are at sea again, but with no classes today because it is Africa Day and I should be at a lecture, but would rather blog you.
Time is flying and I shall be home before I know it. We are following the east coast of Africa now and will land at Cape Town on Wednesday.
Mauritius was a wonderful relief after filthy India. We were only there 2 days, but I had a great trip around the island, which is really the remains of a giagantic volcano. It is in the middle of nowhere, east of Madagascar. It is beautiful, prosperous and quiet and clean. Its per capita income is one of the highest in this part of the world, which isn't saying much. I came close to going swimming, but didn't dare as I hadn't a bathng suit on, only shorts and a shirt, but I did get in up above my knees--warm and wonderful, my kind of water. I hope you all will get there one day.
That is about all that has happened, except that one of my "kids" and a life-long learner had to leave the ship in Mauritius. I don't know whether it was alcohol or drugs, but the loss of the kid was a sad event. We have lost 10 or more since we started.
I just tried some of you on Skype, but got nowhere. It should be easier now to communicate, as we are only 7 hours ahead of you and tomorrow it will be 6, an indication that we are heading home.
Love to you all,
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
March 20, 2010
Dears,
I can't remember when I last updated this blog (it isn't in front of me), but since then we have been in India. This trip was so different from the one I had in the fall of '08 with Saren. That was 5+ star with palaces, and rajas, and silks and all. This time it was also interesting, but full of complexities and filth.
The Chennai docking was difficult because to get to town we either had to take an expensive taxi or walk a mile or so to catch an auto rickshaw. The first event didn't involve either as I took a visit by tour bus to Tata Consultancy Services, a mamouth conglomerate that owns Land Rover and Jaguar, Tetley Tea and a meriad of other products. If you get into a situation asking for help on your computer or MasterCard, you probably will be talking to someone from Tata; they are huge in the call outsourcing. This was shades of my last life in the investment world.
Going and coming back to the ship I sat with Eric Hoffman, one of my SAS kids. We were getting back too late for the dining room so HE suggested that we go to town for dinner. Imagine my having a date with a 21 year old!! It was great fun. Walked to the auto rickshaw, a yellow, 3-wheeled bug, and went through horrendous traffic to the Sheraton, had dinner on the roof. Several of the faculty appeared and on the way out the bar was filled with other SAS kids.
The next day I went to a shopping mall with the ladies. It was big and dirty. but I ended up with some goodies from Kashmir.
We were at sea for the next 2 days. Almost everyone was on shore, but those of us who stayed here were treated to a sit-down dinner. I like the time at sea for reading (finished Kite Runner), check-book balancing, visiting, etc.
Once landed, I had a city tour of old Cochin, where Vasco Da Gama was originally buried and much remains of its Portuguese, French, English and Chinese (fishing village) heritage.
Next day was a contrast to the hectic pace of India. We went to the Alleppey Backwaters, about 45 miles south of Cochin. I'll show you pictures of wonderful house boats canals, houses built between the canals and rice fieds, and peace and quiet.
Yesterday morning at about 2am we crossed the Equator. This morning there was great hillarity, with the crew marching through the halls banging on pans, hair shaving, and initiation involving kissing a fish, then a ring and then being knighted with a sword. I have crosed the Equaor 4 times, so didn't have to do this.
Technically I believe we are in the Indian Ocean, heading for Mauritius which is in the middle of nowhere, but is supposed to be a lovely resort community.
On another issue, I am currently in deep dodo with the administration. They are annoyed because I like to keep my balcony door open to hear the waves and smell the air. They say that it interferes with the AC system, but others are doing the same thing and I m the only one in trouble. My problem is that the Staff Captain's office is just opposite my hall door and I am sure he is the one who tattled. Rumor has it that if I don't behave, they will move me to another cabin. I think that there is something inherent in me, and in some of you, that dislikes being told what to do by someone in authority.. To be continued............ [Once in a while I have to sound off and I am afrain that you just got an ear full!]
Otherwise, classes are great, although I think my Global Problems professor is somewhere to the left of the Chinese Communist professor who was on board earlier. It is all a part of my education, but some of us are difficult to indoctrinate.
When not annoyed at the administration, I can sit back and enjoy and will have company for cocktails shortly.
I hope that you all are enjoying Spring and the robins and snow drops and 60-70 degree weather. I hope that there will still be daffodils when I get home.
Love to you all,
I will have guests for cocktails shortly, but am in the dog house with the administration here now. They are fussing because I like to leave the door to my balcony open to hear the waves and smell the aor. They say that it interferes with AC system. The wretch of a staff captain unfortunately has his office oppsite my hall doodre and I am sure the complants are coming afraom him.. i am not the only one who leaves the door open, so this will be continued. Rumor has it that if I son't behave, I will be moved to naother cabin. I think there is something familial abouta not likeing being to ld what to do by the authorities, eh what!!!
I can't remember when I last updated this blog (it isn't in front of me), but since then we have been in India. This trip was so different from the one I had in the fall of '08 with Saren. That was 5+ star with palaces, and rajas, and silks and all. This time it was also interesting, but full of complexities and filth.
The Chennai docking was difficult because to get to town we either had to take an expensive taxi or walk a mile or so to catch an auto rickshaw. The first event didn't involve either as I took a visit by tour bus to Tata Consultancy Services, a mamouth conglomerate that owns Land Rover and Jaguar, Tetley Tea and a meriad of other products. If you get into a situation asking for help on your computer or MasterCard, you probably will be talking to someone from Tata; they are huge in the call outsourcing. This was shades of my last life in the investment world.
Going and coming back to the ship I sat with Eric Hoffman, one of my SAS kids. We were getting back too late for the dining room so HE suggested that we go to town for dinner. Imagine my having a date with a 21 year old!! It was great fun. Walked to the auto rickshaw, a yellow, 3-wheeled bug, and went through horrendous traffic to the Sheraton, had dinner on the roof. Several of the faculty appeared and on the way out the bar was filled with other SAS kids.
The next day I went to a shopping mall with the ladies. It was big and dirty. but I ended up with some goodies from Kashmir.
We were at sea for the next 2 days. Almost everyone was on shore, but those of us who stayed here were treated to a sit-down dinner. I like the time at sea for reading (finished Kite Runner), check-book balancing, visiting, etc.
Once landed, I had a city tour of old Cochin, where Vasco Da Gama was originally buried and much remains of its Portuguese, French, English and Chinese (fishing village) heritage.
Next day was a contrast to the hectic pace of India. We went to the Alleppey Backwaters, about 45 miles south of Cochin. I'll show you pictures of wonderful house boats canals, houses built between the canals and rice fieds, and peace and quiet.
Yesterday morning at about 2am we crossed the Equator. This morning there was great hillarity, with the crew marching through the halls banging on pans, hair shaving, and initiation involving kissing a fish, then a ring and then being knighted with a sword. I have crosed the Equaor 4 times, so didn't have to do this.
Technically I believe we are in the Indian Ocean, heading for Mauritius which is in the middle of nowhere, but is supposed to be a lovely resort community.
On another issue, I am currently in deep dodo with the administration. They are annoyed because I like to keep my balcony door open to hear the waves and smell the air. They say that it interferes with the AC system, but others are doing the same thing and I m the only one in trouble. My problem is that the Staff Captain's office is just opposite my hall door and I am sure he is the one who tattled. Rumor has it that if I don't behave, they will move me to another cabin. I think that there is something inherent in me, and in some of you, that dislikes being told what to do by someone in authority.. To be continued............ [Once in a while I have to sound off and I am afrain that you just got an ear full!]
Otherwise, classes are great, although I think my Global Problems professor is somewhere to the left of the Chinese Communist professor who was on board earlier. It is all a part of my education, but some of us are difficult to indoctrinate.
When not annoyed at the administration, I can sit back and enjoy and will have company for cocktails shortly.
I hope that you all are enjoying Spring and the robins and snow drops and 60-70 degree weather. I hope that there will still be daffodils when I get home.
Love to you all,
I will have guests for cocktails shortly, but am in the dog house with the administration here now. They are fussing because I like to leave the door to my balcony open to hear the waves and smell the aor. They say that it interferes with AC system. The wretch of a staff captain unfortunately has his office oppsite my hall doodre and I am sure the complants are coming afraom him.. i am not the only one who leaves the door open, so this will be continued. Rumor has it that if I son't behave, I will be moved to naother cabin. I think there is something familial abouta not likeing being to ld what to do by the authorities, eh what!!!
Friday, March 5, 2010
March 6, 2010
Dears,
OK. No pirates, no terrorists, just 2 thunderstorms. We are either out or st about out of the Straits, so can breath a sigh of relief. The captain obiously couldn't wait to get out, as when I looked we were traveling at 19.3 knots, the fastest I have seem.
Love,
OK. No pirates, no terrorists, just 2 thunderstorms. We are either out or st about out of the Straits, so can breath a sigh of relief. The captain obiously couldn't wait to get out, as when I looked we were traveling at 19.3 knots, the fastest I have seem.
Love,
March 5, 2010
Dears,
Here is a quickie as I am about to go off to a talk on the Taj Mahal.
The ship is buzzing about terrorists. We have just left, 1 + hour ago, our anchorage somewhere out in the Singapore harbor where we were all day getting fuel. Now we are out in the Straights of Malacca, where they are issuing all kinds of terrorist warnings. We have had a small distroyer with us all day, but I think it has departed. The targets are supposedly oil tankers, which there are plenty of, not student ships.
Life is interesting!!!!!!!!!!
All is well and I hope it stays that way.
Now heading for Cochin, India.
Love you,
Here is a quickie as I am about to go off to a talk on the Taj Mahal.
The ship is buzzing about terrorists. We have just left, 1 + hour ago, our anchorage somewhere out in the Singapore harbor where we were all day getting fuel. Now we are out in the Straights of Malacca, where they are issuing all kinds of terrorist warnings. We have had a small distroyer with us all day, but I think it has departed. The targets are supposedly oil tankers, which there are plenty of, not student ships.
Life is interesting!!!!!!!!!!
All is well and I hope it stays that way.
Now heading for Cochin, India.
Love you,
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
03/03/10
Hi, Guys,
It hasn't been so long since I last blogged you, if that is a word, but I am dizzy with where and what I have seen in the past few days.
I think I last wrote when we were approaching Saigon, AKA Ho Chi Nimh City, Viet Nam (2 words in their language). We cleared immigration and quickly headed for the plane to Phnom Penh.
This was to be the first time since January 17th that I had spent a nght off the ship. They blew it and roomed me with a roommate, which I was not happy about and so screamed and with the help of Toby, who was the group leader, ended up in a single in both hotels. I probably am the most unpopular person in the Field Office at the moment, but who cares.
So, we had a river cruise, supper and a trip to an uneventual museum and quit for the day.
Day 2 I shall never forget. It was a horrible sight to start with. We went to the museum, which had been a torture house and then to the killing fields, all reminiscent of the Khymer Rouge era from 1975 until early 1979. Where the US was in all this when they killed 2-3 milliion educated or wealthy people, similar to the atrocities in the Cultural Revolution in China, I don't know but it was hideous and I left after 5 minutes.
But then to the Royal Palace, which is glorious, and supper and to an orphanage, which some SAS people are organizing and supporting. I have a new friend, 18 years old, mother dead and father in Thailand who never comes to see her. Beautiful and you will see a picture of us. Then we flew to Seam Reap, which is close to the temples.
Next day we were up early and spent the day in the temples, Hindu then later they became Buddist. The first was the one that you all probably have seen with the trees devouring the ancient ruins. I loved seeing the remains of what was home to a million people in the 12th centure and thereabouts. Walking was tough but the remains incredibly awesome. Remind me to keep traveling while I can negotiate such terrain. We flew back to Saigon after that, about a 45 minute flight.
Next day I puttered around Saigon with Toby, did some extravagant shopping, had lunch in a delightful local restaurant and quit until dinner, which was at a French restaurant for 4 of us. This summer I shall make you a timbale of eggplant and sundried tomato, a layer of goat cheese and another of the eggplant. It couldn't be more delicious.
More to come, next day was a trip to the Mekong Delta, a 2 hour bus from Saigon. This is 3rd world at its best and real jungle. We went to a river boat which took us to who knows where, we walked through the jungle, took a cart ride driven by the smallest horse I have ever seen, walked some more, took a smaller boat and ended up for lunch on elephant ear fish, which really was pretty good.
This was all deep jungle, I won't mention the lunch company, back to the boat, homeward on a small boat, then bus back to Saigon.
Now we have left Saigon and are headed for Singapore to refuel and then on to India. My head is happily swimming, but it was great to be back in classes today.
Skype is great. I have successfully communicated with Rich and Sandy several times, caught a glimpse of Ed, but never have gotten through with Shafers and H&S. Please leave your Skypes on about supper time and I shall try to reach you again. This has all been about me, but I would like to hear about you. Must go to a lecture on HIV/Aids . More later,
Love,
It hasn't been so long since I last blogged you, if that is a word, but I am dizzy with where and what I have seen in the past few days.
I think I last wrote when we were approaching Saigon, AKA Ho Chi Nimh City, Viet Nam (2 words in their language). We cleared immigration and quickly headed for the plane to Phnom Penh.
This was to be the first time since January 17th that I had spent a nght off the ship. They blew it and roomed me with a roommate, which I was not happy about and so screamed and with the help of Toby, who was the group leader, ended up in a single in both hotels. I probably am the most unpopular person in the Field Office at the moment, but who cares.
So, we had a river cruise, supper and a trip to an uneventual museum and quit for the day.
Day 2 I shall never forget. It was a horrible sight to start with. We went to the museum, which had been a torture house and then to the killing fields, all reminiscent of the Khymer Rouge era from 1975 until early 1979. Where the US was in all this when they killed 2-3 milliion educated or wealthy people, similar to the atrocities in the Cultural Revolution in China, I don't know but it was hideous and I left after 5 minutes.
But then to the Royal Palace, which is glorious, and supper and to an orphanage, which some SAS people are organizing and supporting. I have a new friend, 18 years old, mother dead and father in Thailand who never comes to see her. Beautiful and you will see a picture of us. Then we flew to Seam Reap, which is close to the temples.
Next day we were up early and spent the day in the temples, Hindu then later they became Buddist. The first was the one that you all probably have seen with the trees devouring the ancient ruins. I loved seeing the remains of what was home to a million people in the 12th centure and thereabouts. Walking was tough but the remains incredibly awesome. Remind me to keep traveling while I can negotiate such terrain. We flew back to Saigon after that, about a 45 minute flight.
Next day I puttered around Saigon with Toby, did some extravagant shopping, had lunch in a delightful local restaurant and quit until dinner, which was at a French restaurant for 4 of us. This summer I shall make you a timbale of eggplant and sundried tomato, a layer of goat cheese and another of the eggplant. It couldn't be more delicious.
More to come, next day was a trip to the Mekong Delta, a 2 hour bus from Saigon. This is 3rd world at its best and real jungle. We went to a river boat which took us to who knows where, we walked through the jungle, took a cart ride driven by the smallest horse I have ever seen, walked some more, took a smaller boat and ended up for lunch on elephant ear fish, which really was pretty good.
This was all deep jungle, I won't mention the lunch company, back to the boat, homeward on a small boat, then bus back to Saigon.
Now we have left Saigon and are headed for Singapore to refuel and then on to India. My head is happily swimming, but it was great to be back in classes today.
Skype is great. I have successfully communicated with Rich and Sandy several times, caught a glimpse of Ed, but never have gotten through with Shafers and H&S. Please leave your Skypes on about supper time and I shall try to reach you again. This has all been about me, but I would like to hear about you. Must go to a lecture on HIV/Aids . More later,
Love you,
Love,
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