PALM SUNDAY, March 28, 2010

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,