in the middle of South China Sea

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Had a very busy visit to Brunei, and saw lots of amazingly wealth houses. Of course it is a very rich place (mainly from oil), and it shows everywhere. Also a very muslim country and all the usual restrictions in place. Saw all the Sultan's treasures (well most of them) including the two gold carriages both about 40 feet long, and both of which were pulled by what looked like hundreds of guards when he was crowned, and then for his jubilee. All a bit over the top actually.

We saw an interesting floating village, which actually looked a bit delapidated, but which actually proved to be owned by only rich people who have boats to take them to the land, and they leave their cars at the wharf so that they have transport on land too. How the other half live!

We were up until about 15:00 this afternoon, on route for Vietnam and Nha Trang, but there is an horrific storm just across from the Phillipines, and the Captain had been informed that unless we changed route, we would be in all likelihood be in the midst of Force 13 winds (stronger than hurricane) and a swell of between 8 - 10 metres. It was rough enough on the edge of it this afternoon, so he has decided to head straight for Ho Chi Minh City. It's a disappointment, but who wants to be in something like that. We experienced enough storms on our own boat so know we don't want to do it. Whether we will have extra time in Ho Chi Minh, or somewhere else, we don't know yet. We are looking forward to our trip to the Mekong Delta, and seeing the water buffalo, etc.

More anon.

Thanks for all your comments. Nice to know you haven't forgotten us yet.

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Comments

[Scarlett]

nothing special
glad you're still enjoying yourselves, even in the middle of such rough weather. not much sunshine out there now, I suppose. well, you'll be entertained on board, I'm sure. And it will give you time to do some fitnessing:-) Maybe the trip you're skipping now will be done later? Here is brilliant sunshine, no hurricane, but rather cold. I really don't know which I prefer. But I do know we both think a lot about Thailand! Love, till later. S+Fxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Frans]

who's afraid?
Come on captain! Who's afraid of force 13 winds!? Why don't you put the captain overboard Michael and do it yourself? Ho Chi Minh has 6 million people, a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese (Hao)and Khmer Krom and some other. I think it's enough! Has a nice time there, Salut Frans

[Wendy and gang]

Stormy Weather
Your travel blogs are just fab and we are enjoying them enormously! Got caught myself in a mini-hurricane in Trowbridge Park last Thursday so I think your captain is doing the right thing and avoiding it! All is well here.... hope you continue safe on your journey. Big hugs Wend and the gang x

[The Wanderers]

Thanks for the support
Just about to add the latest entry, and they have given us free internet today, so am taking the opportunity of responding personally. Don't forget to read the latest