Blogs from South China Se, Pacific, Oceans and Seas

Queen Mary Day 17-18 More fog and mist and not much was happening as far as physical activity. The weather had turned a bit cooler and the trip south from Shanghai to Hong Kong was a little disappointing because of the weather and not being able to go out on deck. We attended some information lectures and while Phillip should have been as interested in Capt Arthur Philip as Jennifer, somehow his brain did not want to play the same game. Lack of oxygen (probably manners) had Phillip falling asleep and to Jennifer’s horror, the audience heard the zzzzzz’s hitting the soundwaves. Someone did say they learnt something from the lecture. Jennifer actually learnt two points, firstly that Capt Philip did not bring the convicts just to set up a convict settlement, but rather the convicts ... read more

MARCH 24th to MARCH 26th--- The last 2 days have been absolutely miserable! We went through a storm that turned out to be really bad. The waves were crashing down really hard. Our ship would literally go on top of a wave and then crash back down. We had to barricade some of the safety doors. All the stuff in my room fell everywhere. I couldn’t sleep the entire time and almost everyone was sea-sick. The first night back on the ship from Vietnam, I was laying in bed trying to fall asleep until a huge wave came and literally by entire body left the mattress. I know we’re completely safe, but I got really scared. Going to class was a struggle and doing homework was even worse. I think only 5 people showed up to ... read more

MARCH 14th--- Today I decided to get a pedicure at the health center….just go to India and you’ll know why this is necessary! The woman who did my nails was Ukrainian. It was the most painful experience of my life. I mean they look and feel good, but I was tearing at one point. She told me I had an infection on one of my toes from something in India….ewww……yay India, you have permanently ruined my feet! What a surprise! I mean I only walked barefoot in all these temples where people pee on the ground…gross! Good news is that I will have all my 5 toes when I return home hahah! As for the health update from India. I’m happy to say that everyone made it out of India alive! There are a few cases ... read more

Rahnee's in town from Sydney.....working on some project, but with time enough to join a 5 night cruise with me around Vietnam, Sanya (in china) and Hongkong. We took an early flight to Singapore where we were met by our travel agent who then took us to the pier to board our boat. MV Virgo is a huge cruise liner, the biggest in the fleet run by the same group who owns the Genting Resorts. I have long been curious about this cruise liner which offers 2 night to week long cruises around Asia. There was one I particularly liked which sails to Phuket, Langkawi Island, etc. But instead, we are joining this cruise which sails out of Singapore and calls on Ho Chi Minh, Sanya and Hongkong. The package we got allows for another night's ... read more