Naha - Okinawa Japan

Today we moored at Naha in the South of Okinawa Island in Japan.

The city is quite small and compact, and the port is very close. We visited the Shuri Castle, and then had a go at some traditional craft making. We'll have to see how that works out, as we need to let the paint dry at least three days.

The castle is a reconstruction; as of course there was not much of Okinawa left after WW2. The Americans used to administer the Islands until 1972. We were told an interesting story about how they moved from driving on the right to the left after the Americans left, it all happened in a single day at midnight. We bought a nice pair of chopsticks each, with rests.

We did see of course some bottles of Pocari Sweat, and Helen has included a picture to show how blue the sea was on approach to the Island!

A pleasant day, and it is certainly getting cooler. It promises to be cooler in our next stop, Tokyo.

CEBU and The Philippines

Today we went on the City tour – around the City of Cebu, to take in sights like San Pedro Fort, the Cross of Magellan (he was killed here), and saw an old Jesuit and Chinese house. The Taoist Temple is in an area called Beverly Hills, and is quite posh with good views over the city.

Much of the crew come from The Philippines, so was there was great excitement as everyone met sons, daughters, wives, husbands etc. The Captain allowed crew on the decks for arrival, and also stayed on for an hour so they could all have a little extra time.

Next stop in two days is Okinawa Island and Japan.

Makasser Indonesia

Today sight seeing in Makasser.

Saw fishing boats, a market, and Fort Rotterdam, and original dutch fort of teh 17th Century. It rained, but was great fun!

Our next stop is Cebu in the Phillipines in two days, so we will be drying out over the next two.

We had a Chinese New Year celebration on the boat last night which included a dragon, and are off to Indonesian food tonight ... meanwhile it is still raining outside on the balcony ....

Komodo Island - Indonesia

Today we dropped anchor at about 1030 am, and took the tender to the island, walking about an hour and half through green jungle on well made paths. It is the rainy season, so it was green, but very hot and it got humid as well. We saw quite a few dragons, they are more active at the start of the day.

 

They weigh up to 90 kilos, live for up to 50 years, and can run very fast (up to 15 mph). Apparently, you zigzag to avoid them, but I ignored Helen's helpful advice to wear red and emerged unscathed.

At sea en route to Komodo Indonesia

Today was a quiet sea day – a lot of washing, reading and watching the sea, passing islands.

 

There were flying fish and dolphins passing the boat. We make landfall in Komodo Island at about 10am tomorrow, and then we anchor and the tender takes various parties to the tour. We are advised not to wear red, or have any blood or open wounds!

We are +8 hours on UK time at the moment.

Semerang Indonesia

Today we had a tour of Semerang in Indonesia. We were greeted on the Quaysdie by music and dancers.

This included a visit to a herbal medicine factory, an 17^th Century Dutch Church (Gereja Blendhuk). Then a building dating from 1863 which was the HQ of the Dutch Indonesian train Company called Lawag Sewu (1000 doors, just looks like it!). In 1942 the Japanese used it as their interrogation HQ so a lot of people died there …

 

Pictures are also of the Chinese Sam Po Kong temple built in honour of Admiral Cheng Ho who lead the fleets here in the 15^th Century, and finally the Ranggawarsita museum, a lovely carved Ramayana.

 

It rained after that, and we got soaked!

Crossing The Equator

We left Port Klang and Malaysia, and at about noon we sailed past Singapore, and had a good view of the City with Skyscrapers in the distance.

 

A small correction to yesterday, our next stop is Semarang in Indonesia, then Komodo island.

 

Today, just before crossing the equator, we had a visit from King Neptune and his entourage. Helen bravely volunteered to be thrown in to the pool, after cold ice treatment. But she did follow the Captain, Chief Officer and Hotel Manager!

Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia – next stop Komodo Island

Today we took a private tour, just the two of us and a guide in his car.

 

We went to see the Petronas Tower, Selangor Pewter, the Central Market, Railway station, Independent Square with the Selangor Club.

 

On the way Charles managed to find the RRI (Rubber Research Institute) on Jalan Ampang where Dad worked, the old house at 3 Jalan Eaton, which was still standing, and the Church – St Mary's Cathedral, including the font where he was christened. A nice trip back with lots of  nostalgia, but KL has changed beyond recognition.

We were at Port Klang on the boat, which is a good hour drive to KL. Also fitted in a show in the Neptune Lounge, a Lifeboat drill at 10[m, and a sail away party on the pool deck ... to bed by midnight!

 

We have a couple of days sailing to Komodo Island in Indonesia, passing Singapore about midday tomorrow, where there are dragons!

Burma and on to Malaysia

Photos of the shwedagon pagoda yangon from 1372, our little buses from yesterday, and the reclining Buddha. We were lucky enough to see an initiation ceremony at the Pagoda.

Next stop is Port Klang and Malaysia, where we hope to see Kuala Lumpur on a private trip.