World cruise 32

March 12

We cast off at Thilawa around 12:30 p.m. Then sat in the middle of the river waiting for high tide so we could get to the sea without scraping bottom. We finally set out toward Colombo, Sri Lanka about 4:30 p.m. So to make up time the captain put the ship in high gear and away we went. Things got pretty bouncy back here in our cabin despite smooth seas. I suppose it's good that they don't charge us extra for the vibrating beds.

March 13

Another sea day, and a much needed few days of rest for most after a hectic week of ports since Singapore.

March 14

Still at sea, and smooth sailing.

March 15

At Colombo, Sri Lanka. I was supposed to go with Margaret on a tour of a tea plantation, but was not feeling up to par, so she went by herself. She can report later. There were shops along the pier, but there was nothing I needed to buy, and I didn't feel like wrestling with getting Leviathan down the gangway and back. Do keep in mind that this is a trip for hot weather lovers. For most of the trip so far the temperature has been in the 90s and up to the low 100s.

March 16

Back at sea headed for Cochin, India. Not moving so fast now that we're back on schedule.

March 17

We spent much of the day not moving, or moving very slowly except for when several smaller boats approached too closely and we went into a higher gear in case they were pirates. Back when we had Dennis the Head of Security join us for dinner, he said that increased security measures would begin at Sri Lanka. Sure enough, Mike reported that there are now 4 fire hoses unlimbered and ready for use on each side of Deck 3.

March 18

We are at Cochin, India. We had another Asia TransPacific private tour laid on for today, but I still wasn't feeling 100%, so I sent Margaret out on her own. It turns out to have been a good thing as she had a fine time, but some of the places they took her would have been next to impossible for me to get to. See her report for details ... when she gets it done.