March 6, 2024

Our anchor is being hauled and we are leaving Dili, Timor-Leste. It is a very young country, winning their independence from Indonesia just 22 years ago. As it is a portion of an Indonesian island, they still refer to it as part of Indonesia, even though it is really a separate country.  It is also a very poor country where 52% of its people survive on less than $1.25 per day. Can you imagine how we could get by with that?  Sad for sure.  It really reminds us of Honduras or some parts of Mexico, by just looking around.  It was quite hot again today, as we get closer to the equator.  They promise that when we cross the equator, things will cool back down as we move from summer back to winter. 

Last night, we moved our clocks back another 30 minutes, so our minutes match most of the worlds again.  We move them back yet another hour tonight and we will be in the same time zone as Singapore, where our cruise ends.  We should be done with time changes, hip hip.  So, right now, it is 4 PM here and Midnight at home.  We are finishing up Wednesday, and you are just beginning it.  Confused?

Wild and crazy Kim got herself arrested trying to break in to the Presidential Palace.  Other than that, it was a quiet day. 

Tonight, we move about 200 miles to the other end of the island, which is part of Indonesia the country. 

Today’s stop was populated by mostly Catholics at 97% and tomorrow will be the largest population of Muslims in the world with nearly 90% of the population of Indonesia following the religion of Islam. Interesting fun fact, don’t you think?  More fun facts:  Indonesia is made up of 17,000 islands, and just 8,000 of those are populated.  Indonesia has the most active volcanoes on earth and Indonesia was colonized by the Dutch.  

Kim saw a sea turtle from our balcony today, it was very large.  Sorry no picture, but proof of more sea life.   

Today we were at anchor, so it was a tender (earplug) day.  Anchored next to us was the Seabourn Odyssey.  About 11:00 this morning, they announced that they would start a tender run between the two sister ships so the guests and crew could visit the other ship.  We visited with a very nice couple from the Odyssey and their goal was to find out which ship had better Margaritas and Hamburgers and, of course, a better pool.  I’m pleased to say our ship won.  It was fun to see the two groups interact.  That was the first time we had ever experienced anything like this. 

Kim has dubbed me as a rule breaker because on the ship, men are to wear slacks and a collared shirt after 6 PM.  Well, I have no problem with the shirt part, but slacks?  Not happening.  So far, no one has said anything.  Tonight’s dinner was in the Colonnade Restaurant with a Chinese theme.  I had Dim Sum; egg drop soup and sweet and sour Shrimp.  Yummy.

And what would you wear to an Abba Sail away? Nice boots!