Day 42 At Sea toward Singapore

Last night we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn on our way north thru the Indian Ocean toward our next port of call, Singapore. We are heading for what appears to be a narrow strait seperating Sumatra and Java. This cruise has had the benefit of causing me to focus more specifically on this area of the world. I had a general knowledge of the area but I never really knew the oceans and seas or exactly how the countries are arranged. Given my my memory I may not know it by the time I get home either. The distance we will travel between Geraldton, Australia and Singapore is 2102 nautical miles.
Meanwhile, on the ship Princess Cruise Lines is trying to make as much money as possible. Every evening about 5 pm they have either a piano player or a violin quartet play in the atrium area and it attracts quite a number of guests. They set up tables and sell costume jewelery, watches, t-shirts and other such merchandise. This afternoon they had one of a continuing series of art auctions. I am amazed at the number of people attracted to this activity. While a painting of Shamu in an idyllic ocean setting with colorful tropical fish might look good here, when you get home to Muncie, Indiana I wonder how they will like it. (Notice I didn't say Bigfork, Montana)
We are told that most of the Australians will leave the ship in Bangkok. I am curious to see who will replace them as we are told the ship is full for the next segment from Bangkok to Beijing.
Tomorrow another sea day. (sorry for the italics)

Chris - "Yank in Aussieland, part 2" While in Australia I noticed in the stores we entered that if they were playing music, most the music they were playing was from the States. Some played popular music, some country. I also noticed that on TV the other night they had the Australian Country Music Awards, so they must also have their own country stars as well. The cost of a recently recorded disc was about $10-12 more than at home if it was by an artist from the USA. The DVD's from the States were about $15 more than at home. Well that's all I'm reporting about Australia....on to other ports!