Mon 16.04.12 – Sat 21.04.12

The Mell Sembawang is a wonderful little boat: my cabin is clean, the air-con is working, the food is magnificent (I had steak in pepper sauce yesterday YUM) and the guys on board are a good laugh. We’re making our way to the US territories of The Northern Mariana Islands (formally Islas de los Ladrones (Islands of Thieves) and Guam. On Wednesday we pulled into the Japanese port of Naha on Okinawa island, but as we were there for less than three hours and a shore pass would cost (get this!) $250(!!!!!) I opted to stay on the ship.

So most of this week has been spent mooching about, brooding about the loss of my hat and wondering what the hell I’m going to do with my life once all this is over. The crew have cleared a space on deck just in front of the living quarters for playing basketball. Ever tried playing basketball on a ship while she’s rolling through great waters? I thought playing darts on a ship was tricky.

Aside from our Chief Engineer from Poland, I’m the only one on board who doesn’t hail from The Philippines, but as usual the crew have welcomed me warmly, giving me the run of the ship (within reason) and kitting me out with a natty safety helmet and hi-vis vest, which makes it look like I’m meant to be here. Or maybe like one of the little guys from Fraggle Rock.