March 31st 2004:

Email from the Ship: Ready for a geography lesson:

Malaysia is the largest Muslim country. It consists of 2 distinct parts--Peninsular Malaysia which is the long finger of land extending down from Asia with Singapore at thebottom tip and then to the east in the northern island of borneo is 2 malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. We are stopping at 2 ports in Borneo Malaysia--Miri and Bintulu and 2 ports in Peninsular Malaysia--Singapore and Port Klang. We hope to be in Miri by early Sat Morn 4-3-04. Today we sailed by the Phillipines.

Some more interesting info is that we are entering an area that is at risk for pirate attacks so while we are sailing at night between 2000 and 0600 all the doors to outside decks are secured and we are not allowed outside.While in port all accommadation doors secured except the one nearest the ganaway which will be heavily guarded.

At night the bridge watch will be doubled. The fire hoses will be rigged and the search lights used frequently in order that to any observer the vessel is vigilant and prepared.Should any pirates be in a position to board the ship everything possible will be done to frustrate the attempt by swamping of boats and pirates with fire hoses and dazzling them with lights.All of us passengers will remain locked in our cabins.

Actually this all feels very safe to me.We are told that the risk to a vessel like this is minimal because of size, speed and type of cargo but it's always wise to take precautions.

Our position tonight is 05N and 125E