June 12, 2024
Ship Update #3 ?
These are the rudders on the ship. They are on the ship aft (backend), behind the propellers and they are responsible for the ship steering. The rudder stock we are awaiting are 2 custom made solid shaft, weighing 2 Tons each, and they fit inside the rudders and are connected via large bolts, in the 2 holes seen here. This retrofit is what's holding us up from leaving dry dock and sailing. This afternoon, we were told our best case of completing dry dock is 6/20 with a strong likelihood of sailing by 6/25. We were given tons of options, but basically have to amuse ourselves till 6/20 most likely 6/24. So, I am flying tomorrow afternoon from Gran Canary to Lisbon and then on to Hamburg, Germany to meet up and stay with my friend Tom Powl. We were supposed to catch up on the original itinerary and have at least a week together and we were both disappointed when that changed. So now we are seizing the opportunity to do it!
While I was in Singapore this time I was on a mission, downsize my belongs and pack my life into hopefully four or less 50 # suitcases! The only time I took a break, was for meals and thankfully we were in a new area of town, for me, so I got to see some of Joo Chiats charm as we walked to restaurants. The area is Signapore's first heritage town known for it's vibrant Peranakan culture, pastel hued shop fronts and diverse food scene. Built in the early 1900's by Chinese families, they blend Chinese, Malay and colonial influences that reflect that area's rich multicultural roots. The land was once owned by Chew Joo Chiat , the King of Katong.
Sihanoukville, Cambodia is a city I will long remember! On first look, you really wonder what is going on here. There are over 350 unfinished "ghost" buildings in the skyline and another 170 completed, but empty structures and it's not that big a place - so you really wonder! Apparently there has been a mass exodus of Chinese Real Estate and Casino investors. Back in 2019 the Cambodian Government banned online gaming and this collapsed the City's casino driven economy. Then Covid hit and the resulting slump in China's Real Estate funding stream has hit this coastal town hard. You would never know the hard times from the people. They are friendly, energetic and so happy to help.
Cambodia was so lovely. I want to go back and show you all the days pre-eviction . We arrived late afternoon & were greeted at the Port by local performers & music, the Ministry of Tourism and were presented handmade scarf gifts.