Sinkers

After a gap of over 40 years, I found it quite emotional to return to the South China Sea. As we approached Singapore, sea traffic increased and on waking this morning as we inched our way to the international terminal I was amazed to see literally hundreds of ships anchored in Singapore Roads. We were advised that ships arrive and leave Singapore every 5 minutes. We nosed into the harbour, turned on a sixpence and glided astern into our berth - very impressive.

Luckily it was cloudy with a nice breeze on arrival. later as the sun came out it was hellishly hot.

I went on the Singapore River Cruise, then China Town. When I asked the guide why a Chinese city has a Chinatown - she replied - all cities do!! Duh!

I got back to the ship at 1430 to cool off. At 1900 we left and threaded our way between countless ship at anchor and we are now heading up the Malacca Straits.I feel the tug of nostalgia at my side and imagine once again being the navigator of HMAS GULL in these waters in 1966. We were actually at sea when Singapore withdrew from Malaysia and declared itself an independent republic.

My strongest impression - the "mystic smell of the orient" has disappeared. When I first came here in 1965 - stepping off the plane - one's senses were overwhelmed by the smell of spices, jos sticks and other unmentionable whiffs. Now it has all gone. In fact you could be in Sydney or Brisbane!

I travel "alone" on the bus and hear snatches of conversations from elderly couples complaining about things or making demeaning comments about the locals. Back on board tonight - an old dowager was berating a crew member about his lack of manners - i had to intervene and remin\d her that manners work two ways.

We are zooming up the Straits - why I don't know - we stop in KL tomorrow.

Some more photos for your perusal.... Damnit - I can't upload the photos! Later