Around the World in 80 Days
Day 18: 12 October

Afterwards, having ascertained that the captain will not be offended as the crew are Moslems and take no alcohol, we're enjoying a nightcap of gin and tonic or in my case a glass of Glenmorangie malt whisky when the engine cuts out. The captain and the engineer disappear down below. There are sounds of protest, indignation and recrimination from the engine room. Deyji Ramji lights two incense sticks and waves them before the flag, and Kasim and Sali Mamoun, a short powerfully built older man with a peaceful face, are praying in the bows. Suddenly, I feel a little vulnerable. It's getting dark, there's no wind to fill a sail, there's no radio or radar on board and we're drifting slowly toward the Straits of Hormuz.
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PALIN'S GUIDES
- Series: Around the World in 80 Days
- Day: 18
- Date: 12 October
- Country/sea: Persian Gulf
- Place: Persian Gulf
- Book page no: 69
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