Around the World in 80 Days

Day 60: 23 November

Read further into Ellman's Oscar Wilde, watch a video of Salvador, iron some shirts and prepare for another evening at the table tennis table and the Scrabble board. The rolling of the boat seems to be getting worse. Simon pours a Scotch twice and each time it falls off the table. Resign myself to another night on the move. Wedge everything that might roll and put pillows on either side of the bed to prevent me hitting the wall. It's close and muggy again and just when the air conditioning is needed it's impossible to have it on because of the diesel fumes. On all the ships I've been on there seems to be a psychological Sargasso Sea round about two-thirds of the way into the voyage. A period of lethargy and dissatisfaction between the excitement and novelty of setting out and the anticipation of arrival at the other end.

As I'm lying in bed, rolling gently, I reflect on the fact that India, more than any other country, has dominated this journey so far. Indians took me from Dubai to Bombay to Madras, now an Indian is taking me from Tokyo to Long Beach. A third of the journey altogether. Captain Amirapu couldn't be bettered. A polite and considerate host, a highly competent and inspiring captain and a nice, friendly and straightforward man. I was surprised to hear him today expressing interest in leaving the sea and taking a shore job. Sensible for a family man I suppose, but a great loss to the sea.

Previous page | Next page

Choose another day from Around the World in 80 Days

Top of page

PALIN'S GUIDES

Series: Around the World in 80 Days
Day: 60
Date: 23 November
Country/sea: Pacific Ocean
Place: Pacific Ocean
Book page no: 198

Bookmarks will keep your place in one or more series. But you'll need to register and/or log in.

Set bookmark

ROUTE MAPS

Los Angeles - Aspen

Around the World in 80 Days

Day 60: 23 November

PALIN'S GUIDES

RELATED LINKS

ROUTE MAPS