I woke up this morning and looked out my window and I
thought I was back home in Missouri. This scene really could be the Missouri
River and all the growth you see along its banks.
I did not opt for an excursion today; really those Ten
Thousands Buddhas from yesterday did me in. I spent the morning getting
organized and packing up a few things. Then met a friend for lunch and wandered
ashore to the little shops they had at the port terminal
I must admit this was my first experience at “bargaining”
mostly out of necessity since I didn’t want to exchange any money here and also
didn’t want to break my large US currency. So I had $7 in US cash and I just
selected some bracelets that for me seemed to be worth that amount and walked
up to the cash register person and said I will give you $7 US for these
bracelets. He made a quick calculation on his calculation and started to
say…”let me ask my wife”… when he hesitated and said “OK”.
I am not sure if he thought his wife would squelch the deal
or if he really understood I had $7 to spend and nothing more. I think we were
both happy with the deal.
So the journey is drawing to a close. Tonight Table 411 will
gather for the last time as our ship slowly slips out of port and heads to Singapore.
We are due to arrive early in the morning.
My bags will be tagged and placed outside my cabin door
tonight around 7 pm, no later than 11 pm. And when I wake up I will have been
halfway around the world in 41 days. What a trip it has been.
But it is not over yet I still have a few days in the city
of Singapore left, some sightseeing to do and maybe a little shopping as well
before it will be time to board a plane that is US bound – see you soon
Chicago/St. Louis.
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