Betty: Yes we've decided to stay on board. Do I remember you saying you'll be on board too?

The flight home from Osaka was a big deciding factor for me (10 hours as opposed to 24) but Michael felt it was a bit late in the season to see Alaska properly. Hope we've made the right decision as I probably won't get another chance. Michael spent five years working in Tokyo and I visited him a few times so have seen a lot of Japan. We both love the place so it won't be a hardship returning. Of course if I had the money and time, I'd stay on until Sydney and then I wouldn't have to worry about flying home!!

I have no idea what we can expect in the way of ports - have you? The only thing Michael said was he wanted to do a helicopter flight at the Russian port which made me freak out!! What is he thinking? I wouldn't fly to Moscow when in St Petersburg - I value my life too highly!! I hope I haven't been politically incorrect in posting the above!!

Lee