I was finally able to "publish" an update to the Blog. I guess the Internet was just too busy yesterday to allow sufficient bandwidth. I did it at 5 AM this morning, and it too no time at all. As you probably read in the Seamail, unfortunately, we had to skip Sandakan, Malaysia because of our late departure from Bali and the small window of opportunity to enter the protected bay there due to the tides. On the plus side, we have an overnight in Manila.

We are just arriving in Manila (7AM March 11th). It is expected to take most of the morning to clear customs here -- there is even a full body scan that I think will be set up in the Constellation Theater on board. One reason it will take so long to clear customs is because there are so many Filipino crew. Of course, they are undoubtedly very happy about the additional day here.

The Blog update contains some photos en route to Manila that I took at the Balinese dance presentation on board by crew from Bali. It also has a few pictures of the crossing-the-equator ceremony. It's supposed to be about 90 here today.

We had a great evening last night with a wonder pre-dinner show featuring a lyric soprano, Stephanie Baldwin (the General Manager's wife), a fun dinner with Marcie and Tom in Prime 7 (it was great to get to know them a little better), and the Platters second show (lots of dancing and perhaps some good photos--Ken was taking a number as was I, but on Gail's new small camera and I really didn't know what I was doing--better make excuses now before you all see Ken's).

Another update when we're on our way to Taipei.

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Eugene