Day 43 ~ Passing by Sri Lanka

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. ~ Mark Twain

Today, we rounded the tip of the island nation of Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon. It’s one of the major tea producers in the world, but though we are within sight of it, we can’t see a bit of it. The air is hazy with humidity and the scent of thousands of wood fires. We are approaching a part of the world where lots of people cook their daily meals over open flames.

It’s one of the reasons I brought some health masks (Thank you, Ginger, for giving them to me!). I expect to have to use one in Cochin and Mumbai to protect my lungs in case the air quality is poor.

It was another quiet sea day—a lovely day to catch up on a book I’ve been trying to finish. It’s Michener’s The Source, a veritable doorstop of a book set in a fictional town in Israel. Unlike most of Michener’s tomes, it doesn’t start with amoebas. Based on an archaeological team excavating a tell, it traces the development of the three great monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, from the earliest hunter gatherers in the region who set up a single standing stone and called their deity El to the establishment of a Jewish state in 1947. Interesting history and certainly a lot of ideas to chew on, but I’ll be ready for a “who done it” next.

We were treated to an afternoon concert by David Craythorne, our choir director, in the Cabaret Lounge. He normally plays in the Casino Bar while we are at supper, so it was lovely to hear him in a better venue. His rendition of “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music is one of the best I’ve ever heard.

Speaking of entertainment, here are some of the very talented dancers who’ve been presenting incredible productions since they came on board in LA. The fellow in the middle is Michael, who’s not a dancer, but often calls the questions for our morning trivia.

Our evening show was a second concert by Elle Adda, an amazing talent. This young lady is what we used to call a “triple threat” back when I was singing professionally. That means she can act, dance and sing. Oh! And she plays the piano. Elle is in full possession of her main instrument (her voice) and can perform both French art songs and “Proud Mary” with equal conviction.

At supper tonight, the DH decided to try the same appetizer I did. It’s Snow Crab pate and caviar. He said it tasted fishy. Go figure…

After supper, we went up on deck for the Night of the Raj party. The passengers who’ve been taking Bollywood dance classes performed for us and it really put us into the mood for more of India!

I’ve read Kipling, and my favorite novel of all time is The Far Pavilions by MM Kaye, set in during the time of the British Raj, so I have an idea of India in my head that I’ve constructed from those stories. I know I won’t find that India tomorrow, but it will be fun to look for it!