Day 92: At Sea … Gulf of Thailand

Saturday, 8 April 2017
At Sea — En Route to Bangkok

Stats @ Ship’s Time 7:45p (ICT) … UTC 12:45p (8 April)
Temp: 83.7F (28.7C)
Position: 10.19.45N / 102.22.75E

Seek out that particular mental attitude which makes you feel most deeply
and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says
“this is the real me,” and when you have found that attitude, follow it.
~ William James ~

A day at sea should be slow.  But ours never are.  Even if we aren’t doing anything particularly exciting.  Even when we have a long day because we are up at 5:30a.  Taking advantage of the speedy internet at that early hour, I managed to share photos with family and uploaded a few to FB to share with friends.  After that, it was a routine day … that means catching up on the journal so I have the words for the blog mostly written.  And reading quietly on the veranda.

Really quite a boring day for others to read about … which is a good reason for saving time and not posting about our sea days now.  I’ll eventually make the blog whole, so if you are reading this post, know that it was likely added to the blog later … much later.

Sometimes I wonder about the craziness of keeping a journal and a blog.  There are times when I wish I had not started blogging at all.  But then, I sit and read about past adventures illustrated with photos I’ve taken, and I am glad I did.  Nonetheless, I think the time is nearing when I will have to rethink this pastime.  Doing it “my way” is simply too time consuming.  And it takes away from the “living in the moment” aspects of my days at sea.   

Tomorrow we are in Bangkok.  We don’t arrive until noon — so a quiet morning at sea is in order.  I am sure that the time will fly by and before we know it, it will be time to join our tour party at 11:45a.

An interesting sunset sky in the Gulf of Thailand.

Speaking of Bangkok, last December, just before Christmas, I received a special notice from O.  It read …

Dear Valued Guests and Travel Partners:

We would like to advise you of an important notification to your upcoming sailing aboard Insignia.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has issued a list of guidelines for foreign visitors. This is in in effect for one year after the death of the King. During the one year mourning period, November 2016 to November 2017, for HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s death, all visitors to the palace must wear black or white  clothing.

It is strongly recommended that guests visiting the city in general, also need to wear muted colors. There are already existing guidelines in place about what you can and cannot wear in the temples, but wearing a black or white top (or muted colors) would be appreciated while traveling in Bangkok. Please try to avoid wearing tops that are too bright or “flashy”.

We look forward to providing you with a memorable cruise experience.

BKK — the operator with whom I booked the tours for our two days in Bangkok— clarified the notice by advising us that the black or white clothing applies only to Thai citizens who go to a special area of the palace to pay their respects to the dead king.  Even if we wanted to go, this area requires a Thai ID, therefore the color restrictions don’t apply … although Michiel did reiterate that muted colors would be appreciated.  We will, of course, respect the locals who are mourning their king, and comply.

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