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| Leaving Singapore |
We've left the "Far East" part of this Oceania cruise called the "Far East Odyssey" and are heading for India following an amazing three-day stop in Yangon, Myanmar (aka Rangoon, Burma - its old name). It was an amazing, yet-unspoiled-by-mass-tourism destination that deserves several blog posts when time and internet allow.
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| Yangon, Myanmar |
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| Saturday morning |
But for safety's sake we've been notified that we are going to be entering an area known as High Risk Area (HRA) for Piracy as we travel from India to the Gulf of Aden (yes, it is the one by Yemen, but we aren't talking about war - just pirates). We also will have a pirate attack safety drill tomorrow and have been given certain instructions for on board while we sail the area.
"While sailing through the HRA we will be in permanent contact with an International Task Force, including U.S. and U.K. naval forces that are assigned to protect merchant vessels from pirate attack by a United Nations mandate," says the letter from our Captain.
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| Off Phuket Island Thailand |
This ship kept watch over us while we were anchored off Phuket Island - another example of safety on our route. So we are not worried. It is rather interesting and adds a bit of adventure to the trip. For now we sail the sea and sip morning coffee with nothing more off our port side than bands of dolphins and flying fish. Thanks for your time - safe travels to you!
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| Saturday Morning in the Baby of Bengal |
Weekend Travel Inspirations
I would think the fact that the ship had already been attacked would be a good thing. What would the odds be that it would be attacked again.
ReplyDeleteHave a great adventure!
We aren't spending much time thinking about attacks. It was basically a Maritime agreement of some sorts requirement. Thanks for the visit!
DeleteMy neighbor did a similar sailing through the HRA and there were no problems. Personally, I would rather fly over the area, but then again we do plenty of things other people think are dangerous.
ReplyDeleteWe aren't losing any sleep over it, that is for sure Rhonda! Makes for interesting experiences though. Thanks for the visit!
DeleteInteresting, about the HRA. When we were on a huge cruise ship sailing out of NY, we were escorted by police boats and NYPD helicopters. A little unnerving, yes, but part of the adventure! Have fun, and safe sailing to you!
ReplyDeleteWe've had military guards and supervision by nearby ships on a number of cruises in interesting areas. It is all for our safety and makes for interesting tales, I guess. Thanks for the good wishes, Amy!
DeleteGlad you are enjoying your sailing adventure!
ReplyDeleteWe are loving the beauty of the Indian Ocean - you two would love this area. Thanks for the comment!
DeleteWishing you safe and enjoyable travels!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Pat! As soon as I get some internet time, I will be back to visit your blog! Hugs, Jackie
DeleteHRA would rather add to the excitement.
ReplyDeleteAs we bloggers always say, Gaelyn, it will make for a good blog post if nothing else!
DeleteJackie, wishing you safe adventures and exciting exploration on your next passage to all your exotic destinations!
ReplyDeleteLove the last pic - so peaceful and free!
xx
Poppy
Poppy, there is nothing better than staring at the sea and sipping my morning coffee (well, except maybe being in Greece and staring at the sea with my morning coffee -- soon!!!) Hugs, Jackie
DeleteThis is the trip of a lifetime! Thanks for bringing us along. :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
ReplyDeleteWow, never a dull moment! But it certainly does look as though they take safety seriously.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how comfortable I'd feel sailing through a HRA, but it certainly sounds as if your ship is taking all precautions and is prepared. Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you're in good hands. Enjoy the ride, safe travels.
ReplyDeleteSince I've read your next blog post, I know that you made it through safely. At least your ship had a safety plan in place. You'll have to tell us what the drill involved. Taking cover or the passengers getting to man water canons? Our Disney cruise in the Bahamas had a Pirates on the Caribbean theme night. My teen son whose been studying current events at school kept asking, "But aren't pirates bad? Where's the fun in that?" Our school in Malaysia took the students out on an overnight trip sleeping on a snorkeling platform between Penang and Phukeet. The Malaysian Coast Guard ended up watching over them the whole time because they thought that if word got out that a bunch of international students were out there alone, pirates might decided they should pay the platform a visit.
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