This was the third sea day before we arrive in Sri Lanka. The good news is that we have turned our clocks back 2.5 hours in the last three days so people are catching up on their sleep. The weather continues to be in the 80’s with high humidity.

Valerie Mock gave her last lecture before disembarking the ship on how the British craving for tea upset the balance of trade between Britain and China. This imbalance led to the mass introduction of Opium into China, creating a huge demand for the drug, which Britain was happy to supply in exchange for silver.

The afternoon lecture by Bill Crews was on Sri Lanka, its Independence, Civil War and the 2004 Tsunami. Like so many countries, it has a long history of corrupt government controlled mostly by a single family. After many years of civil unrest the country now appears to be on a more stable footing and is growing by leaps and bounds.

Mark watched a Disney Nature film titled Monkey Kingdom narrated by Tina Fey. It was a very sweet nature documentary that follows a newborn monkey and its mother as they struggle to survive within the competitive social hierarchy of the Temple Troop. This group of monkeys lives in ancient ruins in the jungles of South Asia and the photography is beautiful.

Dale Kristien, the singer who starred in the Phantom of the Opera, put on another wonderful show this evening. She has aged a bit since Phantom but she still has a great voice. Bravo!