posted by Noah We weren't sure if we wanted to go to the Ambassadors' Ball. Tickets were not cheap and we are reaching the end of our budget for this voyage. But, well, I already bought a suit back in Vietnam, so why not. I forget why they call it an Ambassadors' Ball. I'm sure there's some reason, but we had no ambassador in sight, so search me. Basically it's a big "the voyage is winding down and we're sick of seeing everyone in sweatshirts and flip-slo...

Posted by Amanda Totally weird to be back in the United States. We are of course docked at a slightly odd place but near the regular cruise terminal. Noah and I were able to get off pretty early because my boss had given me Hawaii off due to my work from Hong Kong to Shanghai. We all had to do a face-to-face inspection with customs. Suprisingly that went quickly even though it started at 6am. We were done in a little more than an hour (which meant every single p...

Posted by Amanda Money and Sex (well Sexism, but it sounds better the other way) We've had our longest stretch at sea so far with eight days. It has been interesting. Many people are starting to feel the strain of being on the ship this long and with the same people for so long. I've noticed groups that had been formed before are starting to break apart and new groups are forming. People have just reached that point where they need a break from each other. ...

Posted by Amanda Another great day in Japan. We got an early start as I had an appointment with a few other people in Kyoto to get dressed up like geisha. Unfortunately, Noah and I had trouble finding the actual place so we arrived late. Luckily, the organizer (Carrie) of the adventure had already found a fourth to fill my spot. They were all in makeup so we left them a note in their shoes at the door to apologize. It was probably best that I missed it as i...

Posted by Amanda My homestay was very nice today. We basically did what the family would do for the day. I got up and we had breakfast. It was basic with toast with jam or cheese or peanut butter. We ate again at the coffee table. Of course the man from India was curious about who would take care of my mom when she got old. Don't worry Mom, I said I would. After breakfast we got ready for the girls' first ballet lesson. They looked so cute in their lit...