20.12. 2017
We have finally reached the real part of Japan and we are eager to rush to and explore the town of Beppu. It has the most famous hot mineral springs in the country. In the town and its vicinity there are around one hundred baths and springs. In Japanese they are called onsen.
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Ship diary Chichijima to Bepu, Japan (680 nautical miles)
Day 0 – 12.12.2017 (Tuesday)
Preparations for the winter sailing from Chichijima Island to Kyushu Island have started. All day we clean, fortify and tie everything really carefully. The security ropes are fixed on the rails all over the boat and life belts are set. We have also bought several winter sleeping bags from the thrift shop in the library. I finish fixing the front mast, paint it and wind the protruding bolts with tape and rags. Continue reading
Japan
Capital: Tokyo
Area: 377 972 square km
Population: 127 million people
Language: Japanese
Religion: Shintoism and Buddhism
Currency: Japanese yen
Political system: constitutional monarchy
25.11.17 г.
On the 11-th day of our cruising, during which we crossed 1500 nautical miles over the ink-blue waters north of the equator, we find ourselves under the clear morning sky watching at the rocky coast – the surreal silhouette of Chichijima (translated as “the island of the father”). It is a part of the island group Ogasawara aka Bonin – translated as “the uninhabited islands”.
The Japanese island Chichijima
SHIP DIARY
Day 0 – 15.11.2017
It’s still dark when we ignite the generator and the port engine. Then we tie the ropes to the dock amidst the playful color nuances of the dawn. Finally we slip off the port quietly… as real pirates. Here one is allowed to navigate the narrow coral sea pathways of Ponapei only in the day but we were late to do so yesterday so this was the only way to leave without the need to go trough the slow procedure of the immigration again. Continue reading
What was once a war-torn country has evolved into a unique tourist hotspot that’s bursting with life and culture. Vietnam truly does deserve a spot on your travel bucket list as the amazing country has so much to offer. Beautiful landscapes are everywhere, and the country’s rich history and culture can be explored through its various museums and ancient landmarks. Many other people are starting to recognize Vietnam for the wonderful country it is – it’s seen a tourism growth of 32.1% in recent years, making it one of the top five fastest growing tourist destinations worldwide. If you’re planning on taking a trip to Vietnam, here are four amazing things you can do during the trip:
1. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels
Sea, sand dunes and a mountain
This is a bonus post about my travelings on the coast of Vietnam. In the mean time the blog posts of Magy and Tim are for Micronesia and their life with sharks there.
Pohnpei Island, Micronesia
20.10.2017
After sailing for twelve days in amethyst colored waters and crossing 1200 nautical miles (around 2200 km) we see the silhouette of an unreal island. The water glitters in the morning sun. A chain of sharpened green mountains, covered in equatorial flora, floats before our eyes like a mirage. We have finally reached our first destination – Kosrae Island, Federated States of Micronesia – a small piece of land long 15-20 km, situated in the middle of nowhere. Continue reading
SHIP DIARY
… A retrospection of the previous post (08.10) as seen by Mr. Shushtari
Day 0 – 08.10.2017 (Sunday)
Today is time to leave the amazing Vanuatu. All living in the mission are dressed formally and the girls have beautiful flowers in their hair. It is Sunday, time to go to church, so no one is working, people visit each other and walk around the town. We on the other side are quite busy with laundering, packing and helping Father Berry to dismount his chainsaw.
11.09.2017
It is time now to leave Melip on Malekula Island. For the last two days Tom, Alejo and Mr. Shushtari scrape the bottom of Alabama, diving underneath it, and now the yacht is ready to glide smoothly to the far South Korea.
We gather the crew, which is scattered around the island and bid a farewell party with baked corn in order to say a proper good-bye to our local new friends. Continue reading
30.08.2017
In the morning the yacht “Alabama” is anchored in the bay of the central town called Litzlitz at the north side of Malekula. Malekula is one of the several big islands of the country Vanuatu and is popular with its myriad tribes, cultures and languages. Cannibalism and inter-tribal wars have been really vicious in the past of the island. The sub-culture of this land is still preserved and there are almost no tourists. Continue reading
Magic Kervan 