So I'm hopping a freighter to China...

[Rain Man]

Well, actually Vietnam. But I'll make a stop in China.

It just seemed like the thing to do. I'm in Oakland now waiting as they load cargo. I'm the only passenger on a 1,000 foot ship for the next 19 days.

Here's my ship: http://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/...:CMA_CGM_RHONE. I got whisked aboard before I could take an exterior photo.

Since I'm the only passenger, I get the owner's cabin on the top deck. Here are a few pictures of my cabin area. I also have the use of a lounge on another floor, and I can share the crew's gym.

So if anybody needs me, I won't be around for the next few weeks as I sail my private 1,000 foot yacht across the Pacific.

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by JoeyChuckles

Did you remember to file your taxes before you left?!?!?

Oh, hell.

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by GloucesterChief

Did you prefer the Romanian or Sri Lankan food?

The Romanian food was good, though the Romanians said it wasn't really authentic. For Easter they made an authentic dinner, and every dish was really fatty meat. I preferred the Sri Lankan Cook's interpretation of Romanian.

Sri Lankan food is like eating flaming gasoline, but it's good if you can get the most non-lethal dishes. And we would often get Sri Lankan bread, which was great.

[Rain Man]

Here's the view of San Francisco as the ship crossed under the Bay Bridge, headed toward the Pacific Ocean.

[Amnorix]

Originally Posted by Pasta Giant Meatball

I could see Rainman masterminding a war between the Romanians and Sri Lankins

He should have brought, and taught them, the game Diplomacy!

[Rain Man]

Okay, so I've been wandering around in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Japan for the past couple of weeks. Phase 3 begins tomorrow, catching a cruise ship back to Canada via Japan and Russia. I'll post a full report later.

In case you're curious, this is what a gas station looks like in rural Cambodia. Not the truck, the bottles. You buy your gasoline in a used water or liquor bottle. No smoking.

[Rain Man]

And as for entering Vietnam, let's just say that you're not truly on vacation until you find yourself sitting in a smoke-filled room on a ship off the coast, listening to Vietnamese officials extort cigarettes from Romanians to allow the Romanians to go ashore and visit a brothel.

[scho63]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

And as for entering Vietnam, let's just say that you're not truly on vacation until you find yourself sitting in a smoke-filled room on a ship off the coast, listening to Vietnamese officials extort cigarettes from Romanians to allow the Romanians to go ashore and visit a brothel.

Have fun and make sure you check under their skirt first before accepting any BJ's unless little fancy boys are your thing.

Have some Pho for sure!

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

And as for entering Vietnam, let's just say that you're not truly on vacation until you find yourself sitting in a smoke-filled room on a ship off the coast, listening to Vietnamese officials extort cigarettes from Romanians to allow the Romanians to go ashore and visit a brothel.

It wasn't Vietnam, it was Rio- err, nevermind

[raybec 4]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Here's the view of San Francisco as the ship crossed under the Bay Bridge, headed toward the Pacific Ocean.

When the lights go down in the city
The sun shines on the bay

[Ebolapox]

Originally Posted by scho63

Have fun and make sure you check under their skirt first before accepting any BJ's unless little fancy boys are your thing.

Have some Pho for sho!

FYP

[Randallflagg]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

And as for entering Vietnam, let's just say that you're not truly on vacation until you find yourself sitting in a smoke-filled room on a ship off the coast, listening to Vietnamese officials extort cigarettes from Romanians to allow the Romanians to go ashore and visit a brothel.

Looks as though not much has changed from '69

[Randallflagg]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Here's the view of San Francisco as the ship crossed under the Bay Bridge, headed toward the Pacific Ocean.

You know, I've been following your journey - Great Job! But this whole thing keeps me humming that Crosby, Stills, Nash song "Southern Cross"


So there's that.

[Rain Man]

Okay, starting back now. On a cruise ship this time. Someone had ice cream, so I'm on a mission.

[Hydrae]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Okay, starting back now. On a cruise ship this time. Someone had ice cream, so I'm on a mission.

What, they did not serve ice cream on the freighter? I am shocked!

[Mr. Plow]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Okay, starting back now. On a cruise ship this time. Someone had ice cream, so I'm on a mission.

Did your wife meet up with you?