July 30th to August 5th, 2026 We've gone from saying "Hello" in Chinese (Nǐ hǎo) to saying "Hello" in Japanese (Konnichiwa) back to saying it in Chinese again (Nǐ hǎo), all in one week. To be fair, most people in Hong Kong speak English (Hello). Hiroshima, Japan Thursday, July 30th, 2026 - Today we took the free hotel shuttle to Hiroshima Station and purchased passes for the Hiroshima Sightseeing ...
In nautical history, "shanghaied" meant being forcibly recruited or kidnapped to serve as a sailor on a ship, often through trickery, intoxication, threats, or violence. Shanghai, China, was a common destination for some of these voyages, which is how the term originated. But we're okay. We're just touring in Shanghai, China as I write this. But first... Travel Log for July 23r...
A quick flight brought me from Koh Samui to Phuket. I spent the night in a no-frills hotel that was surprisingly clean, modern, and affordable. It wasn't luxurious, but for a short stopover, it suited me just fine. Travel Log for July 14th to July 22nd, 2026 Hong Kong Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 - The next day, it was back to Phuket Airport for my flight to Hong Kong. The journey was s...
Yep—I'm in Siam! Well, what we now know as Thailand. For centuries, this fascinating country was called Siam before officially changing its name to Thailand in 1939. After World War II, it briefly reverted to Siam in 1945, only to adopt the name Thailand permanently in 1949. Whatever you call it, it's a land rich in history, culture, and unforgettable experiences. But before I dive into my adventu...
For the second time, we arrived in Singapore on June 17th. Ongoing global geopolitical tensions have made marine fuel both scarce and costly. To support our continued journey, Villa Vie secured millions of dollars' worth of marine-grade fuel in advance, ensuring both stable pricing and reliable supply. Singapore serves as one of the key locations where this fuel is available, which is the main rea...
