23rd March. Singapore.

It ain’t half hot here! Yesterday morning at approximately 02.51 hrs, we crossed the Equator back into the northern hemisphere. I stayed awake with hope of capturing the ship’s position broadcast on channel 45, of 0 degrees. This didn’t quite work out, but I did get the first reading in the northern hemisphere. For some reason, I had difficulty getting off to sleep after that. Later that day, we would approach Singapore via one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and see a continuous procession of all kinds of vessels. We docked eventually somewhere around 18.45 hrs. I chose not to disembark guessing disembarkation may involve much queuing and much waiting around. I was not wrong! Today, our Singapore Scenic Tour was an efficient way of seeing much in little time. We ascended the Sands Skypark to the observation deck which afforded splendid panoramic views including the much photographed QM2. Below, are scenes from high up, taken this morning. There was ample time to take all the pictures I wanted to. We continued to the river for a cruise around the city, and then to China Town where I bought postcards, a hat and replacement reading glasses. It was now becoming very hot, a foretaste of days to come in the Far East. I shall write again soon. Many thanks for reading, David.