THURSDAY, FEB 18TH--KOMODO ISLAND, INDONESIA

This morning we passed close by some very beautiful Indonesian islands on our approach to the island of Komodo. I am uploading the photos of last night and today in Komodo as I write this so hope you will enjoy them. I started with a five picture sequence of last night’s sunset taken from the Observation Lounge. The lounge erupted in cheers just as the sun disappeared because we saw the “green flash” of light that occurs for a milli-second when the sun sets at sea. We had a wonderful evening with cocktails and dinner with Sandy & Wink Martindale and their good friends from LA, Donna & Vic. We talked and talked and talked. We almost missed the show because of all our talking. I am not big on instrumentalist shows but Australian pianist, Jon Darsk, was quite the showman. Ok, back to our adventures today on Komodo. Komodo is a small island, 22 miles by 9 miles, and is home to the famous Komodo Dragons. As I believe I mentioned yesterday, they are the world’s largest lizards and are descendents of the dinosaurs. Our group of 25 was guided for an hour’s walk on a trail through the Komodo National Park. We had 3 Indonesian guides equipped with long forked poles to ward off a dragon if it decided to attack us. We found 4 dragons lying in a clearing. There were also 3 more Indonesians by them for added protection. They hardly moved though and seemed to enjoy staring at us also. Our guide said they eat deer, wild hogs, and water buffalo. They cannot see very well but have a keen sense of smell and hearing and can chase their prey at a speed of up to 18 mph. They are also excellent swimmers. Deadly weapons include their tail, used to knock down their prey; serrated teeth, filled with deadly bacteria that can create a serious flesh-rotting infection within days; and razor-sharp claws, which they use to slash through their victim’s belly. They only eat about once a month but can eat 125 pounds of meat at a time. Remember they weigh 250 pounds. The new born dragons will live up in the trees for 3 or 4 years until they are big enough to fend for their own on land. We are now sailing away and once again enjoying some incredible vistas. Finally, after more than a month, I am seeing some magnificent island postcard-like scenery. I’m going to like Indonesia! I was just out on our balcony talking to our neighbors, Caroline and Don who were sipping on some martini’s, and we began passing schools of dolphins. It is a lovely evening out on balcony-83F. Tomorrow we will be in Lombok, Indonesia. Oh, yes, Rebecca bought 2-22inch strands and 2-18inch strands of black pearl necklaces today on Komodo. Total price was $45 for all four.