For Liam, Katie and Bryn.

Coordinates for Liam and Katie;
Date 12th February
Time; 09.45

Course: 135 degrees
Lat: 12 degrees 18.3 S
Long: 003 degrees45.4 E
Speed; 20.9 knots

Liam and Katie and Bryn: I have to tell you that we are on the fastest passenger ship in the world! Yesterday we were moving at 30 knots at one point....because we are a little bit behind our schedule. I have never moved so fast on a big ship...it is rather like being on a very big motor boat. Today I saw beautiful flying fish, they flew up out of the water and then very quickly away from the ship for about 50 yards. Sometimes there were 30 or 40 all flying at the same time and shining bright silver in the sunlight. It was a wonderful sight.

The other chldren on this voyage are all working hard to keep up with their school work....mostly it is home schooling taught by their Mums and Dads. The oldest of the boys is 14 and the oldest of the girls is 17. There are also boys and girls of about your own ages. They are very popular with the students who sometimes look after them for a few hours. Christopher, the little boy next door to our cabin is the son of my theatre professor and he comes to class with us quite often and sits very quietly until he gets bored...then he just says "Good bye Daddy" and leaves. He and his mum spend alot of time in the swimming pool now that we are having hot, sunny weather. You would both enjoy this pool, it's right at the back (stern) of our ship on the 7th deck.

Did you know that the front of the ship is called 'the bows' or 'foreward' and the back is called 'the stern'. The right side is called starboard and the left is called the port side. Grandad and I are on the port side as we sail South, so we watch the sun rise in the East and we have to go to a deck on the starboard side to watch the sun set in the West.

Liam and Katie you will be able to check all this out when you go on your Disney cruise in only 15 more sleeps....wow! Not long now. Your Mum is so excited I think you will have to keep her calm!

Grandad and I have what's called an "extended family". We are 'parents' just for this trip to 6 students. Their names are Danielle, Joe, Stephanie, Lindsey, Tammy and Murphy. We are there if they need anything or just want to talk and we have meals with them sometimes. they are all university students and are very nice.

You will see on your map that we are getting nearer and nearer to the coast of Southern Africa. We arrive in Walvis Bay, Namibia on Valentines Day! I wonder if Grandad weill remember to send me a card?!!

Grandad has to use this computer now to teach his class so i will say goodbye and have a wonderful day. Liam you have a birthday coming up soon and so does Mummy. perhaps you will both celebrate on board your ship? What are your plans?

Lots of love to you all three from Grandma xxx