bakedbean

I have to admit I am clueless what to do with it but Google says you use it like nutmeg in savoury dishes. I may give one or both of them away.

The book is just great by the way. I read the preface over lunch. He's a very good writer and a funny guy. Can tell a good yarn. You can also buy it on Amazon I believe.....but I have a nice signed copy

Davita

Live and learn...I auto-assumed mace was what the police used to disperse crowds but it can also be a form of nutmeg (called pala in Ambon) and is a spice.
Mind you I also thought all vacuum cleaners were called 'Hoovers'.

bakedbean

I just found the "official" poster for the event at Straits Quay, so I'll post it here. Everyone in Penang, please go and visit these guys and say Hello and look around the boat.

I can recommend the book also

TousTnT

I paid a visit yesterday, Saturday, & the three crew members were very welcoming. The security guards at SQ seem a little confused & asked for tickets but I think the misunderstanding has been sorted out. There are some great stocking fillers to buy for a good cause. I have loaded a few photos on a google photos page as well as the attached [IMG][/IMG]

bakedbean

Nice photos. Looks like you got the full tour. I noticed yesterday that there were more things on offer to buy...some greetings cards and other stuff.

Yes they are lovely people. Talking with the skipper's partner Meggi, I get the feeling that they are pretty overworked just the three of them. Could do with some more volunteers. Anyone one fancy a year on the boat, no pay, see lots of nice places?

NeonHippy

Sounds idyllic for a single person with no ties. Be sure to send regular postcards.

InVinoVeritas

I would refer the honorable member to the reply she gave some moments ago (post #20 actually )

It does sound perfect though.....

bakedbean

Haha I like my home comforts these days. It's an age thing.

I note that the skipper has just uploaded a 18 minute video all about what they do, where they visit, some nice pics and videos from along the route. I can only put in a Facebook link. Hope this works:
https://www.facebook.com/12506843422...85792/?fref=nf

I know they have a website which looks a bit out of date. I enquired with Meggi about that and she says that's one of her functions but she hasn't had time to update it lately.

Yes it looks idyllic but I think it's one helluva lot of work.... and then all the boat maintenance and problems.

Davita

Not to mention the Indonesian visa thing. Indonesia has very strict visa control over anything where they may imply one is working. I know that the job on board is voluntary but RI Immigration will give every reason to suggest otherwise...it's called xenophobia!!!

bakedbean

I suspect a lot of the islands they stop off at don't have Immigration On the video, the Banda islands looked pretty remote. Some islands have no electricity, no phones, and no other communication with the outside world.

chase2013

I have read about this Historic vessel Vega when I was reading the blogs of Indonesia about visiting Komodo islands.They are doing a fantastic job and gives the credit to their sponsors.Now I am in Singapore and I will make it a point to visit them this week and help them in their day to day activities.

chase2013

Sorry I mistook their docking for Singapore.May be I will wait.But my daughters are visiting Penang this weekend.I will ask them to drop in the Boat and meet them

Davita

Please...no offense.... but a word of warning. Indonesia does have Coast Guard and Navy.Anyone entering the Republic of Indonesia (RI) without proper documentation, especially if it appears to RI Immigration that work is involved (they don't respect voluntarism much), can face a serious felony crime.Witness the two British journalists who recently entered on a Visa on Arrival (VOA) but actually photo-documented a piracy act in the Straits of Malacca for National Geographic. They were jailed for nearly 6 months before their trial; eventually found guilty and time served, fined an amount of money and deported with a red stamp in their passport.In bahasa Indonesia 'hati hati'.

bakedbean

Yeh, noted Davita. Seriously, these guys base themselves Jakarta, Singapore, Penang so I guess they do the Immigration formalities at these points. They've been doing this for more than 10 years now...since the Tsunami...so I guess they are well known to Immigration.

Davita

I'm sure you're right and the crew and boat are properly documented. My warning was more for anyone considering joining for the voyage...they need to ensure their documents are correct. The visa should clearly state their reason to enter RI. Indonesian Immigration/Customs have a habit of looking for ways to screw what they consider rich foreigners.