I’m a bit under the weather as we sail toward China. Don’t know if it is a touch of food poisoning or just a bug, but I’m grateful to Nancy for lending me her big bottle of Pepto Bismol (and the shipboard clinic for its supply of crackers). We’ve been offered such wonderful food everywhere that it is entirely possible I’ve just eaten too much for someone who doesn’t usually eat much at all.

Received a lovely Valentine email message from Kenneth, Daisy and Coco. As much as I’ve complained about the slowness of the ship’s email and Internet connections, it is also true that it beats ship packet mail hands down.

When previously crossing the Pacific to Hawaii and then Japan, we saw no ships until just before arriving at the ports. Crossing the China Sea to Shanghai, we encounter far more ships and it reminds us that Korea, Japan and China are very close neighbors. As always, there are more forms to fill out for the ports coming up and there are long lines in front of the purser’s office to get it all done. Seas are so far calm.

Back in urban Japan, the camellias are in bloom in mid February, along with apricots, almonds and plums. Daffodils are already up and I’ve even seen one peony in full bloom set in front of an enclosed garden gate. Everywhere there are tiny moss gardens in strips along streets with decorative plants in pots. Within two blocks of the Kyoto Central Station there is a minuscule neighborhood garden of winter greens and violas.