Story Veta (Book 2) (complete)
- Thread starter Kathy in FL
- Start date
Chapter 297: Nov 19 – Fukuoka, Japan
Today was disturbingly normal. Wow, that sounds like I want the drama llama from hell to keep visiting us. No. Definitely not. And even that sounds like something I would say when I was a kid. Good heavens, I can’t seem to win for losing. Oh Lord, and there’s more just falling out of my mouth without thinking. My life is so much better than what other people have and yet here I am still complaining. And about things being normal. I need to soak my head.
Today was not just disturbingly normal. It was lovely. And I met lovely people, had a lovely time, and even the staff and personnel I was leading behaved in a manner befitting their positions, were a positive force for the Peace Mission, set a good example …. And they allowed me to handle our tail of paparazzi.
We arrived in Fukuoaka, Japan at 8 am this morning despite out later than normal sailaway. We departed at 5 pm which was normal. And tomorrow is a sea day so I will again be working in Mr. Baird’s office. When Barney heard that she was near tears, something I’d never seen and thought to never see. Apparently one of the reasons that Henry was as he was is that he’d been pushed out and was “only” a valet once again. Who did the pushing? Guess. And understand by the time Barney was through with them they were considering taking a lifeboat and making a break for it.
Some little bit of fluff that was trying to catch Mr. Baird’s eye. He of course was oblivious. He really is in love with Sophia, he just isn’t a very nice person when his family isn’t around to remind him of his own humanity. Barney asked me why I hadn’t run her off.
“One, Mr. Baird is a grown man. Two, I wouldn’t have the authority to do such a thing without making a complete hash of it. Three, Henry never mentioned a problem. Four? I don’t know. I’m sure there is a four … and a five, six, and seven … but I can’t think of them right now. Either way you took care of it. Now tell me what I can do to fix the mess Bertha Butt[1] created.”
“Ye’ve seen her I take it.”
“Who?”
“The woman.”
“Er, no. It is just something my brother-in-law Tal is fond of saying about female tenants that cause problems for him. Oh wait. You don’t mean …” My face felt on fire.
Barney started cackling which I must say is incredibly frightening. “Aye, that’s her. Rumor has it she’s had more fillers than a concrete truck at a construction site. Just be here tomorrow and hopefully I’ll have a better idea.”
That was all before breakfast mind you. After breakfast I gathered the group that was going with me. Most personnel are rotating through a refresher on culture and security for China which is where we will be for about a week starting the 21st. My group will get their refresher tonight after sailaway.
Our guide was waiting on us and the excursion began almost immediately with with a history lesson called One Hundred Decades of History. In other words, a thousand years. We stopped at Korokanatotenjikan, a site actually older than a thousand years (1,300 years). The place used to be the reception hall to welcome ambassadors from foreign countries. The excavated trade goods show the history of the international port city. Then it was on to Ohori Park, a park that uses the moat of a castle from 400 years ago. You can guess how big the castle was from the size of the park. Nearly without break we were then onto Ohorikoen Japanese Garden where we took a break at a famous café. It was a fairly quick stop as they’d been expecting us and we also got to enjoy the park for a few minutes as well.
Then it was on to the Fukuoka Castle Ruins Visitor Center that gave us an overview, including using a reconstruction model. I have to admit I did not understand how influential and powerful the local government was. We spent an hour between the visitor center and the castle remains themselves.
Our next stop was at Hakatamachiya Furusatokan. Hakata-ori, the traditional handcraft of Hakata has its origin in China; however, after it was imported from China 800 years ago, it became uniquely Japanese way. There were a few more stops after that, but not many and then we were taken back to the ship.
I came aboard, wrote my reports, sent them to security rather than risk any familiarity with Polina, made sure Barney knew I’d be there even if she was in meetings with Mr. Baird so to leave many the most immediately important translations where I could get at them. And then it was back to the cabin to do some laundry while the dinner rush hit the Mess Hall and got a note from Vit he was going to miss sailaway due to an engineering issue but to please make sure that I ate. I honestly wasn’t hungry but after the load was finished I’m glad I did go to the Mess Hall. They had sesame chicken and sticky rice as one of the entrees and suddenly I was hungry.
I returned to the room after I’d eaten to find Vit crashed on the bed. I was as quiet as I could be as I put away our clothes but I caught him watching me with one eye open.
“You ate?”
“I told you I would.”
“Is good. I must sleep.”
“Then sleep.”
Vit is exhausted. Having schedules that don’t sync is difficult. Perhaps I will make an early night of it as well and then get a very early start on my day tomorrow.
[1] youtube]5yE3IBRx2-Y (NSFW)
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Chapter 298: Nov 20 - @ sea
Mr. Baird called me into his office and said he’s giving all his staff an extra dose of precaution and delivers some very well-thought precautions for all their ports of call in China. I am recording them here and will discuss them with Vit to see if he has anything to add.
Anti-US sentiment: Tourists should take caution when visiting bar districts in Beijing late at night or on weekends. According to the Department of State, nationalism and anti-Western sentiment may be the cause of mob attacks. Avoid simple arguments and request police assistance when necessary. Failure to do so could result in jail time. Bar fights are punishable by administrative detention in a local jail for up to two weeks, usually followed by deportation.
Taxis - Carry small bills when riding in a taxi. Taxi drivers may use counterfeit money to change large bills. This practice occurs frequently in Beijing and Guangzhou. Always carry a map and be aware of your surroundings. Ask taxi drivers to estimate the fare in advance and use a meter when possible. Be aware of the route the taxi driver takes and check for familiar landmarks and streets to avoid a dangerous situation. Never allow a taxi driver to pick up strangers along the way or make a quick stop before heading to your destination.
Con artists are widespread. Well-dressed young women flock along Shanghai’s East Nanjing Rd, the Bund and Beijing’s Wangfujing Dajie, asking single men to photograph them on their mobile phones before dragging them to expensive cafes or Chinese teahouses, leaving them to foot monstrous bills. ‘Poor’ art students haunt similar neighborhoods, press-ganging foreigners into art exhibitions where they are coerced into buying trashy art.
Always be alert when buying unpriced goods (which is a lot of the time): foreigners are frequently ripped off. Always examine your restaurant bill carefully for hidden extras and if paying by credit card ensure there are no extra charges.
Traffic accidents are the major cause of death in China for people aged between 15 and 45, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there are over 600 traffic deaths per day. On long-distance buses, you may find there are no seatbelts, or that the seatbelts are virtually unusable through neglect or are inextricably stuffed beneath the seat. Outside of the big cities, taxis are unlikely to have rear seatbelts fitted.
Your greatest danger in China will almost certainly be crossing the road, so develop 360-degree vision and a sixth sense. Electric cars and 'hoverboards' can approach quite silently. Crossing only when it is safe to do so could keep you perched at the side of the road in perpetuity, but don’t imitate the local tendency to cross without looking. Note that cars frequently turn on red lights in China, so the green ‘walk now’ figure does not always mean it is safe to cross.
Travelers are more often the victims of petty economic crime, such as theft, than serious crime. Foreigners are natural targets for pickpockets and thieves – keep your wits about you and make it difficult for thieves to get at your belongings.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Another taste, thank you.
larry_minn
Contributing Member
Wife was in China @17 years back for a few weeks. Women were treated poorly. Her room was searched every day. At airport they took her passport. “You will get it back at your airport”. She stood there till the guy took it cack out of his desk. She wonders if it was a trick desk. He changed his story 100% as if he got a signal.
Chapter 299: Nov 21 – Dalian, China
I am encrypting all of my entries that have to do with ports in China. Better safe than sorry as they say.
Vit added some to Mr. Baird’s list and my group today got more use out of Vit’s suggestions that the others. Not that Mr. Baird isn’t correct, Vit’s was simply more … er … useful in general.
Some of Vit’s additions are:
- Do not drink the water in China (nor the ice). Only drink bottled water that is sealed and provided by the Mission staff.
- Tipping in China is not part of the culture; however, tip your guide & bus driver and you’ll receive better treatment.
- Only use official metered taxis, the black taxis have a habit of taking tourists where they don’t want to go and/or scamming them
- There is only one time zone in all of China, and it’s Beijing time. Even though China is larger than the US, which has four time zones, there are no different time zones within China.
- Especially in Beijing and Shanghai, the air pollution can be so bad that advisories are issued for children and elderly to stay indoors. Air pollution in China is a serious issue, and you should bring a mask along for those days. Spend the money on a good face mask and it will be worth it, especially if you have asthma or any kind of breathing problems. The U.S. embassy website has a section that tells you each day if it’s safe to go outside.
- When buying things you need cash/Yuan in smaller denominations for the same reason you don’t pay for your taxi with large denominations.
- China is a Chinese-language-only country. Very little to no English is spoken here.
- There are some topics that are taboo in China. Don’t talk about Tiananmen Square, Tibet, Taiwan, Internet Censorship, or human rights.
- Toilets in China are just holes in the ground, and little kids just poop and pee wherever they want. You’ll get used to squatting when using the restroom in China, and toilet paper does not come in the stalls. Sometimes it’s on the wall outside the stall, but it’s always a good idea to carry your own toilet paper in China. Also, the toilets in China can be a step up or a step down, so watch your step when entering a stall.
I knew without even being told that the “immediately destroyed” only meant the original film. I’m sure Dylan’s company will get a copy and I’m equally as sure Polina will have a copy to pass off to those she “owes.” I haven’t made up my mind how I feel about being used in this way. I supposed, in a sense, it is the cost for Vit to feel like I am being kept safe. The same way Polina views the cost worth it for having gotten Yegor’s treatment.
The excursion was organized and controlled by Chinese officials on behalf of the Chinese government. They chose the venues, provided security, provided guides, and dictated the timetable. No personal cell phones were allowed off the ship per government demands. Digital cameras were provided and photos were downloaded to flash drives at the end of the day. The photo flash drives were confiscated by security upon returning to the ship. They would be returned once any potential malware, etc. were discovered and removed.
The excursion went something like this, but I must admit it felt very staged and fake the entire time.
First we visited Asia’s largest city square, Xinghai Square, where the Exhibition Center is located along with other symbolic buildings of the city. Then, we continued to visit “romantic” Binhai Road where saw the shoreline. This road has ocean on one side and mountain on the other. Our guide chuckled and said, “A perfect place to make romantic propositions. It is nicknamed ‘Lover’s Road.’" Of course his joke fell flat because no one understood him. The audio-translators they had handed out didn’t work. Next we walked on Beida Bridge from one end to the other. Beida Bridge is a part of the seaside road, and rumor has it that when a couple walk on this bridge hand in hand, they will be together forever. From there, we could see the symbol of Dalian, Tiger Sculpture Square, nearby.
The came Fisherman's Wharf to explore this seaside community that was built in the style of early 20th century American east coast village with a row of pleasant coffee and wine shops. It looked like a movie stage. It also featured a perfect replica of the 1853 German Bremen Port Lighthouse built with bricks from razed local villages. That part thrilled me not at all. I wonder how many families were mis-placed for their vanity?
We took a lunch break about that time. Lunch was not included but I came prepared. I went to the Chinese diplomat secretary yesterday and asked politely for a recommendation for my group. He was surprised but after getting permission from the lead diplomat he gave me a few and even offered to make the connection for me. I thanked him profusely for his assistance – you need to understand protocol to understand why – and we wound up with a really nice lunch of Chinese dumplings that we all shared family style. I made sure to thank the restaurant staff appropriately and also to let them know that the recommendation had come from “high up” and they’d certainly proven themselves. I suppose it sounds like I was over doing it but again, you need to understand culture and protocol in this area of the world. I’d learned a lot when I was here with the Marchands and the experience certainly helped me to be more self-assured this time around.
After lunch we headed to a surprisingly Japanese Style Street which is is 0.6 miles (1,000 meters) long where there are restaurants, cafes, bookstores, sculptures, florists, villas, and many nice and beautiful fountains all constructed in Japanese Style. The street is a nice place to walk and discover Japanese culture through its architectures. I noticed however that the occupant of the area weren’t Japanese but were Chinese.
To top that experience we then visited Russian Style Street which is full of European style architectures. We saw Russian restaurants, nightclubs, pubs, arts and crafts as well as souvenir shops...etc. There were even noteworthy wax statues of administrative officials from the 1920s and 1930s. The people living and working in this location scuttled away, trying not to get noticed as our group was paraded into the area. They weren’t Euro-Russian but looked Mongolian.
Later we went to Dalian East Harbor Area built on the foundation of old Port of Dalian. It is now more like a convention area and meeting halls with the associated shopping, leisure activities, an art district, and numerous coffee houses. We were dumped off near the ship but had to walk through a “Disney-esque” type port market and then through a hellaciously tedious security screening process before we could get back aboard.
I had been more intent on getting my people aboard without any issues so didn’t spend my per diem. I found Vit did not leave the ship either. In fact, most people, if they had no specific reason to be off-ship left. It was just too onerous.
I found the blasted body cam onerous as well but I’ll be wearing it for sure the next two days. Polina helped me remove and it and I believe she would have spoken to me about something if we hadn’t been interrupted by Yegor of all people so that adds to the sum of my suspicions but doesn’t give me a total yet.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you. 
Chapter 300: Nov 22 – Beijing, China (1)
I wore the secret body cam again today and whatever is in the tape is as bad as gorilla glue … no comments from the peanut gallery please … and took the top layer of my skin off this time. I don’t know if it is a relief that it was not in obvious places or not. I have cream on the spots – Vit had to help with a couple of them – but they still sting. All the other strictures also remained in place.
I swear, China is the most challenging country I have ever visited. It took me loads of drama to enter Beijing, stay in Beijing and to exit Beijing. Not only the immigration regulations were strict, but the language barrier was also a massive issue. Chinese public security was extremely tight, multiple surveillance cameras were installed in every block of the city. The city is guarded by military everywhere. And there are signs that there are cameras even in public restrooms though supposedly not in the stalls themselves … like I believe that
Our excursions were once again organized by some high ranking officials but this time they mimicked some that tourists used to participate in. I was surprised at some of the locations we were taken on but then again, I also gave everyone another lecture on being very careful of their reaction to anything presented and just as careful if not more so with the questions they asked, as well as the words and tone used.
Our first excursion which took up the entire morning was to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. A specially appointed guide and driver took us to Tiananmen Square as soon as we made it through security. At 100 acres, it is the world’s largest public square and was originally considered the “front door” of the Forbidden City. Its massive space can accommodate a million people, no exaggeration. Surrounding its great expanse, you will see the granite Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People and Mao Zedong’s mausoleum. We continued into the Forbidden City after another security checkpoint. This is supposedly the world’s largest palace complex, home to 980 buildings with 9,999 rooms, all of it protected by a 20-foot moat and a 32-foot wall. Now known as the Palace Museum, the Forbidden City served as the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Our guide took us on a rather in-depth tour where we explored the imperial treasures in the grand palaces and pavilions, the courtyards and gardens, as well as other locations in this former residence of China’s rulers. Thank goodness that the translators they provided were working. To maintain situational awareness I only wore one of the earbuds provided. Thankfully I could hang it on my ear and no one asked any questions.
Lunch was bian dang … a common Chinese workers’ lunch. It translate to mean “convenience”. In other words, it is their version of a bag … in this case box … lunch. There were portions of rice, fried meat, dumplings, and vegetables with convenience packets of duck sauce, soy sauce, and hot mustard sauce. There was a small wooden spork in there as well but I pulled out my own chopsticks and wolfed my lunch down proving I was an old hand at that type of food. I had a small child become fascinated. When the grandmother tried to shoo him away and scold him I told her I didn’t mind in perfect Mandarin. She was very surprised and I proceeded to have a simple conversation with the little boy allowing him to show he could say his numbers and color words. I told him he did his family proud and he should keep at it and grow up to be someone very useful so he could take care of his family. That went over well … culture and all that … and then we were taken back to the ship to clean up and change.
China is an incredibly dirty place. Every surface is covered in a thin layer of pollution. The very air feels grimy. You don’t realize how dirty you are until you start cleaning up. I was getting grossed out by the grime I washed off my hands. Then I wipes my face with a makeup remover towelette and I had to get in the shower, it was just disgusting. I wasn’t the only one and I took my refreshed group to meet our next guide. And I felt like we were being pushed along so quickly that we didn’t really have time to notice anything.
First, we headed to the Panda House of the Beijing Zoo to visit the pandas. Next we took a short drive to the Imperial Dock in the Purple Bamboo Park for a 40-minute cruise from Zizhuyuan Park to the South Gate of the Summer Palace on a boat that was a replica of the one used exclusively by the Qing Emperors and Empress Dowager Cixi. We passed many famous and historic buildings along the way. We also toured the main attractions of the Summer Palace, including the working and living quarters of the emperor; the Long Corridor, the longest covered walkway in the world with 14,000 exquisitely painted pictures; Longevity Hill, the best place to have a panoramic view of the Summer Palace; Marble Boat, the iconic building of the Summer Palace which used to represent the stability and eternity of the Qing Dynasty; and Suzhou Street, which was used by the emperor to enjoy shopping. We were expected to admire the many beautiful bridges of the Summer Palace including the famous Seventeen Arch Bridge, the longest imperial bridge in China, which features 544 carved stone lions in different postures. At that point we were led to a century-old restaurant located in Beihai Park where we enjoyed a dinner of Imperial.
This group had an evening activity and I was trying to put on a confident face. I didn’t want to be out at night with inexperienced security personnel. Well I didn’t have to be. We merged with another group from the ship and …Vit was there. Only he was wearing an N95 surgical mask. Then he sneezed … or should I say he fake sneezed. Oh, so we were playing that game. Lovely. What it did was allow Vit to be there without revealing his pronounced Russian accent. I later found out it was a suggestion from Polina.
The show? The Legend of Kung Fu. It has been a tourist favorite for decades and I’ll admit it was both interesting and fascinating as we watched the actors. The ancient of martial arts, Kung Fu dates back as far as 4,000 years. Its precise movements were perfected over generations as armies fought for their dynastic emperors. Today, the skill is associated with peaceful self-defense and fitness regimens. There was also an old, American television show based on a character that was a master of Kung Fu.
It is a performance art as we saw this evening during a lavish production of ballet, gravity-defying acrobatics, 50 costumed players and a sweeping orchestral score. The plot is a young monk named Chun Yi, or The Pure One, confronts a series of physical and mental challenges on the road to becoming a warrior monk. The story starts with a young boy being found wandering outside an ancient temple somewhere in ancient China. After being taken into the temple the young novice monk called Chun Yi has many temptations to overcome, but through hard work and over time he conquers all and finally reaches his sacred goal of enlightenment. The show consisted of six dance and acrobatic scenes performed by skilled and young kung fu practitioners, where the scenery, music and lights played an important role to captivate us, the audience. There was also an electronic screen displaying English subtitles. Some of their translations were a little odd, but everyone got the concept.
After four hours I was finished, crispy crittered, done and done in and I was very glad for the extra personnel. It took freaking forever to get through security, even that late at night. Vit allowed me to go to the shower first and I’m glad I have another uniform because the two I wore today are odiferous.
I do it again tomorrow but apparently there is a possible change up. I’ll find out in the morning. For now Vit is finally out of the shower and we are both wanting to go to sleep.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
The chapter ended! How dare it. lol
Chapter 301: Nov 23 – Beijing, China (2) (Sunday)
“Wake up sleepyhead. The bus will leave in one hour.”
I rolled over and saw that it was 4 am. “Vit, did that mask cause you to have oxygen deprevation?”
“Mmm, no. I have a surprise.”
I sat up. “Vit …”
He flipped on the light nearly blinding me. “Ah!” He just chuckled … then handed me a cup of tea.
“What are you up to husband?”
He snickered. Honestly snickered. I don’t think I had ever heard such a sound out of him. Before I could form a suspicious sentence he snuggled up to me and said, “I had plans but now cannot wait to tell you. Get dressed quickly so you may eat. We are going to the velika kitayskaya steena.”
“What?”
“I said …”
“I know what you said. You said we are going to the Great Wall of China. Are … are you serious?!”
“Very. And you will need a warm coat. I am told that today is breezy and I do not wish to lose you as you fly away. You already look to levituvati.”
“I am not levitating. Are we really going to see the Great Wall?” I nearly begged.
“Yes,” he answered before kissing me. “Now hurry.”
I was not levitating but I gave a pretty good try at flying. Oh. My. Gosh!
He told me a little apologetically, “We must go with some diplomats and act as their security.”
I turned so fast my braid I had just finished nearly brained him. “I. Don’t. Care. We are going to see … wait, you said you are coming with me?”
“Yes.”
“Yeehaw! We’re going to see the Great Wall of China!”
Vit just chuckled at my antics. I’d seen it on the itinerary last month but the lead security had already been assigned so I tried to put it out of my mind. I did have to agree to the hidden camera but I am more secure in doing that and there are only three more Chinese ports after today so hopefully nothing disastrous happens. Ugh. Knock on wood.
Even starting as early as we were we would be cutting it close to get back to the ship so that sailaway could occur at 6 pm but since we were with a bunch of diplomats, I refused to worry about it. I was thrilled beyond words to have Vit by my side today. First, it allays the fears I’ve been having since overhearing things in Busan and second … the Great Wall. The bus took off from the pier 5 am to avoid traffic as much as possible and our Chinese guide when right into his spiel.
We began with a drive to the Badaling Hills, the highest point of the Guangou Gorge, the location of the section of Great Wall we were visiting. The Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the best-preserved and best-known Great Wall sections. Located 40 miles to the north of Beijing city proper, the Great Wall at Mutianyu has breath-taking scenery but fewer tourists. During our visit, we will learned the fascinating history and legend behind this engineering marvel. It once stretched for more than 6,200 miles. Today only about 600 miles of the Wall remains. And the section we visited today is of 3.4 miles in length.
It was first built in Northern Qi Dynasty (550-557). In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Tan Lun and Qi Jiguang, two famous patriotic generals, rebuilt it in order to strengthen its defensive potential when they guarded the strategic pass. It served as the northern protective screen, guarding the capital and imperial mausoleums for generations. It is mainly made of slabs of granite. It measures 23 feet to 26 feet in height, and 4 yards to 5 yards in width.
Both sides of the Great Wall have parapets to defend against enemies. Some parapets are saw- tooth shaped instead of the regular rectangular form. Below the parapets, there are square embrasures, the top of which are designed in an arc structure, different from the traditional round embrasures.
We ascended Ming Dynasty watchtowers and for our effort were granted incredible views of the Great Wall and its surroundings. Some of the watchtowers we saw today are rare in the architectural history of the Great Wall. Examples were the Zhengguan Terrace (No. 6 Watchtower) comprised of three hollow watchtowers, and Big Corner Tower (No. 1 Watchtower), named so because only one big corner can be seen from the paths in three sides.
There are 23 watchtowers distributed at close intervals along the wall. They are located not only in the main wall but also at the distinctive "branch city". Branch cities are built on the hill ridge against the inner or outer side of the wall. For example, No. 11 Watchtower can be found on the branch wall. Zhengguan Terrace (No. 6 Watchtower) is 44 yards long, 33 yards wide, and 66 feet high. The gate is not designed in the middle, but is on the eastern side. The two-storey terrace is comprised of three hollow watchtowers, a large one in the middle and two smaller ones on two sides. It has many rooms to store grain and station troops. Big Corner Tower (No. 1 Watchtower) is connected with Mutianyu in the west, with Gubeikou in the east, and with a branch city wall in the south. The tower looks like a corner from each angle, so it is called Big Corner Tower.
Security is still looking over our thumb drives to make sure there are no hidden bugs. The found some on a few of the diplomatic staff’s thumb drives but it is my understanding from Polina that they are still trying to unencrypt them so it can be determined if it just malware or if there is a hidden message which would men with have double agents. Of course, when I heard this from Polina she revealed that it bothered her greatly, more about what it says about her than what it potentially says about the staff. And yes, we are speaking again though somewhat tentatively.
From the Great Wall Vit and I agreed to accompany those wanting the adventure of taking the exhilarating toboggan ride down while other staff were more than happy to accompany those taking the cable car down. From there we strolled the Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs, situated in a valley that emperors chose as their burial place. We followed the long and beautifully manicured entrance to the tombs with its eighteen pairs of massive sculptures of elephants, lions, camels and mythical beasts. The grand marble gateway is known as the Great Red Gate. The three-arched gate is more than 400 years old and one of the largest stone archways in China.
It was difficult to accept the day ending but it was a real rush to get back to the ship and make it through security. And a relief to remember that tomorrow is a sea day. As soon as we got back on board Vit went to check on the various onboard duty stations that are his responsibility and I headed to security to get rid of the camera before I decided having a wardrobe malfunction would be a relief.
To make it look good I started my reports at a desk outside of Polina’s office. I had just finished when she stuck her head out like she was about to yell, saw me, and nodded me into her office.
I was no sooner in that she turned on the sound machine and started puking into a container that looked like something that you would find on an airliner.
I was going to yell for a medic but she grabbed my arm. “Neyt. Just …” She started heaving again.
When she was done I looked at her and using my best Momma voice said, “Polina Ivanov, no more putting me off. What is going on and how can I help?”
In Russian she said, “I think the damn thing failed.”
“You think what has failed?”
In Russian she explains her IUD. Remaining calm the way Derrick taught me I went into caregiver mode. “What makes you think that Sestra?” I asked, using the Russian word for sister.
She flopped back into her chair. “I am late and I’m puking. What else could it be?”
“Stress?” I asked her calmly.
She made a face. After pulling her stoicism around her she admitted, “Possibly.” After another moment she said, “Yegor and I had been talking … about trying to have another child before I became too old. Only as soon as we were back and had our checkups to get our med-cards renewed they found the cancer in him. Now, since the treatment, they say he can have no more children. Ever. I had a sadness I did not think I would and … he feels like a failure. He … er … cannot.”
“Cannot … oh. My brother Derrick … the one that is the doctor … says treatment for certain cancers and heart issues will sometimes make it difficult for men to … er … feel manly. They go through a physical and mental depression. But for most of them it gets better. If not, there are creative ways around …”
“Veta!”
“What?”
“You … you are too young to …”
I snorted. “My parents were foster parents and even if they didn’t … er … tell it like it is, I learned the facts of life early from some of the kids Momma and Poppa fostered. My parents expected me to be modest, not stupid. Now, have you taken a test?”
“I cannot.”
“Why?”
“Because I am being watched.”
“Polina, you have an IUD.”
“Nyet. I took it out.”
“You …” I wanted to go Angelia on her. “Have you spotted or anything?”
She made a face like I was being too personal and then just shook her head. “You must drive your family insane.”
“You have no idea,” I told her deadpan which only made her grin sadly. Then I asked, “What can we do to get these watchers off your back and out of your life?”
“They may never, as you say, get out of my life. Once they have reeled you in, the hook …” She stopped and shook her head. “That is not your problem.”
“What does Yegor say?”
“Nothing. He does not know.”
“He … he doesn’t know? Polina, you have to talk to him.”
“I will when I am … certain. For now, it is better that he does not. He already thinks to leave me because he is no longer a man.”
I snorted. “Sex and how good at it you are is not what makes a man or woman, and why is it that only women seem to know that truth? Whatever.”
“And if he thinks the child is not his? He can no longer reproduce.”
A little surprised at her worry I responded, “Well if you are pregnant he did a bang up job of it at some point. Unless he thinks there’s been another immaculate conception. They two of you are as faithful as the sun rising in the east. I mean the timing sure, but there’s tests for that if he wants to be a jerk. And for that matter, our Creator has a really outrageous sense of humor … if you don’t believe me think of the platypus and ostrich as a good example. He could have let your IUD fail since you and Yegor wouldn’t do anything but talk about it and He knew Yegor was going to get sick and then well again but sans a few things.”
Her mouth fell open. “Vit is going to be bald before his next decade.”
“Real women do not want men more vain about their hair than they are about their own.” Grumbling I said, “If I didn’t have to wear the blasted camera I’d stop at a pharmacy and get a home test. I’ll think of something.”
“Do … do not tell Vit.”
“And have his head catch on fire? No way. He is already extra special careful with me. Because you know, he will not leave me alone with a child, to live with the possibility of it being raised as he was.”
“He said such?”
“Has been saying such before we … er …”
“Hmm,” she said with a twinkle. Then she grew serious once again. “Things have not changed. I could be putting you in danger.”
I snorted. “If I can put up with pirates, crazy women, dingbat diplomats, the Mitkin situation, and all the rest, I can put up with this. But I also know how to keep my mouth shut. But you need to make sure and eat and rest properly. Even if you aren’t it will keep Yegor from worrying that he is too much for you.”
I was going to go back to our cabin when I spotted him crossing one of the other corridors. I caught up right as he was going into a stairwell. I grabbed his arm and just barely pinched.
“What is your problem?!”
“You. You are like my brother so I feel free to abuse you to my heart’s content. And since I’ve met your sister … consider yourself getting off lightly. You are not going to leave Polina. Her heart is breaking. God put the two of you together and you are not going to turn your back on that. I know being sick made things complicated for a bit but you are better now. She’s our strong and stoic Polina … so stay so she can keep being strong and stoic.”
“She … said something?”
“I finally wormed it out of her. Or some of it. She’s positive that you are thinking of leaving her, that she’s not enough or she’s being too much or whatever is going on. She needs you Yegor.”
“You do not understand.”
“I probably don’t understand all of it, most of it isn’t my business.” He blinked. “But you’ve heard me speak of my brother Derrick, and my brother in law Tal. They went through man-things after illnesses … Derrick with his heart and Tal had prostate issues. It messed with their heads on top of everything else. There are certain decisions you should not make until you’ve gone through the entire healing process and your brain and ego has time to rest from the stress. And please, don’t tell Polina I spoke with you. She’ll have my head. Whatever it is that the two of you make together she values above everything else.”
“You are a kikimora.”
“Fine. Whatever it takes. But I’m serious Brat Yegor.”
“Bah! Fine. I’d rather be miserable with her than without her. I just do not want her to be miserable.”
“The only way that happens is if she doesn’t have you. She’ll always wonder what she could have done differently. And this doesn’t get back to Vit or Pollina either. This is between us.”
I hope I haven’t stepped in it, but I love them both. I don’t know how or exactly when, but they are family. I may lose their one day but that won’t change my feelings.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you very much.
Chapter 302: Nov 24 - @ sea
What a day this has been. First thing after breakfast I was called in to Admin for review of some of the body cam footage. It was a special envoy of about five men and one woman from Dylan’s company … doing an end run around Dylan for some brownie points based on the info I gleaned that they didn’t know I would understand. When I relayed it to Dylan, let’s just say my brother was more than a little cheesed off and is now playing poop-scooper to make sure that the info that I was recording stuff hasn’t escape containment.
I won’t record the discussion. I will say that the offer that I was made for any “extra-duty” information that I might find out was … exorbitant. I reminded them that my first duty was to the Peace Mission. In that capacity I would of course relay any information that I came across. Whew. What a stink.
I was given a second higher offer and all I could do was tell them the same thing. The ones that were in the room gave me a hard look which I returned with a carefully blank one. Then the person in charge, the man that was Dylan’s point of contact, gave a slow smile. It was like I passed some type of test. I know I have said it ad nauseum, but I hate this 007 crap. And I am furious that the whole camera issue was found out because of how the information could be used.
I left the small, windowless room only to find Vit coming out of another, similar space. We looked at each other and there was no need for verbal confirmation. I struggled not to give what some of my nephews and nieces call a nuclear eyeroll. Without even speaking Vit and I both went to our day’s duty stations. We only spoke of it quietly, during a shared shower this evening and we’ve both agreed to not speak of it again. We are not even going to mention it to Dylan beyond the for-your-information type thing. Might give him ideas that none of us need him to have. I want him focused on being angry for me, not how to use me in other ways.
Between this morning and our evening meal I helped Barney and Henry – neither of whom I have seen much of lately – go over stacks of Asian communications. I found several egregious errors, but it is impossible to tell whether it was intentional or just sloppy translations/translators.
And also, I failed to mention that when I entered our cabin last night it was to find several boxes on the floor. Vit is either determined or hard headed depending on how you look at it. How he found out I don’t know, but he found out that Mr. Baird was purchasing trade goods for Sophia. Silks. Most of them are of the type for upholstery and similar but there were also those types for clothing. Gah. I love the man but I wish his surprises didn’t make me look and feel as if all I care about is what he can give me. I worry. I wish there was some way to explain this without hurting his feelings.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you and Merry Christmas.
Chapter 303: Nov 25 – Qingdoa, China
A lot of time spent in transit today. It is not that there hasn’t been long bus rides in the past on excursions, but it was like being on a bus with a group of tech addicts in severe withdrawal … adolescent tech addicts.
We were in Qingdoa, China today and then tomorrow is another sea day and then two days in Shanghai. I came back on board with our group, thinking we’d been successful only to find Polina and Vit stressed … first I dealt with my stress, then Polina’s, then Vit’s which makes today’s journal entry out of order but it has been that kind of day. I’ll start with the end.
“Vit, I try and stay out of your professional business. I know you have a higher security clearance than me and all the problems we had earlier this year and …”
“Veta …” he started to say with that I-can’t-take-one-more-thing look.
“Please let me finish. I know there are things you don’t and probably can’t tell me. But you are very stressed and I … I want to know if it was something that the camera I wear saw or has created.”
He sighed and sat on the end of the bed and then gently pulled me to sit beside him. “All the things you say are true, but I would tell you if I thought you were in danger.”
“I don’t doubt that,” I told him trying to get him to understand without nagging. “I’m not criticizing or trying to second guess you. I wouldn’t just ask you for curiosity or vanity’s sake.”
After a moment he said, “I … cannot explain it very well. You recorded something surprising but not … hmmm.”
“I’m not asking you to reveal a confidence.”
He struggled before saying, “It is not what you did see but what your camera did not but should have. And I cannot explain that without jeopardizing other things that I cannot tell you … and other people. And please, do not speak with Dylan about this.”
“Then you are helping Polina and Yegor, or somehow they are involved in the recognition of something being off. Is there anything I can do? Anything that I can watch for?”
“She does not want you involved and for very sound reasons. One of which is plausible deniability.”
Trying to understand, or at least be understanding I capitulated. “Very well, but you will let me know if there is more I can do?”
He paused in surprise. “You … you can accept this?”
“Vit, anything I say you might take the wrong way. I just … look, I trust you. That’s the reason for my acceptance. And I’m not going to pout or anything like that. I … I have learned to be however it was that I was needed to be. It is not a talent that I am necessarily proud of but … I am good at it. I will be this ‘plausible deniability’ thing that you say I am needed to be. Simply promise me that if there comes a time you can share what is going on, that you will.”
He pulled me to him and kissed my temple. “I know you do not like what you call the 007 crap. I do not like it myself. I certainly do not like that you are involved. Please understand I would not ask it of you if it was not needed.”
Dylan better not be creating a problem or using Vit again. I love my brother, but he has gotten too good at using people like chess pieces. As for Polina, she had put up walls again and then not. I’m not sure what to make of it, what to make of it, or even if I should trust it at this point. I trust her, but her position demands many things of her and I’m not sure how I fit into that.
As I said, Qingdao was a decent excursion, if a lot of transit time. It was during the transit times that several of the diplomatic staff that should have known better began to irritate me with their behavior. Sure, they were young, but only a little younger than me. But acting so … childish … like they were ADHD and unable to function without their stupid little apps and such? Yes, I put that in my report and recommended that anyone unable to get along without electronic input for more than an hour should rethink joining any excursions for at least the remainder of the Asian leg of the Peace Mission. Another possibility I suggested is that they should have to pay for the bandwidth they use at a rate commiserate with what it actually costs for them to have access to it. Yes, I am still irritated by their behavior. I nearly purchased a clown coloring book and pencils for this one young woman. Apparently she was missing her selfies so she could sell them. Another major prohibition.
We met our guide at the bottom of the gangway and where driven one and a half hours to Laoshan Mountain, the highest coastal mountain in China. Located on the shore of the Yellow Sea, Laoshan Mountain is characterized by imposing canyons, undulating peaks and shrouding mists. Featured in many folk legends and festivals, Laoshan is also known as the birthplace of Taosim. Once in Laoshan, we started a gorgeous hike by the Bashui river up to Longtan Waterfall, which translates to Dragon Pond Waterfall in English. During the hike we saw many growing terraces; I was amazed at how the lines on the terraces were nearly perfect and was told that highly skilled tractor drivers were the only ones allowed to work those particular fields. We got a glimpse of the Yellow Sea in the distance from different perspectives. After Longtan Waterfall, we drove to an area where we had lunch via a boxed meal prepared on ship. Everything was packaged – as required by the Chinese government – so I didn’t worry too much about food poisoning or anything of that nature. The lunches had also been given to each person to carry in their faraday bag to avoid any temptation by “anyone” tampering with them.
Next, we visited the largest and oldest preserved temple in Laoshan, Taiqing Temple, which is more than 2,000 years old. It is the second most important Taoist Temple in China after the Baiyun Temple in Beijing. The Taoists from Laoshan Mountain were well known for their religious knowledge and legendary skills in Taichi. The Taiqing Temple complex has more than 150 rooms, including two courtyards named Martyr's Shrine and Shrine of Master of Scriptures, and inner temples like Sanguan, Sanqing and Sanhuang with their own gates and walls. While our guide explained the history of this complex, I got a little caught up looking at the trees, some of them centenaries old, like two old cypresses and a rare camellia.
While descending the mountain, oddly shaped stones, caves, and imposing cliffs, as well as many clear springs were pointed out by our guide. Our guide also explained why the mountain is so important in Chinese culture, as it is said to be home to some “supernatural spirits” that have inspired poems and emperor’s stories over the course of history.
From there it was another one and a half hour drive back to the pier. The three worst offenders I took with me directly to security. I then called their supervising staff member to meet me there and we had a little discussion about how their staff’s behavior was potentially undercutting how very careful the diplomats were being with regarding to behavior. And no, the three weren’t “American tourists” but were young Europeans that had monetized their social media accounts. That information I also brought up and was also turning it over to Security.
“By what authority …” the one girl in particular started to say.
“I am Chief Veta Dymtrus. My title may be Interim Entertainment Director, however my job duties are far outside that title and include Security issues. I also answer to Mr. Baird, one of the senior diplomats and as such know what activities and behaviors are permitted … and those that are not … in particular of anyone working in the diplomatic department.”
Another one of the ranking diplomatic staff supervisors said, “Chief, I will personally look into this. You have my word.”
“I hope so Sir. I am going to have to put this in my reports and it isn’t just people on the P that will see it. These three weren’t the only ones behaving this way … and speaking of making money off pictures they have taken during the Mission … but they were the loudest and most egregious. I can’t allow breaking the rules to pass, not in this leg of the Mission. I will remove people from the sign up lists.”
The girl once again put her foot in it by saying, “You can’t do that.”
I just stared at the Senior Staff Supervisor and he snapped at all three, “My office. Now.”
All three looked startled but they obeyed, and I decided to write my reports there rather than in the closet that I’d been assigned that doubled as storage space for all the flotsam of the Entertainment department that has been following me around since the B since there doesn’t seem to be any mechanism in place for shipping unneeded files and research materials back to wherever they originally came from.
I finished the report and then went to turn it in to Polina and have a mention about the issue I uncovered.
I knocked on her office and said, “Chief Dymtrus, ma’am.”
Her door buzzed and I entered with my hand over the eye of the camera. She looked both surprised and grateful and then started puking again, which is apparently what she’d been doing off and on most of the afternoon. I fixed her some ginger tea. “This stuff doesn’t work unless you drink it,” I told her.
“I have been in meetings.”
“So put it in a Contigo to keep it warm and sip on it. People will doubtless think of it as something other than what it is … or they can assume it is for an ulcer or whatever. None of their business. And people will make up whatever they want to one way or another. Call them damn idiots and then ask what proof they have that you’ve changed your brand of tea. And you need to eat something … no, not right now … but not eating only makes the nausea worse, or so says all of my sisters and sister-in-laws. Try crackers, tea, make sure that you electrolytes don’t get thrown out of whack. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.”
“Sit,” she said pointing to the chair in front of her desk. “You have problems?”
“Nothing that I’m not dealing with. I just wanted to let you know …” I proceeded to explain what I was overhearing about websites, etc. “I got into enough trouble myself when my family started posting things on my blog.”
“I will look into it.”
“If I might make a request?” She nodded slowly. “Give the man a chance to handle it on his end. He gave me his personal word. His boss and Mr. Baird work closely and well together. No need to make an enemy if we don’t need to. And this way he might owe us.”
She gave a tired grin. “Little Sister is learning.” She sighed. “I must still look into this,” she said as she motioned she would help me remove the camera now that it had been turned off. “But we will give their supervisor time before bringing it up again. I will be making sure they do not get off ship in Shanghai at the very least. And you will watch your back as well.”
“On ship or off?”
She gave me a look. “Both. And it is not a bad thing to investigate how they are obtaining enough bandwidth for such personal use as they speak of.”
“They can be using off-ship sources, boosting off-ship sources, or borrowing more than their allotted bandwidth through ‘official’ sources on-ship. I don’t know who is monitoring that or if it is being monitored. If Dylan’s company is doing it, I can kick him in the head.”
“Nyet. Not your brat, administration took responsibility for it and any flagged items then get forwarded.”
“The foxes are guarding the hen house?” She gave me a look like I’d be hearing one of her scrambled version at some point.
“That appears to be a possibility.” She sighed. “You become good at this. You must guard against it becoming a way of life.” She shook her head. “It is too easy to get caught up and then you must set aside things …” She looked away. Then back. “I am nearly certain. I will need to speak to Yegor soon. Decisions will have to be made. If the baby has the same genetic markers …”
“I know it is hard but … have some faith. I can’t tell you what the reasons are but … just have faith that there are reasons.”
She looked tired … and trying to hide how scared she was. “I will try and do this thing but … I will be alone in it.”
“No you won’t. Yegor will be there.”
“One of us must work. And after the baby is born … our families … complicate our options rather than increase them.”
“You know I would …”
“Hush. You will make me want things that … are not wise. Is there anything else? I have a meeting I must attend.”
“No. Except … is there anything you want onshore tomorrow? In Shanghai? You don’t need to tell me right now just get with Yegor and we’ll figure out the logistics.” She relaxed a little again before sipping more of the ginger tea and I let myself out.
Part of me envies Polina, part of me doesn’t even know how to compute out complicated her life is about to get. When she said decisions have to be made she wasn’t kidding. If she is pregnant, I hope the baby is born healthy and free of the cancer that her little boy died from. As strong as Polina is, she is also a little brittle. I have to trust that our Creator won’t make her go through that again.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you this morning.
Chapter 304: Nov 26 - @ sea
Tomorrow is the US’s Thanksgiving holiday. After Vit’s gift to me I was chagrined to realize I overlooked the Canadians’ Thanksgiving celebration. I also overlooked other holidays in favor of a US-centric outlooked. So much for my vaunted cultural sensitivity and my supposed international outlook. Vit must have overheard me talking to Barney about it, or perhaps Henry carried tales. I’m not sure.
What I do know is that Vit surprised me with a conference call to the Petric clan, they had gathered at Angelia’s house for an early family-wide celebration and tomorrow it would be a lot of visiting in-laws or smaller groupings with friends. It is how we’d always done it so both in-laws and Petrics took turns since there were so many of us. On “Black Friday” they usually get together and make a day of it in Jacksonville or Tallahassee, though usually by this time of year most of the shopping is completed. I don’t know how that is going to work this year with all of the shortages and financial hardships. Barbie told me some of the stores have been having “Black Friday” sales for weeks. I am having a hard time imagining it. Angelia said that several family members asked if they could do a day of Christmas baking and candy making instead. And here Vit and I sit doing so well. I am on the one hand guilt-ridden and on the other grateful. I do not want a repeat of when we did nothing but couch-surf from one Petric household to the next.
Vit interrupted my thoughts for a bit. “It had to be tonight Kokhana, tomorrow we return to Chinese territorial waters, where we will have to be much stricter with communications.”
“Why are you apologizing? This was so sweet. I love you Colovik [husband].”
“As I do you. You have given up much to …”
“Enough. I’d give up everything to be with you. Do not be ashamed of that because I certainly am not. You helped me to create a healthy space between me and my family, something I couldn’t do for myself and as a result my relationship with them suffered, and yet I am not alone because you filled that space and have allowed me to grow.”
There was some romantic nonsense for a while but then he sighed. “The next two days …”
“I am aware. And I will not do anything for you to be worried about.”
“It is not you that I am concerned about. It is the idiotski vovtsi [idiot sheep] you lead that concern me. This group … the last two … the choosing of staff and personnel has become as you call it slipshod. The rules on the B were much more stringently enforced and people more professional and fitted to the roles they were assigned. Now we spend so much time putting bandaids on things that there is not the time needed to put bandaids on personnel issues. I am become an old man and see many of these new people as children.” He shook his head. “Security in the area of personal communication has gotten particularly sloppy. I am surprised at Dylan for this to be so.”
“Polina said it is monitored by Admin first and then they send problems along to Dylan’s company.”
Vit paused … blinked … paused … then said something rude in Russian and a few other languages as well. He kissed me hard and then said, “I must run. I believe I know what has been causing me the headaches.”
He still hasn’t come in. Whatever it was I made him think of, or revealed, or whatever, I hope that he has been able to fix it. I don’t like anything that “causes him the headaches” either.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Again, thank you. Woods in for the week and we're ready for this stupid warm front to pass and stop raining and go back to snowing and things to firm up. The problem is it will firm up to ice. We've lost 6 inches of snow in 2 days and it's sloppy out there.
Chapter 305: Nov 27 – Shanghai, China (1)
Today is Thanksgiving in the US. I’m not really sad not to be there because … well, just because. I got what I really needed last night thanks to Vit. I was able to be part of the family celebration without being smothered by it. Or should I say not allowing myself and Vit to be put in our place. They don’t mean anything bad by it but I know I must be better in how I deal with them and allow them to deal with me. Not all of our relationships were as healthy as they could be.
Today was also the Peace Missions first day in Shanghai. Because of the emphasis on spreading “economic cheer” in each port, China expects at least as much attention in that regard. The restrictions and dangers however come in conflict to such an extent that a special per diem has been arranged. Security has gone ashore and purchased “cash cards” in Chinese currency for each personnel which are handed off at debarkation. The cards are required to be emptied before reboarding, and the cards themselves are destroyed with a shredder before heading up the gangway. The amount on the card is commiserate to your rank and/or position. I was rather nonplussed at the amount on my card and at first assumed that they had put both mine and Vit's on the same card. Er … no.
It turns out that is not the case and the amount left me shocked until Vit explained that the incessant currency manipulation by the Chinese government actually made for a very good exchange rate this time plus my recent “elevation in rank” also accounted for some of it. Well, alrighty then. I decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Additionally, I was assigned to “guide” a group of the senior diplomatic support staff. They wanted me to “blend in” for whatever reason. I think that it was to keep there was being loss of face after how some of the junior staff worked.
I was also to play “ace in the hole” should something occur. In return I did a little shopping for the male staffers, much to their relief. They would settle up with Vit before reboarding so that he could dump any remaining currency from the currency card(s) before we headed off to an evening activity that he’d determined to follow me on rather than have the “freezing of the blood” at me traipsing around Shanghai at night. He is exhausted, and I ist being reflected in his horrible grammar and syntax.
I asked Polina if she wanted me to do the same for her while she helped me to put on the hidden camera.
“Nyet. Yegor is forced by human resources to join one of the off-ship excursions and we have made a list. But, thank you for asking Little Sister.”
Her more relaxed dealing with me was surprising. I ask, “Is … anything wrong?”
She answered, “Nyet. Life becomes complicated. I … spoke with Yegor last night. He is … different from what I expected. Hurt a bit that I would think that he would think me unfaithful. But, the rest? Yes. Complicated is a good word for it. We will work things out, but he worries he has put me in a position to choose child or career. And for me? The choice … is perhaps not so hard as I thought it would be. My time in this career, I think it shall end soon. I am not one for having the wolves at my back so much. Yegor has some ideas, but it will be an uprooting and a challenge. Difficult to decide how much to include our families in these choices if at all. Now go, and do not let my problems take up too much space in your head. You need to be on guard. Watch yourself ashore. Vit will not live well without you.”
“Are you trying to warn me of something on the ship or off?”
She answered, “Again, Nyet. Not you, a reminder for me.”
“Are you sure that you and Yegor … are okay?”
She shrugged. “We are how do you say … stressed out. His family and mine have loud opinions on things they have no business having them on. Now go before I take advantage of your too willing ear.”
“But you’ll … talk if you need me? Please? No vodka days?”
She chuckled wryly. “No vodka. It is not good to use as a crutch. Especially not now. Both Yegor and I agree.”
I’m worried for her. I just don’t know what I should be worried about exactly.
It was time to head to the gangway to get through security, pick up the per diem card, grab the second faraday bag they were handing out, and join the senior support staff. I had nine hours of “blending in” that I needed to do.
Our first stop was right up my alley. Tiashan Tea City is a must visit for tourists and is also shopped by locals. The market has over one hundred and fifty stalls which sell tea and tea wares. We had a demonstration by a “Tea Master” about how to choose quality tea and tea wares. I bought more than enough to satisfy Vit’s and my tea preferences. I even got a small amount of the ten most famous teas[1] of China: Long Jing, Huangshan Maofeng, Biluochen, Tieguanyin, Junshan Yinzhen, Keemun, Da Hong Pao, Liu’an Melon Seed Tea, Baihao Yinzhen, Pu-erh Tea.
After Tea City we stopped at A.P. Plaza Yinyang Market. It was an awesome place to buy knock off handbags, watches, Kashmir scarfs, sunglasses, etc. The most amazing thing is that you can also get tailor made suits, coat, and dresses within just 24 hours. Going over the list I had I picked up tea sets, fans, jade, Chinese calligraphy sets, Cloisonné boxes, Sichuan pepper, decorative hair combs, and an item called Chinese knots. Chinese knotting, also known as "Chinese traditional decorative knots", is an ancient decorative art dating back to the 10th century AD. Usually red, double-layered and symmetrical, the knots are made up of two cords entering from the top and two cords exiting from the bottom. Often used as a lucky charm, these knots are hung in the bedroom, kitchen, office or other places. They can also be used to adorn backpacks or rear-view mirrors in cars, etc. Right as we were leaving I grabbed several ginger type items ... candies, tea, etc. ... for Polina. I put them inside a small, embroidered purse so no one would take notice and I left them on her chair seat along with the day's reports.
We walked the Shanghai Old Streets for about half an hour and then went to Yuyuan Garden, with a history of nearly 500 years. It is one of the most renowned ancient gardens in the South Yangtze River Area. It felt like walking in a traditional Chinese painting when we visited the garden because all the rocks, pavilions, corridors and ponds are also the traditional Chinese subject matter. While we were there we enjoyed a cup of tea before heading toward the Bund, a modern skyscraper that allowed us to see the modern China, and the Global Financial Center, where we took in the 474-meter-high sightseeing terrace that has the reputation of the "Sightseeing Hall in the Sky". The glass wall of the terrace makes it a perfect place to have a bird view of Shanghai.
From one type of wealth to another we visited a local pearl shop. And who should I see but Henry there with several “body guards.” He gave me a wink and shoo’d me off which told me that Vit is once again up to something. I am not going to fuss. We had a lot of per diem to off load and I suppose wholesale pearls wasn’t the worst way to do it.
From there we went through a maze-like art center called Tianzifang. The furniture, lamps, and rugs were all works of art. We weren’t in there an hour and about half of our group manage to haggle the price on items and arrange for them to be shipped to their homes. I was leery of giving that kind of information away but I wasn’t there to stop the others from spending their per diem. I did make note of those that I could to give to Polina just in case it might mean something.
Last place I went with this group was to the former French Concession. It was the most prosperous part in Shanghai during 1920s. As we walked through you could just feel how history had changed. And then it was back to the ship.
The next excursion was a night time food tour when made me think of the Marchands so strongly I almost could hear the boys’ excitement. Of course that was just my imagination. What I did hear was Vit calling my name as he came down the gangway.
“Vit, you’re exhausted.”
“Not so bad.” I gave him Mom-eye and he grinned. “Very well, I am tired but I will not abandon you to the night in this city. And I have no wish to eat the turkey and dressing without you there.”
The ship was having a very quiet Thanksgiving dinner for the Americans. The “turkey and dressing” was a novel experience for Vit at first but he complains he becomes so sleepy that it is hard to watch the sports with my brats. Ha! As if half of them even make it through the games by the time they all get their bellies full.
Either way, let’s just say I was not disappointed that Vit showed up when he did. About a third of those in the group were junior diplomatic staff and they were all giving me looks. I wanted to ask if they wished to return to the ship but didn’t need to as suddenly a Senior Staff Supervisor joined our group and I wasn’t the only one surprised.
“Chiefs Dymtrus,” he said respectfully.
He shook Vit’s hand, said thank you, and nodded politely in my direction. I didn’t look at Vit but I have a feeling whatever he figured out last night wasn’t something that made the junior staff happy. Vit whispered, “Ignore the burning tailfeathers.”
I cleared my throat and started gathering everyone to make sure they signed in and I had an accurate head count. From there we met our guide and departed on foot for the Xintiandi area. I took note that the Senior Staff Supervisor had a very tight rein on the younger members of his department. That must have been fun. Not.
Our first stop was at a local restaurant serving up the best hand-pulled and knife-cut noodles made by ethnic minority (Uyghurs) in the city. The Uyghurs are an ethnic minority in China. Most of them live in the Northwestern part of the country in large communal, and tightly controlled, camps that were once penal institutions. The prejudice they experience continues to be problematical. The problem for the Peace Mission is that they have their own terrorist organization and in recent years have killed a great many people through their own attacks. We had to be careful not to draw too much attention to our efforts on their behalf.
From there we continued to the famous Zhaozhou Road, one of the most popular night markets where world-famous chef Anthony Bourdain brought to international attention. This is also the location where where French-style apartments suddenly give way to traditional Chinese stone door houses (Shikumen). We visited three restaurants in the neighborhood to try local dishes and see how the native city residents eat and live. Some of the tasty street we tried included lamb kebabs, beef skewers, grilled eggplant, stir-fried chives, shiitake mushrooms, boiled crayfish with five spice, freshly fried pot stickers, marinated edamame beans, and braised pork belly. Between stops we cleansed our palate with local craft beer and listened to our guide's commentary on Shanghai's culinary culture and traditions.
I was stuffed, tired, and grateful to head back to the P. Vit had gotten his second wind … or his third or fourth by that point … and helped keep everyone chuckling as we took forever to get through security and back on the ship. Vit mumbled something about our lists but he simply could not stay awake any longer and after a quick shower collapsed on our bed. I will follow him now that my own “second wind” has escaped my sails. Vit and I will probably be able to tell about this strange Thanksgiving to the next generation and the one after that.
[1] Top 10 Most Famous Chinese Tea: Longjing, Biluochun, Puer & Beyond
beaglemama
Contributing Member
Thank you, Kathy! Much appreciated!
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you
Chapter 306: Nov 28 – Shanghai, China (2)
Why on earth was I insane enough to admit to being able to sew and enjoying handy crafts? And who on earth would care? All I know is that I was “stuck” shepherding a group of SOs want to do crafts. Ninety minutes of glass mosaic, ninety minutes of paper cutting art, and then two hours of Chinese embroidery. Er … um … yeah. Thrilled I tell you.
And then on top of that, what little time remained in port I was to take them shopping. Oh. My. Goodness. Never pay for patience because it is a sure thing that our Creator hears you and thinks it hilarious to put you in situations to teach you patience.
The only thing I can say is that I was “gifted” with another per diem cash card and told to spend it before returning as the cards will be useless after we sail away. We hit up the Shiliu Pu Cloth Market for accessories, buttons, zippers, and trims as well as a full range of fabrics. From there we finished off the day at the overwhelming, three-floor Shanghai South Bund Market which is home to thousands of different choices of clothing fabrics and 300 or more vendors. Stalls sell everything from linen, chiffon, silk, cotton, denim in different shades and colors, blends, cashmere for coats and suiting, men's suiting materials, and more. Angelia would have been catatonic by the time she exited the building. I nearly was and there was still money left on the blasted card that I couldn’t in all conscience simply leave to be shredded.
I hit the duty-free shop on the way back to security … and several of the other SOs were grateful for the stop as well … and spent the remainder on a ready-made Beijing-style cheongsam, a Shanghai-style cheongsam, and a Hong Kong-style cheongsam. There wasn’t a lot of difference between the three dresses but of the three, the Beijing-style was the most conservative and the Hong Kong-style the most modern looking. I was tempted by a Hanfu style dress but they were quite expensive and completely impractical. I would have looked like I was dressing up as Mulan to meet prospective grooms. Ugh. No. For similar reasons I did not purchase any tang suit-style clothing for Vit and I. With the last of what was on the card I bought a slip dress (nightgown) with a matching robe embroidered in a color that Vit is particularly fond of.
Getting through security was all sorts of fun. I will admit that by the end of the day being with the SOs was not as onerous as I expected. Without the influence of some of the women who shall remain nameless from the B egging them on to be less that stellar versions of our species, some of them were actually very nice. Or perhaps they were just humoring me or something. I don’t know. Any way you look at it I didn’t have to write anyone up which I was grateful for. The blasted reports were tedious enough with adding more paperwork.
We have a week before we head back to China. There is a sea day tomorrow which I plan to spend helping Barney, five more days in Japan, then three days in Taiwan which may be problematical as I understand China is making noise about it. I am simply happy to put off that blasted camera for a while. It is like wearing the most uncomfortable, wired bra imaginable. I’ve got bruises in places that a woman should not have to suffer.
Chapter 307: Nov 29 – @ sea
Haven’t really interacted with too many people today as I’ve had my head stuck in the guts of a few translators … the machine variety, though there was the temptation of doing the same to some human varieties as well after finding out that some of the problems were retribution for the assumption that I was the one that got people in trouble for personal websites and bandwidth usage.
Vit came to meet me at lunch and he said that I growled more than spoke until he poured some tea in me and got me to eat “more than the rabbit food.” I explained to him and he shrugged very philosophically. “You did not ‘get them in trouble.’ Their actions got them in trouble. And a great deal of trouble when it was discovered they were paying for their access in favors to a person in Admin to overlook what they were doing. That person was offloaded in Shanghai and put straight on a plane and will face charges when they land in their home country. Three – those same three you pulled out – have lost all off-ship privileges for the remaining duration of their contract and if they don’t like it then they will be escorted off at the next port as well and can find their own ways home. No junior staff are now allowed to access personal communications except when under observation. And only for texting, they no longer have any bandwidth for uploading, particularly of photos or videos.”
“Uh … the blog?”
“Yours? You are a Chief.”
“But …”
“No buts. You do everything by regulation. And are always several days out from a port before you upload the first photo to a private website with limited access and no faces, or the faces are blurred out. No more talk of that. I will not see you lose a pleasure when you’ve broken no rules. Now tell me why it looks like a translator has been turned inside out on your desk.”
I explained the broken circuit board I found in three of the translators and how I was trying to scrap them to build one out of the three.
“Is it the machine or is it an abuse of the machines?”
“Not my forte,” I answered. “It could be hard use, banging them in frustration, improper charging, deliberate tampering, or something else. I just don’t know. What I do know is that all three translators had three different circuit boards break and melt in places that on the surface have nothing to do with one another or even real functionality. I swear it almost looks like a soldering gun with a pin-sized point was used to …” I stopped and shook my head. “Ignore me. Too much 007 crap.”
“Let me see.”
I pointed to the pile I had and Vit picked the three offenders up and looked at them. “You are correct. This looks intentional. I will investigate. You will finish your food?” Since I had a mouthful of sandwich all I could do was nod.
Turns out the three translators in question were known to have problems because they’d been left near where some welding was done on a door. The original damage was accidental. The intentional came in when those were the ones sent to replace the ones that were in use in Baird’s office that were sent out to have the lithium batteries replaced. Vit is still following chain of custody to discover who did it. Until then all junior diplomatic staff are confined to ship. There may be further encouragement to rat out the offender(s).
I’ve said this before but it bears repeating, the screening for this last batch of staff and personnel has proven itself to be subpar. With jobs getting hard to come by you wouldn’t think they’d need to scrape the bottom of the barrel. Dylan certainly got an earful from me when we hit international waters.
My brat did his own bit of growling and then said, “I warned of this issue. Too many political appointees rather than a true interview process. Give me the names of those kids.”
“Excuse me?”
“So sorry your Highness. Chief Dymtrus please include the names of anyone that potentially damaged security equipment. That equipment belongs to my bosses and there might be a claim against their paychecks. Capiche?”
“Smart aleck. You must be having a grand time of it.”
He backed down and admitted, “Things are not fun around here … home or office. You watch your p’s and q’s. This administration can’t figure out whether it is coming or going on any given day and it is making things more difficult than they should be.”
“The economy?”
“Among other things.”
“Anyone in the family having particular problems?”
“There’s nothing you can do about it Veta. And no one even pretends to try and say you do. Finally some of the last knot heads have gotten the message of what happened with the old home place and how we were the ones to goof, not you and Vit. Unfortunately it has come at a pretty high price for some of them. Even Nichelle …”
When he petered off I asked, “Dylan?”
“Don’t worry about it. We’ve weathered worse, just coming at a more challenging time. She and Patrice were close and finding out some of the facts of the case vs what Patrice was telling her has been a pill to swallow. I went so far as to have to find proof and … well … it busted a couple of bubbles that hurt. Nichelle had lent Patrice some money without telling me and … again … trust issues. We’ll work things out.”
“I pray you do. I … I don’t know what to say beyond that.”
“Not much that can be said. Hate to run but I gotta go. Trying to be … what’s that phrased she used … trying to be more present for Nichelle.”
Looks like stressors are pushing everyone’s buttons. You would think we’d all have learned from the Lena situation that Derrick and the boys went through. Thankfully Reggie continues to “talk” to me and they are all still in counseling. More thankful his grandparents have finally backed off pushing to have the boys live with them even part of the year. I don’t have all the details but Lena left a lot of financial mess in the wake of her choices and her parents are scrambling to repair some of it.
Whew. Enough with the emotional roller coaster. Vit is asleep after getting off a double and I need to be there as well as tomorrow we return to Fukuoka. There will be gaps in tomorrow’s roster if some are confined to ship. I need to hear that from Polina directly. Not that I don’t trust the rumors and Vit’s telling, but I must keep everything on the up and up for the reports or it will be my “tailfeathers smelling of fire.”
Siskiyoumom
Veteran Member
Thank you so very much!
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Very good, yeah we all know how political appointments go. Thank you.
Chapter 308: Nov 30 – Fukuoka, Japan (2) (Sunday)
Arrived in port at 7 am this morning. Back in Fukuoaka after leaving the Chinese leg of the mission, much to many personnel’s relief. I am relieved was well. I was very uncomfortable several times while in China. Yes, it was fascinating and I loved learning from the local people but I always felt like I was being spied upon even as I spied upon them.
An incident of some type of epidemic/plague in N. Korea has now made the news, though not a prominent story. People are comparing it to Covid pandemics and the fear of the same economic and political aftermath that occurred for many in 2020 and beyond as so many brick and mortar stores went online causing a lot of unemployment and underemployment. Many small businesses simply closed forever and were never replaced. The mass media especially is playing up that end. “If it bleeds it leads.” But then they go into full denial, doing a bit of “ha ha” it can never happen again because of all the laws that were enacted. Sure. Right.
Some of the more moderate media groups raised the reminder that the government over stimulated the economy making it more financially viable for people to stay home rather than return to work for a while which created a employment vacuum filled by illegals and refugees, and then when the financial stimulation came to an end it created another kind of economic problem. There seems to be a general warning coming out of this administration not expect that much direct financial support. They’ll probably try controlling the markets before they just start issuing checks to survive the markets.
The US government isn’t the only one starting to react to the news of the “plague” in North Korean. The Chinese government is of course denying it had anything to do with it … including denying that there is such a plague, or that it is an exaggeration. Suddenly the North Korean government is much more amendable to doing all it can to gain a treaty with the US and other countries. The sister of the previous NK dictator has “disappeared” from the public eye taking her nieces and nephews with her but definitely still controls things in a backroom kind of way. South Korea has closed its border all along the DMZ to keep people from spreading the reported plague, frustrating many refugees who have been waiting their turn to move in with relatives and causing some violence on the DMZ though it is limited so long as food is provided to refugees.
Here on board ship, PPE is quietly being distributed to all the cabins and crewmembers, but everyone has been told not to waste resources by using it until ordered to do so. And to keep two changes of PPE with them in their faraday bags but not to use them in public. I was issued a newly filled bottle of hand sanitizer, and will every day, and is checked my someone from Sick Bay to make sure that it is being used. Today I quietly decided to take advantage of what was basically handed to me and when I go to a restroom, the only place I can turn off the body cam, I quickly refill my personal bottle of hand sanitizer that I will then pour, in the evenings, into our larger container that I have always kept in our cabin.
I’m not sure whether I’m being paranoid or simply cautious but better safe than sorry. Vit worries about me going onshore so much but I have a contract to fulfill and Vit admits that I am good at it but insists we find a way to overlap the security being provided by the Peace Mission, starting with an upgrade to an app that Dylan uses to keep track of their field operatives. Something that few people outside of the “top brass” in Admin and the Home Office are aware that is occurring.
Today’s excursion was essentially a repeat of the first time we were in Fukukoa and was down by a quarter of the personnel signed up for it. It honestly made my job easier so I’m not going to complain. I did not that the old covid pandemic protocols were being pulled out and dusted off and that there were freaquent commercials and announcements about washing hands and reporting anyone with obvious symptoms of the “the flu.” This could complicate excursions and I’ve put the question to the Home Office for clarification.
Chapter 309: Dec 1 – Kagoshima, Japan
Today’s news was nothing but a replay of yesterday’s news. Nothing new is forthcoming, not even rumors of the Peace Mission. So that the diplomats could work in peace and not have to worry so much about gossip spreading, it was decided overnight to send everyone scheduled for an excursion to a moderately challenging nature hike outside of the city rather than the city tour everyone had been expecting and looking forward to.
Kagoshima city is the largest city in Kagoshima prefecture and praised as a sister city of Naples in Italy. However, pizza and pasta are not the staples served in Kagoshima’s café, instead, there are lots of traditional foods there such as “karukan (a kind of cake made with yams)”, “Torisashi (raw chicken)” and “Kabayaki (smoked eel)”. I had no problem sampling karukan and kabayaki, but torisashi is beyond me.
Kagoshima’s climate is similar to Naples and have views similar as well except instead of Vesuvius, they have Sakurajima, what most people know Kagoshima best for. It is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan and that is where we headed after docking at 9 o’clock this morning as well as the surrounding forest.
Shiratani-Unsuikyo is known as the model of a primitive forest in the movie “Princess Mononoke“(1997). We hiked through the forest at an altitude of around 600-1,000m. I’m not sure that I would call it a hike exactly because we certainly took our time so perhaps more of a stroll with some elevation change. They quantified it as a beginner level hike and it was that in places, but after nearly seven hours everyone, myself included, had expended more calories than we thought we would at first. The cool temperatures from the snow higher up certainly got the blood flowing.
Similar to other ports there was the “gift shop” to get through before we could reboard. I wasn’t really in a shopping mood but the per diem was baking up since I didn’t shop yesterday, Vit still has money from before the Chinese ports, and the memo from Admin about “use it or lose it” regarding the per diem is getting annoying. I wandered around, purchased some postcards, and then I spotted something.
Satsuma kirikos is a type of cut glass from Japan. It was manufactured by the Satsuma clan from the final years of the Edo period to the beginning of the Meiji period. It was not until 1985 that a glass factory, an artisan, and a researcher together succeeded in reproducing Satsuma kiriko. It had been about 100 years since the art died, and they had to recreate the art through the old writings left from the Meiji period. It looks like the old ruby on clear cut glass famous during the Victorian age. The difference is the color-on clear is not just ruby but also includes lots of deep jewel tones such as emerald and sapphire and a bright yellow.
I purchased a set of shot glasses – not the vintage ones that were outrageous in price but the modern replicas – as well as a set of Saki glasses. That was the end of my shopping “spree” and I got my group through security and aboard so that we could leave.
Three more ports in Japan and then three in Taiwan before returning to China. Between now and then I need to start packing some items for shipping before we start tripping on everything. I also need to do some laundry but not tonight. For once I am going to try and get in bed a little early. I don’t know why I am so moody. It feels like the Sword of Damocles is hanging over my head.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you.
Chapter 310: Dec 2 – Amami Oshima, Japan
My patience was tried today. Not over any one particular thing, but by the overall picture that is forming. Perhaps by the end of this journal entry I will have more of a handle on my emotions and get explain.
Japan’s four main islands Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu make up 90% of its territory, however many people forget that Japan is basically one large archipelago of island. There are 6,852 island to be precise, of which 430 of them are inhabited. If you asked someone at a travel company such as Lonely Planet what their favorite island is (besides the largest four of course), it might well be Amami Oshima which was today’s port.
Amami Oshima is the largest island in the Satsunan island chain that runs between Kyushu and Okinawa and belongs to Kagoshima Prefecture. The island's climate, beaches, fauna and flora (including mangrove forests and large ferns) make the island characteristically similar to the Okinawan Islands to the south. Amami Oshima attractions include its beautiful beaches dotted along its coastline with white sand and clear, warm waters ideal for swimming during the summer months. The beaches on the island tend to be less crowded than those in Okinawa, and while a lot of the beaches are great for swimming and relaxing, some also provide good snorkeling opportunities with corals and aquatic life. In addition to nature, Amami Oshima has a rich human history and a unique cuisine. The island is additionally known for its revered Oshima Tsumugi silk that has for centuries been used to make high-quality kimonos.
About 95 percent of the whole island is forest, including some 700,000 square meters of virgin mangrove forests, inhabited by a rare species of amamino-kurousagi (a kind of black rabbit) and ruri-kakesu (a kind of jay). The abundance of natural resources to be found there is quite an attraction. Many people have been visiting the island for bird watching in recent years. Oshima pongee fabric, a special product of the Amami Islands, is weaved at about 400 factories, centered around Amami City, the only city among the islands.
Amami Island is the 7th largest island in Japan by land area (if you exclude the disputed Etorofu island and Kunashiri island both of which are under dispute between Russia & Japan). The 5th largest island Okinawa is the largest of the tropical islands of Japan with a population of roughly one and a half million (including 80,000 Americans of which over 30,000 are US Military). By comparison to Okinawa, Amami Oshima, with its 73,000 population, is quite rural, isolated and has one or two foreign residents. It is billed as the perfect retreat for water sports fans or simply for rest & relaxation on stunning white sandy beaches.
Due to the islands' separation from mainland Japan and their strong association with the other Ryukyu Islands, the people of the Amami Islands chain historically spoke a dialect of Japanese that is almost unrecognizable to speakers of standard Japanese. Some of the older residents of the islands still speak the dialect, but younger inhabitants speak standard Japanese. And, in locations frequently visited by tourists, staff speak good English as well. I was fascinated and a shop keeper’s grandson who speaks English gave me a couple of websites where I can listen to the language being spoken by those who still consider it their first language.
As for food, Keihan is a popular local dish and literally translates to chicken rice. The basic formula is simple (chicken on a bed of rice covered in chicken broth), but the exact presentation differs across the islands. Usually, keihan will include a mixture of sliced omelet, ginger, green onion, shiitake mushrooms and dried seaweed. Also worth sampling was the local variation of the distilled liquor known as shochu. Across the Amami Islands, they drink kokuto shochu, distilled from sugar cane grown commercially on the islands rather than the usual base of sweet potatoes, rice, barley or buckwheat.
The excursion that I took staff and personnel on today started at Amami Park. It is a multifaceted facility teeming with audiovisual displays and exhibits of the region’s folk arts and lifestyle. There was one in particular that introduced the viewer to the distinct flora and fauna of the region. There’s also a garden where we were allowed to wander around and see recreations of Amami’s vegetation and take lots of photos.
Then it was on to the nearby Tanaka Isson Memorial Museum of Art which is dedicated to the Japanese artist who translated Amami’s unique beauty into 600 works of art. After that, we really soak in the natural beauty of Amami Oshima with a visit to Cape Ayamaru located on the northeastern tip of the island. Here we got breathtaking views stretched out to the Pacific Ocean, and in just one sweep, you can see the emerald green sea and the coral reefs from the gentle slopes of the hills above.
After that we returned to the ship. The day felt shorter than normal but perhaps that was merely in hindsight. As soon as I hit my “office” to write up my report I found a communique with an updated schedule and our itinerary has changed significantly. The ship was to make stops in many major ports that are no longer listed. What is even more suspicious is that the ports they have been changed to are so remote and, at least to my eye, the excursions try and keep all or most of the nondiplomats even more remote. When I turned in my report to Polina I tried to ask if there is a particular problem I should be on the lookout for and all I got for my consideration was a polite but firm response not to ask questions that appear that I has as much sense as I do. On the surface it is a mild rebuke. However, after thinking about it, it appears that Polina tried to tell me something but I’m afraid of reading too much into it. There’s that damn 007 crap again.
Add to all of the above that the paparazzi have not been following us around much at all and the few who do are tied directly to the Peace Mission. I know that Vit is keeping something from me, but I don’t feel that it is by choice but as part of his job. He demands that I keep him abreast of my location each time they move.
I’d reached a breaking point. “Use the damn chip if it is that important,” I snapped. Then covered my mouth in horror that it actually fell out of my mouth.
Vit just blinked then tried not to grin. “Ah, my Cossack bride is … er … reaching her limit.”
I snorted. “Your bride, Cossack or no, is tired of being the thing she always vowed she would not get involved being.” I sighed. “But that’s no excuse to take it out on you. I’m sorry Vit, that was really just beyond the pale.”
“Hush,” he said with a kiss. “I do not remember you asking me to apologize when I hit you in the face with the towel the other morning.”
That nearly made me giggle in remembrance. “You didn’t mean to. I just sort of got in the line of fire. Luckily I hadn’t been putting on my mascara at the time. The lipstick was difficult enough to get out of my ear.”
He grimaced then tried not to grin at his own memory of the making up that came afterwards. “And the same here. I know it is not me you are frustrated with.”
I hate that whatever is going on is starting to effect Vit and I as well. If this gets much more stressful I might poke Dylan. He might not tell me but he is good about pointing me in the right direction to figure it out on my own.
Chapter 311: Dec 3 – Okinawa, Japan
We arrived a little earl this morning and were disembarking a few groups by 7 am. Okinawa is the southernmost tropical island of Japan which attracts millions of visitors every year for its beautiful beaches, nature and their very own culture. Okinawa is also a great place to shop since their tradition and food culture are pretty unique comparing to the rest of Japanese cities. And shopping was in part what I did today.
The extra per diem is to continue. I found out by overhearing Barney speaking with someone (they thought my headphones were sound cancelling when I had come in briefly to look over a couple of translations before breakfast) that because our itinerary was changing there was extra money in the budget and it was a “use it or lose it” situation. The money was being repurposed from a larger crew and diplomatic staff in more expensive/large cities to what we are currently doing. The “economic cheer” served the same purpose as social projects plus it helped with on board morale. Yeah. Sure it does. Hmph. The junior diplomatic staff are still squealing about not being allowed off-ship and therefore are not being given per diem to spend. I heard one young man was making such a nuisance of himself that he was escorted off and to a waiting vehicle that no one is quite sure where it took him.
I ran into Vit before he could leave the cabin. “Vit …”
He seem prepared with a response, perhaps because he knows me too well. “Do not worry at it Kokhana. Rather than the payments to government officials, the money is now going directly to the people. The projects may not be big and … er … splashy as in other countries and ports, but the money is much needed. The world economy sours here as much as it has been souring in America.”
It only took me a moment before I squeaked, “We’ve been bribing countries to let us dock?!”
“Perhaps not quite so … um … direct as that. And this is the way that many countries work my poor, idealist wife. It is a shock?”
“Yes it a shock. And don’t call me idealistic. Maybe I was being naïve, but you would think everyone would want world peace. Especially after the last few years giving us immediate evidence of what can happen.”
Vit gave a world-weary sigh. “You would think.”
“I hate this 007 stuff and I hate more than perhaps I am … not the best for this job.”
“Nii, do not think that. Polina says, as have some of the diplomats, that you are a good public face to have. The fact that you are also a thinker … but not a conniver … is an added bonus.”
I’m not sure that is a good thing or not. But it gives me the idea that perhaps I should be thinking a little deeper than I have been. Where once I had too much thinking time, now I am caught up in the day-to-day so much I am not thinking enough. Vit did ask me to spend both of our per diem cards today as he would be in meetings and unable to get off ship for any length of time. It wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be.
The excursion group was a great deal smaller than I expected. In fact the members of the group was also not what I expected. It seems it is now my job to get a particular group of SOs off the ship and out from underfoot and keep them so busy they don’t have time to stick their noses where they don’t belong or complain about lack of access to social media … not their own as they’ve always been controlled by their partners’ offices, but conversing with their friends, etc. There’s rumors that the diplomats to whom they are connected were seeking some way to send them home rather than have them around. The problem is this would open up “slots” for new personnel and the Chinese have not given up on inserting more of their people in positions aboard the ship.
The day was one long blitzkrieg of activities to keep the SOs busy and happy. We started off at the Southeast Botanical Gardens which covers 100 acres and contains over 2,000 plant species, including some 450 species of palms, as well as flowers, fruit trees, a Polynesian Lake with carp, and an insect collection. Then it was on to Shuri Castle that served as a palace for the Ryukyu kings for several centuries until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. After that we will hit our first shopping experience, this one at Makishi public market.
The first floor is a wet market of sorts where vendors sell fresh produce and seafood. Fresh seafood is one of the main draws of the market, and we saw rows of tanks filled with spindly crabs and spiny lobsters, or bulging fish eyes poking out from mounds of ice. Just looking at the variety of sea creatures on display is a marvel in itself. One thing that's popular as well is to pick out your favorite seafood, and then have it brought to the restaurants upstairs for a small fee, where your catch is freshly prepared for you. Besides seafood, there's also meat - pork in particular. Okinawan's are famous for eating practically all parts of the pig, which can also be found here, as well as seasonal local vegetable produce.
The second level is filled with restaurants of various sizes serving up all manner of local cuisine. Many of these restaurants are tourist friendly with English or Chinese translations on their menu, or conveniently have pictures for you to point at. We grabbed a quick bite for lunch and then kept going.
Cape Manza is a scenic rock formation near Onna Village. The name Manza stems from the original Okinawan dialect, meaning ‘big enough for 10,000 men to sit on this field by the cliffs.' And then after that we did a quick bit of snorkeling at Blue Cave. Everyone in the group was certified and I was able to pull up proof when it was needed. The guide was very happy because it meant they could skip some of the paperwork and get right to the meat of the excursion. Blue sparkling water and many beautiful fish that you are allowed to feed. I took underwater pictures of them and transferred them to their phones after we showered, dried off, and made our way back onto the vehicle that would transfer us to our last stops of the day.
We finished up our time in port shopping in several markets along the road that headed back to the cruise pier our ship was using. Some of the things I assisted them to buy included Shisa, a traditional statue of the creature from Okinawan mythology that looks like a cross between a lion and a dog. They are believed to protect people from evils. Pairs of Shisa are often placed on rooftops or gates of local’s houses in Okinawa. They come in a variety of designs, colors, and sizes.
Ryukyu glass can easily be identified because of its distinctive blue and green hues, although other colors are now also being used in creating the glassware. Interestingly enough, the creation of these beautiful pieces is anchored on a key point in history. After World War II, the empty soda and liquor bottles that were discarded at the military bases were melted and remade into the glassware. This has come to be known as Ryukyu glass.
I found it very strange to learn that salt is one of the top souvenir choices in Okinawa. However, locals themselves attest that it is worth it. Aguni Sea Salt not only has a unique sweet-salty taste, but it also comes packed with different minerals. There are two variants of Aguni sea salt: wood-fired and sun-dried. It is made at the Okinawa Sea Salt Research Institute. I was willing to purchase this as it was practical and would pack easier than glass art objects could.
I purchased other foods as well. A snack called a Beniimo Tart was one of the unusual ones. It is made with Beniimo (purple sweet potatoes) which are Okinawa’s local specialty. A slightly unique souvenir in Okinawa, Kokutoh chocolate, was another. While it brings together an unusual combination of brown sugar and chocolate, the flavors blend together deliciously. The chocolate made me think of Yegor, but he can’t have any for a while due to the caffeine content no mixing well with the medication he is on. Menbei is a very famous type of senbei (rice cracker) that is originally known as a popular souvenir from Fukuoka. However, the menbei you can find in Okinawa come in various unique flavors that you wouldn't be able to find in Fukuoka, such as shikuwasa (a type of local citrus fruit).
Other things included: Orion beer is Okinawa’s local beer which is sold at every convenience store or liquor stores. In fact, it’s the 5th largest beer company in Japan. Blue Seal is a franchised ice cream shop from Okinawa, offering varieties of ice cream flavors using local ingredients. It’s more common than Baskin Robbins in Okinawa. One of significant local dishes in Okinawa is Okinawa Soba. Sold in packages like ramen noodles are in the States. Soft candy “Hi-Chew” is very popular sweets in Japan and often sold with local-limited flavors. In Okinawa, you can find them in Pineapple, Mango and Shikuwasa (local citrus fruits) flavors. Chinsuko is Okinawa’s traditional cookies and has been the most popular souvenir for many decades. The cookies are made from sugar, flour, and lard. The classic flavor is butter, but it also comes in other variants such as chocolate, cinnamon, honey ginger, coffee, sesame salt, purple yam, and brown sugar. Sata andagi is Okinawa’s version of fried doughnuts. The dough is shaped into spheres and deep-fried, making for a crispy exterior and a chewy interior. Reminds me a bit of a traditional “hush puppy” back home, only these are sweet. Sata andagi comes in a variety of flavors, ranging from simple variants, such as plain or brown sugar, to more elaborate versions such as coconut, black sesame, coffee, and purple yam. This dessert keeps for a relatively long time, which is why it’s a favorite.
I still had Vit’s per diem to spend and was growing frustrated. I decided to head across the street to a grocer and out of curiosity, and because they too had per diem they needed to spend, several members of my group opted to come with me rather than go through the security gates. Well, at least I got things that were practical, and the store owner seemed happy. Looking at my list I purchased: Persimmon vinegar, Pepper paste, Yuzu honey, Yuzu marmalade, Yuzu salt, Powdered yuzu seasoning, Yuzusco hot sauce, Powdered ginger seasoning, Dried candied Japanese citrus peel, Rose salt, Rose syrup, Seaweed paste, Concentrated noodle soup base (in bottle), Papaya sauce (Worcestershire-like sauce), Tofu jerky, Black garlic, Noodles, Rice cakes, Taro crème mix, and Japanese style udon. Now the question becomes how I am going to get this stuff shipped back home.
Tomorrow is our last port in Japan and then three in Taiwan. I am really not looking forward to returning to China but I don’t see any way around it so I need to just deal with it. About like I am about to deal with the ridiculous amount of laundry that I have been putting off. Ugh.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you.
Chapter 312: Dec 4 – Ishigaki Island, Japan
Apparently I am “too good at my job” because I have basically been assigned for the “duration” – whatever that means – to personally escort the particular group of SOs from yesterday on various excursions.
“And why am I being so punished?” I asked Polina when I turned in my report for the day.
“Do not look at it as a punishment Little Sister. Look at it as an opportunity.”
“An opportunity for what? Residence in an insane asylum?”
Polina snickered. “Not so bad.”
“So says you.” She snickered again. I bet she wouldn’t be laughing if it was she playing the role I am in. But I will do this. Even Vit seems to think it is a good thing, an opportunity. On the other hand, I wonder if it isn’t a means for him to protect me. While the Mitkin situation is almost assuredly at an end, there are other things going on beneath the surface that Vit does not speak of and I hesitate to ask about again or bring up. I’ll think about that later after my brain settles down.
Ishigaki Island may be the largest island and transportation hub of the Yaeyama Islands, has a likewise named city, but it is still mostly nature activities like beaches and kayaking. My tour group was the same group of SOs as yesterday. I’ve got their number and have figured out how to work with them. I brought the underwater case for my phone and took plenty of pictures which I then put on approved storage devices. I delivered them to their rooms tonight after writing my daily report.
We did some extremely ridiculous things today, things I would have expected with the high schoolers back on the B but not with this group given some of their ages. Or maybe that was the novelty for them, they could “adventure” in a small group without having to look like they weren’t acting their ages. I’m not sure but I’ll do my best to very the activities from here on out with that in mind.
Some of what we did today was ride on Yufushima Island with a water buffalo car and lunch at a restaurant (in a bento box with Okinawan food). Next we took our water buffalo cart sightseeing in a village with a red tiled roofs and a white sand road.
The big activity of the tour was going to Phantom Island and Snorkeling. Phantom Island is a small coral island that appears and disappears with the tide. The tour took us to the coral reefs around Ishigaki and the other Yaeyama islands, as well as Phantom Island. We saw lots of colorful fish and the manta rays known to populate the area. My only discomfort was that the SOs insisted that I dress like them when we were snorkeling, in other words a civilian bathing suit. Most of them also wore one-piece suits so that wasn’t the problem, it was the obvious expense of the suits. I was gifted with one and wore it after clearing it with Polina. At least it is in a color similar to the green of my uniform.
On the way back to the ship the women were in a good mood and there was time for a short break at Kaiji Beach. No time for shopping today so I’ll have to see how things go in Taipei tomorrow. This is a complication I hadn’t really planned for. I still must supervise the other excursions, though it looks like there will fewer of those, while also playing duenna to the SOs. I hope I know what I am doing.
Chapter 313: Dec 5 – Taipei, Taiwan (1)
We arrived in port at 8 am and will be here overnight and there is a planned sailaway at 4 pm tomorrow. It made for a long day today. A very long day as I am still directly in charge of what I am calling the “SO Group.” Today was a high of 67 degrees F and was very pleasant most of the time except for a brief bit of damp on the mountain and even that was more an adventure than a problem but first came a visit to a wet market.
The “Wet Market” was something that security was very concerned about. If there was a way to get out of it without offending our hosts they would have, or so is my understanding. Additionally there were some “polite” protestors making known their displeasure with a recent trade agreement with China further complicating things.
My group of SOs were a little grossed out by the wet market but they weren’t obvious about it. In fact I’m pretty sure no one besides me noticed. They are good diplomats’ wives that’s for certain. We started off by immersing ourselves in the bustling markets of Taipei and enjoying a sampling of delicious street food. Locals visit their neighborhood markets daily to buy the freshest produce, noodles, seafood and meats; housewares, clothing and other goods are also often for sale. The atmosphere was like being in the midst of a giant butcher shop. The smells were as you’d expect.
Later, we headed to Taipei’s Old Town for a visit to Dihua Street. Long an important center for commerce, this street is the oldest in the city; though much of it was constructed in the 1850s, portions trace their roots back to the mid-17th century. We got a feel for Taipei’s past as we passed shops selling everything from herbs and spices to clothes and temple icons. We also had an opportunity to sample local favorites, such as pan-fried pork belly buns, fried chicken pie, and stinky tofu. Stinky tofu, ugh. With the exception of durian, it is probably the most polarizing food in Asia. The smell reminded me strongly of rotting garbage, but on a dare I tried it in one of its traditional dishes. Cold cubes of stinky tofu topped with shredded lettuce and sprinkled dried seaweed, salt and pepper, sweet soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil. While the tofu is a subtle but disconcerting shade of pale duck-egg green, it has a creamy texture like firm cottage cheese. The savory topping and the sweetness of the soy combine well with the slightly sour tofu. Eating it certainly helps one forget the smell, but only if you concentrate.
All of the SOs cheered and some of them even agreed to give it a try themselves. When we got back to the ship for a quick change before the remainder of the day’s activities, Polina wanted to see me.
“I wouldn’t recommend it,” I told her. At her silence I added, “I’ve been eating Stinky Tofu and …”
“No more,” she said with a gag. “Just a message. Dylan Petric says he will be making a family call tomorrow. That the time difference is an abomination so be ready to receive him.”
“Would you like me to …”
“Nyet. If you have a care for my stomach you will stay far away until the … *gag* … smell is gone.”
“Understood Chief Ivanov.”
“Umnaya,” she groaned.
Smart ass was the least she could have called me. Some of my sisters and sister-in-laws threatened great bodily harm if I didn’t take my cast iron stomach away … far away.
I spent the remainder of the day and into the evening traveling with the SOs on a Taipei Tea and Sightseeing Tour. We were picked up by a van and headed to the mountains for a ride on the Maokong Gondola. It was a short but scenic aerial ride. Afterwards we stopped by the Tea Museum to gain a deeper understanding of authentic Taiwanese tea. The sweeping views at Maokong were icing on the cake of having our guide recommend specialty Taiwanese dishes cooked with Taiwanese tea.
From there we made a photo stop above Thousand Island Lake (Qiandao Lake) that is nestled in a vertile valley in the upper reaches of the Jade reservoir before traveling on to Bagua Tea Plantation. On arrival at the largest tea plantation in northern Taiwan and perhaps the country’s most photographed, amid a setting of forested and terraced hills, we immediately dug deep into tea culture.
Taiwan is relatively new to the world’s tea scene, having only produced tea for the last two centuries or so. It might seem like Taiwan would have a hard time competing with the thousands of years of tea production in neighboring China. However, capitalism and free market have fueled healthy competition and have pushed constant innovation and improvement in tea growth and production. Taiwan’s tea competitions also play an important role in keeping tea production fresh and innovative. These competitions can draw thousands of entries, often from around the world. Winning teas are usually auctioned off and can go for upwards of US$25,000 for about 600 grams of tea. That’s not even a pound and a half of tea leaves.
We re-boarded our van for the drive to our final destination of the day: Shihting Old Street . There we participated in a traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony with a tea expert and enjoyed a cup of Taiwanese tea in the cozy atmosphere of an old tea house to learn how to steep the perfect pot of tea. Then our guide turned us loose to do more shopping and to be taken back to the cruise pier by public transportation.
I had no problem spending the per diem if anyone is wondering. First came pineapple cakes prepackaged so they were easier to get back on the ship. I got nearly a case of Taiwan’s peanut nougat bars as I knew Vit had a fondness (weakness?) for them. Of course I bought loose leaf oolong tea and several other teas which is where most of the money went. I got an amazing number of postcards as well and my box nearly won’t hold them all now. Next came plum wine and milk tea. And a couple of oil umbrellas. I was tempted by some jade earrings but didn’t buy them as I knew Henry was making another group buy of jade. I likely wasn’t supposed to overhear that Vit was helping Yegor make a purchase of Jade for resale at some point.
I am glad that I didn’t buy any because I came in to find that Vit has picked up some jade pieces that he says he will turn into jewelry at some point down the road. He also has more gold and silver wire to add to his growing collection. However, he also bought a small vase made of seven color jade.
Everyone thinks that jade only comes in various shades of green but that isn’t true. It also comes in red, yellow, lavender, black, and white. The most uncommon is where the various colors are mixed together and called jade serpentine. I will treasure the vase always and I’ve already got it locked in our room safe to make sure nothing happens to it. Vit was very happy at my response. I can’t explain it, the bright and happy color combination seemed to drive out the clouds.
“You will have lots of your happy colors in our home. I insist on it.”
I chuckled at his milk silliness. “You’ll get a headache.”
“Nii. And you will wear the bright color clothes you prefer as well.”
“Vit …”
“Nii. It will be so. You make me very happy when you smile this way.”
“Mmmm. And you make me very happy with your gifts but also when you tell me you know that you are the best gift.”
Fine. We were both being silly. I’m happy that he is sleeping now and hopefully will sleep through the night. I know he is hiding something from me and it eats at him. He worries. I didn’t ask my questions because I knew it would only stress him out more. I know the gifts were in part because he felt guilty. Starting tomorrow I am going to be my own type of 007. They control the media and news here on the ship, they cannot control what I see when I am off-ship. I will simply have to be sneaky about my own information gathering.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Another thank you.
Chapter 314: Dec 6 – Taipei, Taiwan (2)
Two long days in Taipei. Despite the news being blocked on the ship and everything in Japanese off the ship so it isn’t readily translatable by anyone on from the ship, I have started my own campaign of intelligence gathering. Strangely I also noted that our guides made a lot of effort to keep world news out of the conversation. I on the other hand have an ear for languages and understood what was being said around me as well as catching bits of conversations of other international tourists. The news is not good. A sector of the Chinese government has turned very hawkish as a way to deal with their internal struggles. There are a lot of protests and they aren’t just economic but includes the Hong Kong freedom movement, Tibet, and various ethnic and religious protests.
They (the Chinese) claim that an international coalition is baiting them to start a war. They further claim this is being led by Russia. It is possible but unlikely. Russia has its own severe economic and geo-political issues it is dealing with and after the decades of Russo-Ukraine conflict, they aren’t looking to get into another war anytime soon. Not unless pushed. There is still a lot of resentment over Russia’s treatment of China during the North Korean missile blunder as Russia continues to blame China for NK’s overreaching and having components to make the bombs in the first place. It is a circular argument. I noted that Russian personnel and Russian diplomats are on high alert to avoid any potential instigation of an incident. They aren’t leaving the P so as to avoid any possible instigating incident.
I’m beginning to use my position to blend in to the group of SOs. Strangely they have begun to treat me almost as if I am one of them rather than as simply a guide, or a member of their security detail. This is so different from it was on the B. It makes me think of what might have beens and what would have been had I made more effort to fend off some of the treatment that had come my way. Then again, the SOs on the B weren’t as high ranking as the SOs that I now deal with. Still, it does make me wonder.
Our excursions started early in the morning. I came prepared with tea and coffee which the SOs all fell on gratefully. Another tally mark in my favor.
For five hours we participated in a tour called Landscapes and Lanterns. We visited Yehliu Geopark, home to a naturally created statue park. Known as hoodoo stones, these unique formations are created by the effects of erosion on hard and soft rock layers. Our guide told us to marvel at nature’s artistry while admiring creations such as the iconic “Queen’s Head,” “Ginger Rock” or “Mushroom Fields” in their scenic coastal setting. I admit they were very unique.
“Would you create a slideshow from all of our photos? I heard you did it before … on your first assignment.”
“I was working with young people. I don’t want to insult you by …”
“It is not an insult. I am useless with this tech nonsense, especially since my daughter has gone to university. It is like some black hole follows me around and it breaks just from me looking at it. Please? Help?”
Well it was no skin off my nose. I had to pull something together for the Home Office anyway. All the SOs seemed thrilled with the possibilities so I pulled out my old scrapbooking program and simply upgraded some of the backgrounds, dropped in photos, and then turned it into a slideshow while I was formatting my report for Polina.
After the geopark we headed inland to Jiufen, a quaint village built up the slopping mountainside. This once-sleepy little hamlet experienced an economic boom in the late 19th century when gold was discovered nearby. Today, the gold is long gone, and Jiufen is better known for its lantern-lined alleyways, teahouses and photograph setting. We strolled through the historic commerce district to browse its many shops and sampled some of the local cuisine on before we had to hurry back to the pier area and pick up the next part of our day-long excursion.
The afternoon portion of our day covered Taipei Culture and Lifestyle. Our first stop was the Lin Family Mansion and Garden, one of the “Four Great Gardens of Taiwan.” Built in the mid-19th century, it is the country’s most complete surviving example of traditional Chinese garden architecture. We strolled along its pathways and admired the exotic flora set amid several different tranquil settings. Then we learned more about Taiwan’s political history with a brief stop at the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The white facade and blue octagonal roof honor the republic’s former president, who led the government from 1928 to 1975. Afterward, we continued to the Taipei Lecture Hall where we took a seat on a straw mat and observed the art of Chinese tea making.
The ceremony couldn’t be rushed but we were to get back to the ship on time. I’ve finished my report and turned them in. I’ve delivered the slideshow to each SO. I managed to eat dinner with Vit … who refused to talk about anything but my day before he was called away to yet another meeting. And waited for a call from Dylan that never came. I did get a very brief apology and that he’d get back with me when he could in the next few days. No family emergency. Grrr. I nearly called him but decided to let it go. I have questions to ask but need to get them formatted in a way that he won’t blow me off or shut down. I’d use some of the family to try and get info on that end but Dylan monitors my communications. For now I will try and put what I know into a picture that makes sense rather than just in blobs of info.