So... things to report, in chronological order, some in non-narrative form due to time constraints.

-The Sri Lanka story ends with me being robbed in a very odd way, at knifepoint. It all happened in such a way that I really didn't think of it as a "robbery" per se until afterward... then I realized. I only lost $40 and I could've/should've lost more. There was haggling involved. Yes, it's gotten to the point that I will now haggle with a couple of robbers in Sri Lanka. It's a great story, and it's well worth the $40 I paid to live it. If another taxi driver had come up to me and said, at the gate, "That's $20 to drive you around for a couple of hours, show you the sights of Colombo, and then back to the ship, or for $40 we'll make you think you may be kidnapped, demand money from you, threaten you for a prolonged period of time at knifepoint, and 'rob' you, all before leaving you near your shuttle bus pickup point," I'd have taken the latter option.

-More bad news... this one is due to my own absolute stupidity. I bought a new digital camera onboard to replace the one that died in the African desert. I had it for a week then I left it in the open side pocket of my messenger bag as I went out for the day in Shanghai. By the time I got to a taxi, it was already gone. Well done, pickpockets of Shanghai! Enjoy the 1GB worth of photos of my life, which is undoubtedly more interesting than yours. Bastards.

- Even all that considered, Shanghai was a blast... but pales in comparison to today in... HONG KONG. I will have many photos (from my old, old camera) up of my first experience with a tailor. I have bought suits before and had them tailored, but the suits I'm getting here (at GREAT prices) are being made, fitted, and designed for me. Awesome. I have bought many gifts in SHanghai and Hong Kong, I will likely not spend much the rest of the contract. But man o man between the DVDs, the souvenirs, and the wagering on monkey gladiator fights, I'm going broke.

Okay, gotta run. I have a suit fitting at 4pm... then a second in the morning, then I pick up my suits!!! Awesome.

The new beard has gotten rave reviews here, people are always telling me not to shave it, saying I look "very distinguished," "older and more intelligent,"(was that one a compliment?), and my personal favorite "like a Jedi." Anyway, I am thinking of shaving it. It's a pain in the butt and while I do like the look of it, I'm a bit weary of the constant trimming. I guess none of you have really SEEN it, so... nevermind.