I am not a Sailor, but pretend that I could be...

I am not a sailor, but I find myself pondering the incredible contrast between my current experience aboard the MSC Splendida and the challenges faced by sailors in the 18th Century and before. As I lay on my comfortable bed within the luxurious confines of this magnificent cruise ship listening to the waves outside my balcony, the sheer size and modern construction of the Splendida make it hard to believe that such marvels of engineering exist. The ship seems to glide effortlessly through the water, its sleek form slicing through the waves.

However, despite the ship's grace, I can't help but feel every subtle sway and gentle back-and-forth motion. It's as if the sea is playing a soothing lullaby, but my tummy churns, and there's a faint fuzziness in my head that cant be ignored. I can only imagine how different and challenging life at sea must have been for those intrepid sailors of centuries past.

In the 18th Century and earlier, sailors embarked on perilous voyages aboard wooden ships, navigating the vast oceans without the comforts and stability I now enjoy. They braved unpredictable weather, treacherous waters, and the constant threat of piracy. Seasickness, a malady I'm currently starting to battling, must have been a common affliction among those brave souls.

I can't help but marvel at their courage and resilience, facing the unknown with determination and a sense of adventure. As I recline here in modern luxury, I'm reminded of the remarkable contrast between then and now, and I find a newfound appreciation for the hardships endured by those who sailed the seas in bygone eras.

In my book "The Journey of Love" I describe the voyage that Lizzy and James took from India to London, and they were both steady sailors, the glorious waves of the vast ocean did not impact these characters in the least. They even survived a sea battle!

I might come out the end of this amazing trip with my oesophagus and stomach still in my body... motion sickness tabs might help!

Waving to you all from the MSC Splendida sailing on the Indian Ocean :)