This is our on-board Buddhist monk and meditation teacher, Bhante. He is teaching a very sweet mindfulness practice every morning and usually there’s a pretty good turnout… maybe 40. I am so happy that he is here! He is originally from Sri Lanka and now is the head of the Blue Lotus Temple in Chicago.
Wondering Along 
Ahhh! Peace at Sea! What a wonderful addition to your trip!
Hi, Claire! ; – ) I just caught up on your travels (thus far) via your blog. The photos are beeeeeyoootiful–even the “simple/no-big-deal” pics (speaking of mindfulness)… and in conjunction with your re-counting your day-to-day activities, I get a strong sense of my being out there on the excursion personally! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I hope and trust you’re feeling good overall, and that the intermittent-homesickness is softening around the edges… ; – ) ♥ Having traveled a bit myself, I imagine that linear/calendar time will become elusive to you, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself in Charlottesville, longing to be back on that doggone boat in the open sea! HA! ; – ) Sending LOTS of love and good wishes, Claire– for today and for this coming year. I look forward to seeing you in 3D when you return. (We’re long overdue!) Until then, I’ll be keeping up with you online. Big hugs. A million good wishes. ; – ) Stevie ♥.¸¸.•*¨*♥*¨*•.♫•¸¸.•*¨*•♫.¸¸.•*¨*♥