February 16, 2020
If I even hear the word ‘quarantine’, I am very calmly placing my phone, passport, credit cards and cash in a gallon-sized ziplock bag and will jump overboard, swim to shore, hire a tuk tuk, and get out of here!
After disembarking over 1,100 people yesterday, one tested positive for the coronavirus when she landed in Kuala Lumpur. She has been taken to a hospital for treatment, but that put everyone that was still on the ground, or in my case, a ship, in a no-fly-zone. My flights were cancelled and I spent all of today onboard the ship just waiting for more information.
My ship BFF and her husband are currently in a Phenom Phen hotel on lockdown with a decent sized group of other Westerdam guests. They can not leave their rooms and certainly do not have the luxury that this ship offers. I certainly feel for them.
I have 10 days until my first student tour of the season begins. Holland America has 9 ½ days to get me home.
In the meantime, I have photographed every carpet, piece of art and strange oddity that I can find on board. Please enjoy the photos while I patiently wait, with a ziplock bag in my hands, for more news from our Captain.
… more to come.
On the Road in 2023 
Great post 😁
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Love reading your story. I’m amazed at the hospitality of the staff and HAL.
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Hi – I am a friend of Pam Boudrot’s and I have been riveted by your story. Thank you for sharing with us and for staying strong throughout this nightmare. Hope you maintain your health – and your sanity.
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