In the Footsteps of Magellan

The Clarks of New Jersey are about to embark and an incredible journey to the other side of the world, to the land where Ferdinand Magellan gained immortality, but lost his life.

Natalie and Theo on their way to Manila, 

via Dubai.

Our trip won't be quite that exciting, but look at these faces, gentle reader. Natalie, 8, and Theodore, 11, are about to spend 24 hours or so up in the air on a United Arab Emirates based Emirates Air jumbo jet. Look closely, and you'll see the high-tech seat back video monitors and television screens that one comes to expect from an oil-rich nation governed by a hereditary monarchy. (I cannot say for sure, but it's my understanding that the TVs broadcast only two channels: the Al Jazeera network; and a continuous loop of Rambo III.)

On Monday night, the entire family will meet again in Manila at the charming Hotel H20, which according to the brochure, "draws its inspiration from water, the elixer of life." I suspect they serve beer in the bar, but again, I cannot say for sure.