Last night proved to be a perfect time for looking at stars. On our many sea days between Crete and Oman, we had just entered the Arabian Sea. As darkness fell, the sea settled into the calm of a placid lake, with only the lightest of mists drifting above the water’s surface. No clouds masked the near full, but already waning, moon, and we were told Jupiter was visible just above the horizon. The night air was still and balmy—ideal weather for being outdoors.
But what made it a perfect night for checking out the belt of Orion and other constellations? Well, we’ve been listing to a lot of lecturers on these sea days who always take their time at wending their way to making their point. So in a homage to them, here’s my roundabout answer.
Our stops so far on this cruise have reminded us time and again how so much of the Mediterranean world was once Islamic—from the Moors in Portugal and France to the Ottoman empire that ruled Egypt, Crete and Malta. The influence remains in language, architecture, food and even many of the scientific ideas that fueled the Renaissance and create our modern technological world.
Both the sights and our lecturers remind us also of the many battles across the centuries between Christians and Muslims. It wasn’t just the Crusades. The back-and-forth is long and complex. A lecturer yesterday reviewed the many people involved with dividing the Middle East between French and British influence after World War I. The separation wasn’t very logical, and its illogic helps fuel the flames of current battles.
Up ahead will be stops in Oman, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We’ve been drilled on the appropriate dress and behavior in these Islamic ports.
In short, this sea voyage has opened my eyes to many of the centuries-long ebbs and flows of history that continue to shape the battles between a Caliphate and the West, between Christian and Islamic traditions.
And that brings me to my starry nights. If it weren’t for the strife in Somalia and the threats of terrorists, this ship wouldn’t be sailing through these seas in a near blackout condition. But if the usual festoons of lights were blazing on the upper decks, there would be no way we could gaze out at the myriad of stars and contemplate our own insignificance.
Robert is taking a breather, and will be back on our next post after Muscat, Oman.
To check out Dennis’s novels, visit www.amazon.com/author/dennisfrahmann
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