Seafarers of the Indian Ocean

We are currently traveling in the Indian Ocean on our way to Sri Lanka, arriving tomorrow. At 6 degrees lattitude we're really close to the equator which explains why it's so beastly hot!

Driven by curiosity about our surroundings, I embarked on an exploration of this vast ocean, uncovering a wealth of fascinating information from the esteemed Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think tank. The Indian Ocean region includes a number of nations, each with its unique coastal allure or island charm. From the bustling shores of India and the picturesque beaches of Thailand to the remote splendor of the Seychelles and the diverse landscapes of Australia's western and southern coasts, this region is a combination of cultures and natural wonders.
Beyond the mainland, the Indian Ocean is home to a myriad of captivating islands and archipelagos. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Lakshadweep Islands, and the Maldives boast of pristine beaches and turquoise waters. The Chagos Archipelago, a true natural paradise, and the volcanic Mascarene Islands, including Mauritius and Réunion, offer a glimpse into the region's geological diversity. We are headed there immediately following our African safari. Even the remote Kerguelen Islands, a French territory, hold their own unique allure. Here's a map of the countries that border or are located within the Indian Ocean region:

As most of us learned in elementary school, the demand for spices like pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg fueled a lucrative trade across the Indian Ocean for centuries. These aromatic spices, highly valued for their culinary and medicinal properties, originated from the lush islands and coastlines of Southeast Asia and were coveted by civilizations across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. The Carnegie report pointed out that the shipping lanes and trade routes in this area still account for over one-third of the world's bulk cargo traffic and two-thirds of the world's oil shipments.

The Indian Ocean region holds immense importance in today's geopolitical landscape, and a recently published Carnegie report from 2023 delves into its multifaceted significance. This comprehensive study put into context the region's economic, political, military, and geographic concerns within this ever evolving world of ours. I found it to be really interesting. Just in case you'd like to read the comprehensive report, I've put the link here: https://carnegieendowment.org/files/Baruah_IO_final_6-28.pdf

Our journey takes us to the captivating island nation of Sri Lanka, where we'll immerse ourselves in its rich culture for the next two days. Afterwards, our expedition continues as we set sail for Cochin, India, arriving on May 1st. From there, another world wonder awaits – the magnificent Taj Mahal, a testament to love's enduring legacy. As we traverse India, please note that our internet capabilities may be limited from May 1st to the 6th, posing a temporary pause in this virtual travelogue. But, it's merely a brief intermission. Once our connectivity is restored, I'll resume my blog posts, sharing tales and insights from our global adventures. So please stay tuned and together we'll continue this extraordinary journey, one virtual step at a time.