Life among the sea's

Day 1 (Leaving Spain)

Jan 8, 1500

We are leaving port today. I will miss you Spain! The captain is a stubborn and bull-headed man, but he isn't stupid. He knows what he's doing. I would trust him with my life. I can only hope that there are no accidents that happen on the sea, but there is no way to know for sure.

Life on the sea's in the 1500's

Period: Jan 8, 1500 to Sep 21, 1501

The time of a trader

Day 5 (Update)

Jan 12, 1500

We've been at sea for five days and I'm already home sick. The Captain never lets us sleep for fear of "pirates." What kind of pirates would attack us?! We do have silver, but I don't think we look valuable. The few times we do get sleep, we have to sleep on the deck. It's not easy to sleep when water is splashing you.

Day 48 (First stop)

Feb 19, 1500

We've finally made it to Liberia! We stopped for the day and got to sleep in real beds! We bought some slaves from some traders like ourselves, however, they seemed like they knew something we didn't. I don't like what happened, but at least we have more cargo.

Day 76 (Slaves)

Mar 25, 1500

We have been on the sea for so long now. I've forgotten what real bread tastes like! The slaves have been acting ill and have been coughing. I think they might be sick, or something worse. The captain has assigned me to keep a watch on them. As if I didn't have enough work!

Day 101 (Scurvy?)

May 2, 1500

We stopped at South Africa. My teeth and gums are starting to hurt, probably from all the hardtack we eat. I wish we stil had oranges from the first day we left. Perhaps the captain will let us buy some?

Day 124 (Update on slaves)

May 14, 1500

The slaves I've been tasked of watching are sick. They have begun dying and whailing in pain, too. Some of the men have caught the sickness and the Captain told us to kill them. No one wanted to, so the Captain shot them both. I'm thinking I need to rethink my loyalties.

Day 156 (Pirates!)

Jul 17, 1500

We were going between Madagascar and Mozimbique when a group of pirates attacked us! We don't have any weapons on the ship, so we couldn't shoot them, however. We grabbed torches and oils, so when they went to board us, we lit their boat on fire. I'm just thankful to be alive. We lost too many men to completely manage the ship, so many of us are having to do multiple jobs.

Day 178 (Close call)

Aug 28, 1500

We've stopped at Somalia and fixed the ship. While the builders repaired it, some other men and I went to a local tavern to get some rum. While we in there, we overheard some men talking about there friends who had left to capture some merchant vessels. I ran to the captain and he siad we would leave as soon as the ship was repaired. Phew!

Day 196 (Indonesia)

Sep 25, 1500

We've made it into Indonesia territory. These waters have been foggy for the last couple of days. I'm having fears of sea monsters attacking when we all go to sleep. I can only hope the tales aren't true.

Day 215 (China!)

Oct 18, 1500

We've finally made it to China! We sold all remaining cargo and bought as many spices, tea, and many other exotic items. I am so ready to be done with the voyage, as it has consumed my life. I believe that when we get back, I might buy a ship of my own with the pay I recieve. Time will tell.

Day 357 (Coming home)

Dec 25, 1500

We've made it back to Spain! Christmas day truly is a day of giving. I am so happy to be back, 2,000 gold coins for a years worth of traveling? Sounds good to me! If only I can find a doctor to fix my teeth. My gums are in terrible shape from the scurvy I caught. After I get settled down again, I'm gonna buy a boat and be a merchant of my own. Or even work for the Emperor.