The MV Doulos is the oldest ocean going passenger liner in the world, and home to the world's largest floating bookshop (in all honesty, it's damn small). As far as I remmeber, it has made a port of call in Kuching 2 times, and I've visited it in both occasions. Most memorable was its latest visit to Kuching, when I was in high school. I volunteered to spend a day working in the ship just for the experience. I was assigned to do mostly stock taking in the hull of the ship where it was cramped and stuffy. Was a very interesting experience indeed!

When I heard that the Doulos is in Sydney for a few weeks, I didn't miss the chance to pay it a visit.

It's currently berthed near Darling Harbour, and I was quite surprised that it was almost empty when I visited.


Yeah, that's how empty it was. Truthfully speaking, the books are mostly out of date, and there are not much selections available. The ship is gonna be retired in 2010, but credits must be given to the hundreds of volunteers who spend a year or more of their lives on this ship, going around the world to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. It was actually quite special to be seeing the ship in Sydney after seeing it twice in Kuching. And to know that this ship has travelled around the world uncountable times, is even more surreal.

Oh, it's Merdeka day today. Happy Birthday Malaysia.