Exploration of China 1521

Begining the Voyage

Aug 13, 1521

Today we start our long, trecherous voyage to the cost of China with 6 ships funded by the King of Spain. We are all excited and ready for adventure. I have already found that being a crew member is hard work, shifting sails and moping decks. We have the open seas ahead of us and are thrilled for the adventure.

Exploration of China 1500s

Period: Aug 13, 1521 to May 28, 1523

Stormy Seas

Aug 31, 1521

Today we were out in the middle of the sea and we encountered an unexpected storm and almost lost one of our ships! it nearly tipped over and plundged into the ocean! It was a very exelerating experience!

Elmina Castle (Port)

Sep 2, 1521

We docked at Elmina, one of the first ports to export African slaves, to re-supply after the storm, because some of our food and wine fell overboard.

Whaling

Nov 27, 1521

Today most of the crew members and I had a chance to go whaling of the cost of southern Africa. It was very fun and exciting, and the crew will be eating well tonight!

Melinde (Port)

Feb 8, 1522

We docked at port to rest for a few days. When we returned to the ship, some of the crew dreaded going back on the boat and jumeped off and swam back to Melinde. I considered it, but figured after we return from china I'll have obtained untold riches.

Madras (Port)

Oct 24, 1522

Today we Visited Madras an Indian port in the Bay of Bengal. We traded with the Indians for spices and herbs, and also aquired some jade.

Pirates

Oct 26, 1522

Today our ships were overrun by pirated somewhere of the eastern Indian cost. We only suvived with two ships and a weeks supply of food. we are headed to the next port to rebuddle.

Paradip (Port)

Nov 1, 1522

After the pirate attack we reached the town of Paradip, and re-supplied. We realized that our two ships could not hold all of the men we had and we could not afford enough rations, so 23 men voulenteered to stay behind in Paradip.

Nearing China

Dec 19, 1522

Today a passing-by ship said that a Chinese port was near and only a couple of days east. When this was said you could hear the whole deck go up in cheer! We are all so excited, out voyage is almost complete.

Amoy (Port)

Jan 1, 1523

We finally reached China! We are all bursting with joy and are trrading with the Chinese for jade, and rubies, and spices like jasmine, and salt! But most importantly we traded for silk, the real prize, the one thing we came for. Our journey home will be quite tretchorous but we have high hopes for our futures back home with all of these wonderful items!