We visited the Gotheborg II when it docked here in the first week of January. But between a mother who didn't like rustic living and rocky boats and a kid who would rather be in VivoCity's rooftop playground, it was hard for me to loiter on board the ship for a long time. The Gotheborg II is a replica of the original ship that sailed between Europe and China until it sank just off the Swedish coast more than 250 years ago.
The modern-day builders wanted to make it an exact replica but didn't the original plans. Almost everything - the nails, blocks, ropes and waterproofing cordage - was lovingly recreated by hand in the traditional method, save for minimal air-conditioning (for visitors more used to cushy lifestyles), navigation and safety systems and equipment for cooking and hygiene purposes. It took nearly two years and 1,000 oak trees (plus other raw materials) to build the ship. Wish I could spend a few days just to get a feel of it. I'd probably barf a lot though!
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