Plot

Lisbon, Marseilles, Naples, Athens, Istanbul, Cairo, Aden and Bombay. Along with a university teacher and her little daughter, we embark on a long journey, experiencing different cultures and civilizations.

Rosa Maria, a history professor, and her young daughter embark on a cruise from Lisbon to Bombay, where they explore famous historical sites in the Mediterranean. Along the way, they meet interesting passengers with whom they can discuss culture and civilization. But while the journey goes smoothly, an unforeseen event disrupts the harmony.—Arte

A meditation on civilization. July, 2001. Friends wave as a cruise ship departs Lisbon for Mediterranean ports and the Indian Ocean. On board and on day trips in Marseilles, Pompeii, Athens, Istanbul and Cairo, a professor tells her young daughter about myth, history, religion and wars. Men approach her; she's cool, on her way to her husband in Bombay. After Cairo, for two evenings divided by a stop in Aden, the captain charms three successful, famous (and childless) women, who talk with wit and intellect, each understanding the others' native tongue, a European union. The captain asks mother and child to join them. He gives the girl a gift. Helena sings. Life can be sweet.—<jhailey@hotmail.com>