Boring boat trip.

From Ireland I took a ferry across to France, so as to get to the city of love and romance, Paris. I learnt a lot on this ferry trip...most importantly... take along something to do. Something that can keep you busy for between 16 and 18 hours... unless you are a seasoned traveller and have learnt the art of sleeping anywhere, anytime (lucky you). I unfortunately had not learnt that skill quite yet, and so was wide awake (with the exception of a restless hour or so) for basically the entire 18 hour trip. Usually you would have Wi-Fi available, and it's free at that, so make use of the time to upload some of your photo's, without having to pay crazy internet cafe prices, or rely on, sometimes "iffy", hostel internet. Unfortunately the Wi-Fi wasn't working, so unfortunately YouTube videos, Facebook and Twitter were out of the question. Movies saved to my computer, writing in my journal, and making friends with random strangers (who are now not so strange) sufficed none-the-less.

If like me, you are trying to save money, book a seat instead of a bunk and make sure you have your sleeping bag with you. The seats recline, but I found crashing on the floor was a bit easier. The floors are carpeted with about 30 seats in a room with plenty of space around the seats, so you should have space. If you are willing to pay a bit more, go for a bunk. These are apparently a lot comfier and more private, especially if you are travelling in a group.

Be prepared to spend a little more on the ferry. Prices are rather high for food and the cinema etc., particularly when converting Rand into Euro's, so take a packed lunch, snacks and something to drink if you want to avoid paying. That, my friends, is how to travel cheaply/like a student.

My ferry trip was pretty boring, and excruciatingly long, but I did meet some really wonderful people. Take the time to chat to people around you. If you are lucky you might meet someone who is from the place you are visiting next. They can give you some tips on sites to see, cultural expectations, laws you may not have known about, and most importantly may help you overcome the language barrier a little. I was extremely fortunate to meet a lovely French girl who helped me learn a few phrases and wrote some things down for me. She also helped to find someone who was going to the station in Cherbourg, and so I was able to walk with someone who knew his way around.

I have met the most interesting people on my limited travels and have been so incredible amazed to see how kind and helpful people can be, regardless of culture, nationality or language. It is simply about taking the time to get to know someone, sharing a story or two and making a friend. :)

Unfortunately no photo's for this one, but please continue to read this blog and subscribe if you like.
Have a blessed week.