[Directly transcribed from my logbook – introduction to the trip here]
Monday, October 6th, 2014.
The adventure! The adventure!
I left Brussels early this morning, it took me only a few minutes to reach the central station, then not even an hour in a train towards Antwerp. First photo: my two backpacks that sandwich me. Even if there is no real luggage weight restriction on a ship, I travel light because when in South America, I will have to carry everything.
On this automn day, the weather is grey and chilly. Dutch is predominantly spoken in the northern part of Belgium, even if French can still be heard once in a while. Anyway English was the easiest for me to interact with people at the station or in town. A little bit ahead of my boarding appointment, I have time to walk around and take some rest in a small café. I don’t feel excited, however I peacefully enjoy the great satisfaction of finding myself in a travel situation again*.
It’s crazy how my sensations have changed: whereas in recent weeks I felt weak and not very self-confident, hitting the road and beginning this new odyssey have risen my energy level! I now feel myself in movement – although I do really not know where I’m going – and what is certain is I am about to live an extraordinary experience…
A taxi drives me from the city center to the harbour, without any problem. A bit expensive but no other option was possible. What a strange impression when I arrive! In front of my eyes, in real life, the huge white and yellow cargo ships of the Grimaldi company… I had so often looked at them on the internet, on marinetraffic.com, here, now, this is it, this is reality!
Very good reception at the office at the terminal AET 1333 (AET for Antwerp Euro Terminal), as well as the point of regulation of the entry of trucks. There the man on duty checked my ticket and passport, then gave me a ride, with the security car, directly to the entrance of the cargo ship. I climb aboard straightaway, through the same gateway as cars do. No significant formalty here: my papers were inspected a second time but the contact with the crew is immediately super easy and friendly.
[…]
On board, Gerald, the steward, shows me my cabin. First observation: not very spacious. Glad I am not sharing it with anyone! Originally in my research about cargo ships I was looking for a travel companion to share the room and the costs. Space is not very large, but there is everything I need: bed, cupboard, bathroom with towel and soap, even a small desk whose form of drawer cabinet unfortunately doesn’t allow room for the legs. Curious and excited, after leaving my bags I take a walk around, discover the kitchen, the dining room, the gym, the corridors: on such a boat they are called passageways, their walls regularly display safety instructions.
Back to my cabin, I take the time to settle: inflation of my pilates ball (yes!), unfolding of a map of the world, it will find its place near the cabin entrance. And of course, I start taking notes on my notebook. At that time, I still don’t truly realize where I am, but I am very happy: what a fantastic experience!!
After a while, second stroll, outside this time. The deck overlooks the harbor esplanade on which are conscientiously arranged containers and cars. Some towing vehicles and cranes are working, but the activity is at the moment far from being frantic. Cold air on my skin makes me put on my fleece jacket. I already like the wind… and we haven’t left yet!
On the upper deck, there are wide and empty spaces. Don’t know yet if there will be things in there but this space already calls me. It is not likely that I can dance here, because of the bumps on the ground every 2 or 3 meters, but I love the place already. Elbows on the rail, eyes fixed on the horizon, I stay silent for a little while. The horizon is overcast but my intuition tells me it will clear up soon…
Bit by bit, I meet the crew members. Some of them will not make the crossing with me because they are at the end of their shift. On the contrary, some other will arrive tomorrow. All of them – only men – are happy to meet me and chat a few minutes. Back in my cabin, I am doubly glad to be able to listen to music: firstly it fills up the space and fosters good mood, secondly it covers a constant blower which prevents the silence to be soothing. I hope this background noise won’t keep me from sleeping…
In the evening, I discover the food service. First dinner on the container ship! I am asked to sit at the captain’s table, and like in a restaurant the steward brings us the dishes. Italian with long black hair, the captain is very different from old sailor with a grey beard that can be encountered in books… At the time of the meal I also get to know Laurent, only other passenger for this journey. He is a French retiree, very nice. We exchange our first impressions, both of us have eyes and ears wide open, delighted. He lends me a book called “cargo ship travel guide”, which I start reading immediately, with great pleasure.
Meal times are enjoyable moments: not only because of the very good food prepared by a professional Italian cook, but because they are all opportunities to get to know more the captain and navigation officers, as well as to collect information about the ship, the crew, the trip, the countries visited. For crew members, the days at port are intense working days; once at sea, they have a bit more free time. With Laurent, we will find little by little our place in the pace of life aboard. We still have many questions, but we still have plenty of time as well 🙂
At night, we go together for a walk, close to the “bridge”, the navigation room. Towing machines, cranes, containers form a real ballet and are much more magical at night than during the day. It rains a little; I don’t stay long because it is rather cold.
What could I add to this (half) day?
Yesterday, Julie, a friend of mine, showed me how to knit. I had learned it a long time ago but not practiced for ages! And so, I knit a little tonight, accompanied by the sound of bachata music. It’s a good activity: it requires concentration but different from working on a screen, is useful (the result will be a soft scarf that will warm me up during cold weather), pleasant to do, furthermore motivating as progress of the work is quickly visible.
With the perspective of a few weeks without phone or internet connection, I brought many things to do on board: 300 books in my e-reader, music and movies on my laptop, as well as meditations to listen to, a howl to sew – gift of my mother for the trip, a few origami and knitwear! I look forward to doing each of these activities… We leave only tomorrow at around 11 pm, therefore we have one more day to occupy before going to sea and spending some time watching the big blue…
I forgot to mention the sport room: with a bike, a ping pong table, a table soccer, darts, and different weights to lift, it offers a range of option to stay fit while traveling. Let’s see what I am going to use! A slight inconvenience is the absence of a mat for stretching or other moves. Doesn’t matter, will do in my own cabin. And I am glad I took a pilate ball, yay!
Buona notte.
*Author’s note: a few months before starting this journey I had already been travelling during 10 months.
Continue reading (coming soon)
Nathalie's Travel Stories 