Ferry ride to Holland

David:
The easiest way to Holland is via a ferry from Harwich, and we decided to take the overnight ferry, which departs at 11:30, giving us about six hours to kill. The sea was angry that night, and we had to contend with driving rain and squalls off the North Sea. Unfortunately we had left our oilskins and sou'westers at home (and we came SO close to bringing them, but we just couldn't find the space). Thankfully, we met two very pleasant cyclists who were also just beginning a tour of Holland and parts of Europe. We spent most of the time waiting inside with them, and we picked up some very good tips about where the best cycling is.
The ferry was very late loading, because it had just been lengthened by 50 m and it was the maiden voyage of the new improved version. This led to a lot of nervous references to the Titanic and I think we all secretly hoped that we'd be in the old section (in case the new section dropped out somewhere between Harwich and Holland). As it turned out, the new section was the place to be as the rooms were bright, modern and felt spacious even though they were tiny (see picture above). They kind of reminded us of Star Trek, actually, and the strange coloured panels that glowed throughout the ferry enhanced the effect.

The ferry company gave everyone two free buffet meals (supper and breakfast) although one of our cycling companions said this was standard on every trip. I guess marketing is the same in every language. Nonetheless, the food was pretty good (lots of herring) and we made the best of it by smuggling some extra food out in our pockets for lunch. I hope all of the churches we've been visiting counter-acts this!