Embarkation - Enter the Platon

After one night in a hotel in Le Harve (France) we took a taxi to the docks, as you´re not permitted to enter on foot. The taxi firm we used was meant to be the only firm who´re allowed into the part of the port where the cargo ships dock. Our excitement was quickly dashed upon arriving at the passport control box at the docks´ main entrance, where after much paper shuffling and concerned looks it emerged that only Colette´s name was on the passenger list, and not my own! After a phone call and more paper shuffling we were waved through, and the taxi driver drove us through an alien world of stacked containers, cranes and crazy container-picking-up vehicles which zoomed around resembling giant metallic tables on wheels with the driver hung 30 feet high in a tiny cockpit, not unlike the tiny gold men who drive Zoids (this will make no sense to those who were not lucky enough to own Zoids as children). He drove us to the edge of the dock and said "this is it", or the French equivalent. But the boat was nowhere to be seen. In fact, there was no one around at all, just dangerous looking cranes and Zoid table vehicles flying about the place. It seemed like we shouldn't be there at all. In fact, a few security cars drove by, the drivers eying us cautiously, and we were sure we would be picked up by immigration control at any moment. Eventually, one car did approach us. Its occupants informed us that the ship was late, but was due to arrive in 40 minutes and that we were in the right place after all. Relief! We got the portable soundsystem out and had a little dance, much to the amusement of the dockers who were gathering to await the ship.

Sure enough, 40ish minutes later, CMG CMA PLATON appeared on the horizon, and slowly but surely made her way towards us. What a beauty! After an hour or so, we were able to embark, and after climbing the 60 + narrow steps to the bridge (control floor at top of the actual building bit of the ship, for those who aren´t down with shipping lingo). We were shown to our cabin (one floor below the bridge) by one of the Croatian crew. And what a cabin! A spacious, light, airy room with a double bed, onsuite shower/toilet, sitting area, writing desk & 2 windows (or portholes). Luxury! The days of roughing it in a filthy, diesel coated container for 11 days must be over. For those privileged enough to be able to pay for their passage that is. The sad truth is that some desperate people in the world do still attempt to flea to better lives by becoming stow-aways on these ships.....often with tragic consequences. After settling in we were taken on a tour of the boat, and met the Croatian and Filipino crew. The next day, the ship was ready to ´up anchor´, and we were away!