Fifty Two Days on a Container Ship
In and around Tauranga, New Zealand
We had wanted to travel on a freighter or cargo ship for many years, but never had the time for such a trip. Freighter travel requires real flexibility in your time schedule. You must be ready to leave when the ship arrives and can't go home until it is due in port. Our trip was scheduled to be 42 days, it turned into 52 days. On October 18, 2004 we boarded the container ship, Direct Tui sailing from Long Beach to Tauranga, New Zealand, Sydney and Melbourne, Australia and back to Long Beach.
Friends said, "You're going to do WHAT?" when we told them about our travel plans. Their second question was, "What are you going to DO all day?" Contrary to their concerns, we had no difficulty falling into the daily ship routine. Days passed quickly. Bill read constantly, I read, kept a diary, practiced drawing and yoga. There were many opportunities for exercise. In addition to all those trips up and down the stairs for meals, two times around the deck was equal to one-half mile. I felt buoyant while walking on deck. It seemed easier than walking on solid ground. But most enjoyable was to be on the deck looking at constantly changing colors and shapes of the sky and water--an experience that cannot be described in words, it can only be seen and felt.
Our friends said, "You're going to do WHAT?" when we told them of our travel plans.
Route taken and entries by Real Traveler Missouri Traveler
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1
First port of call
First port of call was Tauranga, New Zealand. Officer Thomas told us to get up early because the view was beautiful. At 5:30, we dashed to the brid... Continue reading »
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2
Melbourne--one of the world's most livable cities.
Melbourne is cosmopolitan, but the residents are warm and friendly. There is an ethnic mix, but an overall feeling of London. To encourage tourism,... Continue reading »
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3
It was Botany Bay, not Sydney Harbor
Captain Peter told us the ship would sail into Botany Bay, not Sydney Harbor. I was disappointed, but it became obvious later than the Sydney Bridg... Continue reading »
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4
Return to Tauranga
It was Friday night in Tauranga. It seemed that the majority of the residents were flocking to the harbor restaurants for a glass of wine or a bottle... Continue reading » -
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Golden Gate Bridge at 3:00 a.m.
Woke up at 3:30 a.m. and peeked out the porthole. We could see all the city lights twinkling and the Golden Gate.... Continue reading » -
6
How about lobster in Ensenada?
Chief Engineer Misha, his wife Helene, Bill and I hitched a ride with two Mexican fellows at the dock gate, who took us to town and left us at a seafo... Continue reading »
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