Around
0400hrs, sailing time we receive a piece of paper and told to proceed to
the gate. We did so.
When
I handed the paper to the guy at the gate he complained that I needed
another stamp and to go upstairs. Upstairs the guy with good English
told me he could not help as it was a different agent, and to ring
the other numbers. I didn’t have my phone so went back to the gate.
I tried to explain that could not get the stamp. The issue was the
stamp was yesterdays date 8th) the day we were supposed
to sail.
He
walked off and came back in 5 minutes and let us through. John drove
slowly as we were not sure where we were going. A car came passed and
flashed his lights and waved for us to follow.
We
parked and were told vehicle paperwork thru this door and immigration
around the corner.
When
we entered the room the immigration agent hardly acknowledge us. I
shoved our passports at him and then he slowly thumbed through them.
Asked for car rego stamped the passports and we exited to customs.
We
had to wait 5 mins for a brief inspection and then free to go to
ship.
Parked
behind a row of rail cars.
We
walked almost the length of the parking bay and up the lift.
Registered for room key and left our passports at registration.
A
double bed, a couple of chairs, desk, fridge and shower & head. We
were under the bridge and our porthole opened forward over looking
the forward deck. A nice view.
John
had an hours sleep while I did some computer work.
Off
for a very authentic breakfast. Egg, sausage and pickle, with yogurt
and semolina porridge.
We
are called to breakfast over the speaker with a reminder not to be
late. This is important as the hot food is already served and after 30
mins the tables are cleared and patrons removed…
Meet with our table mates. Andreas a 24 yr old Danish lad out on various
adventures, and Atul a German guy heading out on adventures to India
by land (hopefully).
We
sat in the lounge/bar and did some computer work and read. About
11am we finally sailed, we watched from the top deck. Another heavy
meal and interaction without two new found friends.
Asleep
after lunch to catch up on lost hours last night.
A
bit of a cool overcast day.
Another
big solid meal. They are served with a bowl of salad which is a relief.
Sam
is tracking really well from within the cabin perched by the
porthole. We came just inside the international water line of
Crimea….267km Camp site 0m alt.