The departure. We went Dunkerque-Dover with Norfolk Lines, it’s cheap (EUR 98 return ticket), reasonably fast and boats are more romantic than the Channel Tunnel. We took my parents car, not only because it has airco, but more because it’s bigger and more comfortable to travel in. I had already done loads of crossings by ferry, train, car on the train, plane, Jetfoil, Seacat, Hovercraft to and from Calais, Dunkerque, Oostende, Zeebrugge, Dover, Folkestone, Ramsgate and Hull, but for Andreas it was the first time he was on a ferry. A big event! And a children’s corner becomes such a dull place compared to the whole big ship. We had our hands full to keep him near to us. But it was fun discovering the place together, including the children’s corner.

Short planning

• Visit Irina and Andrei in London, 2 nights
• Royal Hotel in Bath, 3 nights
• Visit Gary and Janet (and aunt Edith) in Reading, 2 nights

(to be continued…)