kokoalberti

I’m not quote sure what the most remote place on Earth is though. There’s a couple of remote islands and places, but there’s a few people living on them which sort of deducts from the remoteness of it all. I’ll let you know when I find it.

Traveling by freighter was probably one of my coolest travel experiences. As part of an overland and sea trip from Europe to Australia a few years back I spent about a week onboard a freighter from Singapore to Sydney . I had read about traveling on a freighter in adventure paperbacks when I was a kid, and this was the perfect time to fulfill that dream. The quarters onboard the ship were comfortable and I had my own shower, couch, a desk, a single bed, and a small window through which I could see the wake of the ship. Simple but solid meals were served in the mess room three times a day. The company on the ship was diverse, German and Polish officers, a Phillipino crew, and few other oddball passengers: two Swedes traveling around the world without flying, a retired embalmer and his wife from Brisbane, a mother and daughter who were afraid to fly, and me on my big adventure to see the world. At night most of the crew and passengers congregated in the officers room to have a drink or ten, play cards, and tell stories like only seamen can.

As we passed by countless tropical islands in Indonesia the water was so clear that you could see the sand welling up on the ocean floor, it was an extraordinary sight. I spent my days reading, talking, and hanging around the bridge for countless hours observing everything, asking questions, and tracking our progress on a few maps and a GPS system. I made my way up to the bow several times, sitting up there appreciating the greatness of it all you truly feel like you’re the king of the world. We docked in Brisbane for a day or so to load and unload containers. With some fellow passengers we strolled off the boat right into Australia to go for our first taste of Victoria Bitter (there was no avoiding it) in a small café full of seamen. There were no customs officials in sight, these ships, harbors, and crew are way too busy making sure the world keeps running and it was quite an experience to see that from up close.

For me this part of my trip was pure freedom and the adventure that I had always wanted to go on. The continuous vibrations from the engines, the gentle roll of the ship, tropical sun, and breathtaking sights are something that I’ll long for and remember for the rest of my life. Definitely worth it, and I can only hope I’ll get an opportunity to do it again.