My best holiday was also my worst holiday. I know that sounds crazy, but it's true. It all began in 1970 when I, and three friends, decided to do a cruise. We researched all the options and decided on the Fairstar, a magnificent ship, small by comparison with today’s cruise liners, but back then, state of the art. We selected a 4-berth cabin down in the lower decks with ensuite. Departing from Fremantle W.A, we did the 4-week cruise to the UK, stopping off at several countries. The return trip was to be via the Panama Canal.
We all originated from countries outside Australia and were keen to explore our roots. I had arranged a visa for a three-year working holiday so I could reunite with family who I hadn’t seen since pre-primary. We enjoyed the onboard entertainment, shops, cafés and cinema. However, showing a movie about a sinking ship probably wasn’t the best choice.
During the first week we were all seasick. Not a good start. After awhile we got our sea legs, by this time we were in South Africa. We docked at Durban initially, went on the organized tour around town, great stuff.
We returned to the docks to discover something had gone wrong with the ship. We were stranded until repairs could be carried out! This was a bit scary being in a strange country, but the shipping line took care of us.
We were told we had two options, stay in a hotel in town, at company expense until we could rejoin the ship. Or join an overland safari, also at company expense, and rejoin the ship in Capetown, its next scheduled stop. We opted for the latter, not thinking what we would do if the ship didn’t make it to Capetown.
Our cabin luggage was transferred to the bus and off we went, one of the highlights of the trip. Travelling through safari parks, the waterfall trail, then eventually via nature reserves and into Capetown. Plenty of magnificent wildlife, photos to be taken. There was even a road around a steep cliff on the bay near Capetown, well, they called it a road. More like a goat track clinging to a mountain, very scary, especially when another bus came the other way, also full of terrified tourists like us. This required much jiggling and maneuvering by the drivers. We also called into a Zulu village. Very friendly people. We got to see their traditional way of living, very primitive by today's standards but effective. The women made beaded bracelets and necklaces for the tourists, the men made spears and carved wooden objects. At least it was a souvenir.
We were relieved when, finally, we were able to board the ship. Back to comfortable cabins after rough campsites and creepy crawlies. Two nights roughing it was enough, thank you!
After Africa came Portugal, docking at Lisbon where an array of colorful markets which tempted us once again. Our final stop was in Holland. I loved that place, so clean and fresh. Very friendly people and the best cheese ever. We did all the touristy stuff, windmills and so on. We finally docked in London, finishing our trip on a high note.
My working holiday in London was, however, marred by the IRA and their random bombings (the subject of a previous story); the death of one of my travel companions in a road accident and the early departure of the other two.
On a positive note, I was able to see my grandparents before they passed and was reunited with my favorite Auntie, who made sure I had a really fun holiday travelling around the UK.
Heather Hartland
April 2024
We all originated from countries outside Australia and were keen to explore our roots. I had arranged a visa for a three-year working holiday so I could reunite with family who I hadn’t seen since pre-primary. We enjoyed the onboard entertainment, shops, cafés and cinema. However, showing a movie about a sinking ship probably wasn’t the best choice.
During the first week we were all seasick. Not a good start. After awhile we got our sea legs, by this time we were in South Africa. We docked at Durban initially, went on the organized tour around town, great stuff.
We returned to the docks to discover something had gone wrong with the ship. We were stranded until repairs could be carried out! This was a bit scary being in a strange country, but the shipping line took care of us.
We were told we had two options, stay in a hotel in town, at company expense until we could rejoin the ship. Or join an overland safari, also at company expense, and rejoin the ship in Capetown, its next scheduled stop. We opted for the latter, not thinking what we would do if the ship didn’t make it to Capetown.
Our cabin luggage was transferred to the bus and off we went, one of the highlights of the trip. Travelling through safari parks, the waterfall trail, then eventually via nature reserves and into Capetown. Plenty of magnificent wildlife, photos to be taken. There was even a road around a steep cliff on the bay near Capetown, well, they called it a road. More like a goat track clinging to a mountain, very scary, especially when another bus came the other way, also full of terrified tourists like us. This required much jiggling and maneuvering by the drivers. We also called into a Zulu village. Very friendly people. We got to see their traditional way of living, very primitive by today's standards but effective. The women made beaded bracelets and necklaces for the tourists, the men made spears and carved wooden objects. At least it was a souvenir.
We were relieved when, finally, we were able to board the ship. Back to comfortable cabins after rough campsites and creepy crawlies. Two nights roughing it was enough, thank you!
After Africa came Portugal, docking at Lisbon where an array of colorful markets which tempted us once again. Our final stop was in Holland. I loved that place, so clean and fresh. Very friendly people and the best cheese ever. We did all the touristy stuff, windmills and so on. We finally docked in London, finishing our trip on a high note.
My working holiday in London was, however, marred by the IRA and their random bombings (the subject of a previous story); the death of one of my travel companions in a road accident and the early departure of the other two.
On a positive note, I was able to see my grandparents before they passed and was reunited with my favorite Auntie, who made sure I had a really fun holiday travelling around the UK.
Heather Hartland
April 2024
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