On the ferry...
Not exactly falling apart, but not new either. First thing to do having survived getting on the thing is find the life jackets. Yes, boarding the vessel is a free-for-all as passengers jostle for space with lorries on the ramp with every nook and cranny packed to the rafters with bags of rice. Thankfully upstairs is a little more civilised with reclining seats in an air-conditioned lounge with a flat screen tv to keeps us entertained - well, that's if you can understand Indonesian Bahasa.
Stunning scenery as the ferry chugs along. The morning sunlight reflecting on the lush greenery of those nearby hills contrasting nicely with the clear blue sky. A smooth sea too, hardly a ripple as the village slips away. 7 hours is he official journey time that is of course subject to any unfortunate sinking of the vessel which is a frequent occurrence in this part of the world!
A volcano on the left, the last landmark looking north before the ocean opens. On the right, Islands all the way it looks like, even the horizon is filled with shadows of rugged terrain. Komodo Island passes by and worthy of a scenic photo, although really it just resembles just another land mass. So, for the next few hours, until 4pm anyway, nothing to do but admire the scenery, catch a nap in between and of course iPod for entertainment. Indonesians obviously have a liking for pot noodles since the cuisine on board here rather limited. No kitchen as such, just a kettle and instant food, crisps etc. No boozing either, no wonder I can only see one other Western tourist - Tom from Wolverhampton but lives in Darwin and is coming to Labuan Bajo for a spot of diving.
And there it is, Labuan Bajo nestled in a bay at the base of some hills. Should be there by 3pm I would think, 1 hour less than anticipated - wait, what's that rumbling, oh it's just my stomach talking, good food isn't far away now!
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