DAY 1: DUNBAR-NEWCASTLE and DFDS FERRY

At long last, after many months of waiting, the big day has arrived! Our departure, and also the day that Anna's folks finally collect their Finnish visas.

The car was loaded up last night, and I'm really thankful that the boot is so enormous- as it's jammed full to the brim!
We set off off 9.45am, with Hamish the cat in the car with us, as he was to be dropped off at his cattery in Berwick.

At about 11.00am, about 15 minutes beyond Berwick, Anna's mobile rang, with her sister Olga calling from St Petersburg. She told Anna that although their mum and dad, and aunt and uncle's visas had all been ready for collection, Olga's was refused! There was no reason given according to Olga.

By the time we reached Newcastle, after several frantic phone calls, I asked for the Finnish Consulate's number and called them myself. I was told that it was not possible to divulge the reason for the visa not being granted. To say Anna was upset was an understatement. She was angry too that her family had left things to the last minute, as it left no real time to sort things out.



Anyway, the DFDS boat left as scheduled at 2.30pm, headed for Gothenburg. Our cabin was functional, if smallish. Sandy loved the boat, the cabin, the bunk beds; he claimed the top bunk, which led to a fairly in depth discussion about whether he might fall out in the night!


Compared to our previous ferry journey to France with Superfast in 2002, the DFDS boat I thought was far superior, although it was a lot older and in need of a bit of a makeover. There were lots of different eating places, and a programme of events for children and adults throughout the 25 hour sailing. Sandy (and Olivia) loved the kids' disco! Perhaps the only downside was the breakfast buffet, which was a little disappointing.