maritime

Shipping people overseas The transport of goods by sea on scheduled services has been a necessary maritime activity for centuries but also the carriage of people by sea has been a much smaller but nevertheless important part of maritime trade. The Vikings did it in the first century and before that the Romans, the Greeks also travelled around their new lands they conquered. However, there is no sign that the ships they used were specially built for passengers. Warships and cargo boats were common, but ships and boats primarily built for passengers are difficult to find. However, the word passenger is often interpreted as travelling freely and perhaps in some state of luxury. This was not always the case and therefore the term “ Human cargo ” seems a more appropriate title for many of the early maritime ventures.   Therefore we differentiate between those that travel of their own free will and those that are part of “forced travel” such as troops, convicts under “transportation” and...

  Surviving entry into a foreign country The plane came to a stop and the seatbelt signed pinged and switched off. It was if it signalled the start of a race or the commencement of a rugby scrum! People pushed and shoved, climbed over seated persons to reach the aisle, and establish a place in a queue for a cabin door that was not even open! Overhead bin doors flew open and without any regard to people below dragged out their luggage and forced a place in the queue for it. If their baggage was not adjacent to their seat, they pushed past with the determination of a scrum forward without apology or concern for others. What is it in us that brings out this behaviour? Having checked in baggage I knew there was no need to rush so sat back and enjoyed the debacle of sensible people reduced to a rabble in their urge to leave the plane. The door opened and the pushing started but also a sense of decency returned as people waited for others to rise and exit their seats. Soon the pace...

  Surviving the flight “Go to gate” said the overhead screen as we drank our coffee in the departure lounge. We know what that means so we did not hurry to finish the coffee but slowly wandered to the gate and saw what we expected. A queue had already formed even after the departure attendant had said that boarding would not start for ten minutes. However, I have learnt to watch this departure official in the past. Just before announcing boarding, they go down to the aircraft to check all is ready. As there were a few seats left from persons choosing to queue we sat down and watched. Sure enough she returned and announced that they would be boarding families with children first. Did this deter the queue, not at all and the young families had to push their way to the front to board. A sort of rugby scrum approach. Then she declared they would be boarding the rear seating passengers first and again the queue remained, and ev...

    Surviving holiday air travel It is all about luck whether you make it without incident. Take the case of our trip to the UK. Normally we like to take an early flight out and a late flight back. This is both cheaper and gives you more time on your holiday destination. Early means a 7.30 or 8am departure! So up at 0430, no breakfast and constantly checking out of the window for the taxi, hope it is on time and it is. Final check on pockets, passport, tickets, wallet, mobile and spectacles. All in order and we take the taxi to the station to catch one of the first airport express trains. At this time of the morning there are few travellers, a smattering of airport workers and flight attendants clutching cups of coffee. We have learnt it is best to try for the front of the train and we are helped by the letters on the station floor. Letter C will get us in the first carriage so long as it is a short train. On time t...

  Navigating the hotel buffet breakfast It starts with timing. When between the opening and closing time should you venture onto the breakfast floor? Should you go early hoping to miss the crowds eager to fill their stomachs or late just before closing to have a relatively free run? Whenever you go it starts with a queue and the inevitable identity check. Room number now displays your passport photo so there is no doubt who is eligible to enter. No free choice of table, you are steered to an available area. You are lucky if you get a sea view. Given a table and a pot of coffee enables you to plan your next move. A reconnaissance is needed to find out where your favourite cereals are plus a navigation plan to avoid queues especially for the English breakfast. OK, we will start with a rapid expedition to cereals and juice with a detour to avoid the coffee machines and the queue for the toaster. Safely back at the table and time to relax and enjoy the start of breakfast....