28/09/2009
90 days into the trip, and Australia is almost in sight. After a second false start on the Flores/Timor ferry which doesn't go from Maumere either, we drove to the eastern tip of the island and the port of Larantuko where the ferry was docked and about to be loaded.
We now believe the ferry actually runs twice a week - let's hope this level of luck holds.
Aswell as becoming less frequent as we move further east in Indonesia, ferries have also become more expensive. This one cost us US$115, which isn't bad by European standards for a distance of 180km, but the quality of the ferries isn't the same and I'm writing this sitting in the van which is completely surrounded by foot passengers crammed onto the car desk. We thought the previous ferry was full but I doubt there are life jackets or rafts for more than 25% of the passengers.
As we boarded the ferry, almost everybody who bought a ticket then bought insurance for the crossing. Doesn't fill you with confidence.
Lat 8 20.72 S
Long 122 57.03E (last position on land)
Town Somewhere at sea between Flores and Timor.
Distance 25230km
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Beth, thank you very much for the postcard, I still haven't received Mark's!! I telephoned your Mum to-day, and had a long chat with her Love to you both and glad you are still speaking. Look after yourselves and enjoy Australia.
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