Ferry memories

Tinian 10/9/07 Ferry memories

Last night, Columbus day, Terri and I went for a walk to and along the beach about sunset. It is a regular walk we take just before dinner (sunset is around 6 pm here). As we rested on a wall by Taga beach and watched the sunset, we saw the ferry coming in to Tinian, and it reminded me of our first trip here.

Last May we visited Tinian, and took the ferry from Saipan to the island. It was a memorable trip! The boat leaves at 5 am, so we had to get up in the dark and be driven to the ferry. With luggage in hand I stepped to the window to get my ticket. They refused to give me a ticket, and pointed across the way. Confused, I asked for a ticket again, and was refused, and with a frustrated sigh, he pointed again across the way.

As I turned the second time, I noticed another office with a small light on. We went to the window and asked for a ticket. They don’t sell tickets…this window was where we paid our taxes prior to buying our tickets—the government was to have their take first!

Once we paid our taxes, we took our receipt to the first window and bought our ferry tickets. We walked up a small gang-plank onto the ferry and found a seat. The ferry is a two-tier boat (you pay more for the upper tier), with comfortable seats, and completely enclosed with windows. We were not able to see much on our ride to Tinian, as it was either too dark, or the windows were fogged and/or wet with spray.

There was a large group of Chinese tourists that came on the boat after us, all headed for the Tinian Dynasty Casino. As the boat slowly pulled out of the protective cove, we could all feel the boat move up and down on the waves. I wondered if anyone would have stomach problems on our trip to Tinian…

Terri and I both love carnival rides, so I wasn’t worried about our ‘sea worthiness’, but we watched the others on the boat with curiosity. As the boat moved away from shore and out into the ocean, the waves became much larger and the boat’s movement up and down became much more noticeable. Several times cries of surprise sounded around the cabin as the boat dropped all too swiftly, giving everyone that carnival ride feel.

As time went on, and as we neared the island of Tinian, we all felt everyone would make the trip without incident. But just as we began to feel safe, the first sound of wretching could be heard. A young Chinese boy in the front row had his head down, trying to hit the sea-sickness bag he held in his hand (every seat had an adequate number of bags available!). Once the sound, and smell, of the first hit the rest of the cabin, it wasn’t long before a chain-reaction began, and others were heard throwing up into their bags.

Terri and I felt badly for those experiencing this well-known sea malady, but could do nothing about it. Olive skinned Asians were suddenly pale white, each holding a plastic bag of morning breakfast. When the trip was done, perhaps a third of the passengers had experienced the full treatment…

We have been told that the trip back to Saipan is even worse, as the boat is going against the current. Terri and I can’t wait!