Travel is great in that it exposes you to new experiences that you wouldn’t normally have in your everyday life and takes you to all the far flung places of our earth. It is here outside of our comfort zones, that we discover something about ourselves.
I normally don’t take ferries in my day to day life. So on one particular trip, I discovered that I actually get seasick. When I was in Marseille, I booked for a boat trip to the beautiful Calanques. This particular trip occurred when I was in my mid 20s and as with anyone in their 20s, getting sick was the last thing that would cross my mind. The day was perfect, clear blue skies and light winds which was great to get the contrasting shots of the grey rocky formations against a deep blue sky.
The boat (more of a ferry) was decent sized as you could imagine. Filled with tourists and families I eyed an outdoor seat that would allow maximal fresh air and un-interrupted views.
Before we had even reached the Calanques, I wanted to get off the boat and onto land. I really wasn’t feeling so good and didn’t predict that being on a boat would be such a problem and had nothing on me to ease the nausea. Either way, I had to wait until we were back in Marseille to get off.
Upon arriving in the Calanques, the seas were less choppy and we actually stopped within so that everyone had time to enjoy the surroundings and take pictures. I got a slight reprieve and mustered the energy to take my shots, mostly to prove that I had been here. Needless to say, I was so happy to get back to land and like magic, the seasickness was one.
It would find me again in a few years in New Zealand on the ferry crossing the Cook Straits from the North Island to the South Island. I thought to myself that I surely would not get sick on this ferry ride. After all, this ferry was large enough to be carrying cars and caravans across so it had to be quite stable and I would feel little rocking. Boy was I wrong.
Once we left the Wellington area and were left unshielded by any sort of the land, there were huge swells tossing our “huge and heavy” ferry. Again, after not expecting the ferry ride to be such an event, I didn’t have any remedies with me. I tried standing outside looking at the horizon however this only appeared to make things worse getting to see the swells. I found refuge at the back of the boat in the middle until we arrived within the safety of land on the South Island in Picton.
Since these experiences, I have steered away from boating adventures knowing the consequences. I just don’t think my inner ear and stomach can handle it.
Have you discovered that you suffered from seasickness whilst on your travels or when you had least expected? Or any other allergies or ailments that surprised you?
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