No.13 Mid English Channel on a DFDS Seaways Ferry

 No.13  Mid English Channel on a DFDS Seaways Ferry

Ahoy Shipmates! In November RTWOFU veteran Roland and your Editor travelled to the WWI battlefields at Ypres in Belgium for the Armistice Day weekend 2013. This was done by taking our bicycles on the ferry to Dunkirk and then cycling the 50 miles to Ypres. Cycling in the wind, heavy rain and dark, we were to suffer more than any Great War veteran; enough to test any amateur historian cyclist. At least we would be fortified by an on board fry-up.


A Tray Railway


The Fry Up

Nothing undermines the digestive constitution like a rolling ferry like and a Fry Up, but it's hard to resist the treat of a Full English when giddy with oceanic travel. It was the only real choice. We dined in the romantically named 'Self-Service Restaurant' which had a panoramic view overlooking the bow. I like the set ups in these kind of canteens and have always enjoyed a 'Tray Railway' where one picks up a brightly coloured tray at the start and then pushes it round the tracks picking up food until you reach the till. The longer the better!

There was a lesser option that was cheaper but I decided to go for the 'Breakfast Special' where one could choose some seven items for about £7.50.

The mental gymnastics that went on to work out what to choose from the breakfast array was considerable. Just as I thought I had my plan worked out I was abruptly informed that you get Sausage, Bacon, Egg, Beans, and Hash Brown whether you like it or not! (Toast wasn't counted as an item: good)

The only real choice one had was which form of egg (fried) and two other items which I took as Mushrooms and Black Pudding. I felt I'd done well, and considering it had come from the underlights it was pretty enjoyable. The sausage was tasty and herby. The beans, black pudding and mushroom were commendable. The Hash Brown is an American interloper in the Full English but he was a welcome guest here and dipped nicely into the egg.

Over breakfast we talked about the journey ahead and about the battlefields which we would visit. A great way to start a journey. Needless to say afterwards I was a Full English.

7/10