Passed Ports, No Passport!

just another random memory from my days in the merchant navy. the first voyage, destination Cologne. set off in a gale force 8, our ship was an old Dutch coaster, and had seen better days. had a few vodkas for Dutch courage with a girlfriend, as she waved me farewell. i think it only took me half an hour before i was seasick! within a few hours, i was in my cabin, and wondering whether we were going to sink, as i lay on my bed feeling like i'd turn green! got to the Hook of Holland, and entered the Rhine, and this was much calmer, so emerged from my cabin, and was put on watch duty to help the Dutch pilot. the problem arose, as when we got to the German border, they wanted to see all our passports, i didn't have one! but had all the necessary paperwork to get a British Visitors passport, for when we got back to the uk. initially, they weren't keen, and the skipper told me that they may have to leave me at the border, and pick me up on the return journey! but luckily, the German border guards were sufficiently satisfied that i was legit, so i went through Holland, to Germany, without a passport! x

by Jemia