A year and a half ago, as ten years on the road began to wear on me more and more, I decided to work on making a home base in Europe. I ended up buying a 1930's Dutch houseboat barge, not realizing what I was getting myself into (turns out this might be a theme in my life!)
Since then, when I have not been shooting in the field I have been working on restoring this rusty beast. I have gotten a captain's license for large ships, learned a bit about electrical wiring, carpentry, metalwork, plumbing, navigation, heating, painting etc etc. I went from having no electricity, water, sewage and heat in a ship that sat for decades to having a home.
This week I have begun the move from Amsterdam to Paris. It might not seem like anything that difficult, but try it in a 60 foot long, 20 ton ship built for shipping coal and restored by someone who has no idea what he is doing. From my navigation system down to the engine and my piloting capabilities, there are a lot of things that could go wrong over the coming weeks (if you live anywhere in the Netherlands, Belgium or France I suggest you stay FAR away from any rivers and canals!)
Since this is what I am up to for the next two or three weeks, I have decided to share some of my experiences here. Now, I can't guarantee the quality of the photos, as I am finding it hard to shoot out the window while trying not to run aground. But if you all can handle some snapshots I will post some from my journey.
I will be trying to do all of this from a mobile device, so hopefully these posts will look decent and hopefully my service will hold out as I cross countries. This is all new to me, but I look forward to bringing you all along for the ride.
Awesome!
Posted by: Fredrik Berg | May 13, 2012 at 01:16
Do it! :)
Posted by: bart | May 13, 2012 at 04:43
As a child, I was fascinated by the story of Noah and his ark and I really found it romantic. Then, I read Enid Blyton's Caravan Family. I would endlessly daydream about going on a similar adventure one day. The idea of a home that is constantly moving from one place to another: it was just so fascinating to me. Little did I realize then, that when I grow up, one of my dearest friends, my mentor would be another Noah!
Set sail, Zoriah! This may well be the beginning of a new journey in your life! Will be waiting for the day when you will reach the docks of Calcutta.
With you, always!
Soham
PS: Have you named your new home?
Posted by: soham | May 13, 2012 at 21:56
That's great! Houseboats rule :p
I assume you're moving to Paris permanently? There sure are easier ways from Amsterdam to Paris.
Have fun and be safe,
Jeroen
Posted by: Jeroen Berkenbosch | May 14, 2012 at 17:07
Awesome! Good sailing, or barging?
Posted by: Michael Weinhardt | May 17, 2012 at 01:13