My things are packed. Just quickly put the last bag in the van and off we go. I was incredibly excited yesterday, but today the anticipation prevails. A feeling of calm and freedom flows through me. Key in the ignition - let's go. First I go to my parents and say goodbye to them too. There is a roll and coffee. Finally, strengthened, things really get going.

It's a hot day and without air conditioning in my VW T4, the air builds up inside the car. But whatever - I'm driving. And I enjoy. Everything about it.

I stop twice. The first time I'm already in Belgium and two motorcyclists ask me if everything is okay. I guess I look a little tired then. But maybe it's new to them that a young woman is driving around alone in an older bus. 

I arrive in Dunkirk around 7pm after an otherwise uneventful drive, eat something, prepare my camp and then try to sleep. Finally, my alarm goes off at 4:30 a.m. because I booked the ferry as early as possible and it said on the Internet that you have to be registered long before the trip. 

I don't know anything about the process - this is my first ferry trip all alone and I definitely don't want to do anything wrong. 

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Sleeping doesn't work until around 11:30 p.m. because there are so many lights outside, so much chatter and so many thoughts inside. Left-hand traffic, currency exchange, ferry ride, ... can I do it? Alone? Yes... it'll be fine! 

At some point calm returns and I sleep. Rocked by the gusts of wind that blow around the van.