We have arrived in London for a few hectic days of preparation; things to buy; people to see; bills to pay; possessions to be gone through in store and rushing around trying to fit it all in. Our dear friends Nigel Roberts and James Fisher have kindly offered us a bed in their lovely house in Abbottsbury Rd, Kensington - so we are spoiled and living in great comfort. We have so much to do that we have hired a car and driver to rush us around from place to place.

I'm excited about the voyage ahead and a bit apprehensive. I have done a great deal of research on the places we plan to visit but you always know that there is still so much you don't know.

We meet the Cameraman, Tim Chevalier, at Gatwick and the Chef, Bruce Marais, will be waiting for us in Corfu. Apart from our Captain, Tim Bliss, I hardly know the other two crew members, Alex Atanasov - the Steward and Viktor Jasovic, our Croatian Mate. We will be living in close proximity to this new family for two months - lets hope we can all get along?