This morning started off with a big prize. After waiting for four weeks, the passport with the Russian visa finally arrived. I'm not sure what that means, but as soon as Papi Edu had it in his hand, he started clicking like crazy, faster than a cat fleeing a vacuum cleaner. In five minutes we already had half the trip organised: a ferry from Barcelona to Civitavecchia today and another from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa for Sunday. Everything very fast, without time even for a decent nap.

Even so, the day was calm. We ate at home without rushing, I kept an eye on things in case something interesting fell. Nothing fell, as always, but one doesn't lose faith. Then came the goodbyes. Grandma, Aunt Mari… and Uncle Joan, who is staying in Berga this time to celebrate Grandma's birthday. That's when things got serious. I looked at him like "don't be long," because travelling without him is a bit like going for a walk without smells: it can be done, but something's missing.

Around seven o'clock we got in the car heading to Barcelona. You know it's not my favourite activity. Staying still while everything moves is more strange than seeing a cat asking to be walked on a lead. But hey, it's the toll to get to interesting places. We stopped to refuel and I took the opportunity to stretch my legs and leave a couple of well-placed messages. Useful information for the community.

We arrived at the port around nine. A lot of movement, lights, noise and that smell of boat that already smells like adventure. We checked in and then had to wait a while. I lay down and decided to save energy, because waiting without doing anything is a sport I'm better at than a koala on holiday.

In the end we went up at almost eleven, with a bit of delay. The boat is huge, one of those that looks like a building that has got tired of standing still. We have an interior cabin, without a window, but comfortable. And the important thing: I can go in. Papi Edu paid for my official ticket and an extra for me to sleep inside. Basically I'm a VIP guest, but with a better sense of smell.

Before going to bed we went for a walk on the deck. It was quite windy, the kind that puts your ears in airplane mode. And then I found the dog toilet. A piece of artificial grass with an iron tree in the middle. It's not the forest, but hey, for being on a boat it's better than nothing. More practical than teaching a cat to use it, that's for sure.

I did my wee as it should be done and, just in case, I left another quick notice around the deck. You never know who might come next and here the territory has to be managed well.

We went back to the cabin, settled in and here we are. The boat moves smoothly, like when Papi Edu falls asleep on the sofa after eating and starts to rock. I already have my spot taken and everything under control.

Good start to the trip. Now let's see what awaits us... if it smells good, it's sure to be worth it.