We met in the Youth Hostel foyer at six am, knackered. We walked quickly to the Hovercraft port and got on the Hovercraft literally at the last minute. Bit scary but okay crossing, very fast. We almost ended up immediately returning, as we queued in the wrong place. We got the allegedly "free" bus to Calais (wasn't) then found that the timetabled train didn't exist. We stopped for breakfast, where the quality of the Continental breakfast was better than English. I went to the bank to change our invalid notes. Got 70p for £15, as they were out of date. The bank had high security and I was checked by guards. I went shopping for lunch then came back at the last minute to find that Iain was worried. I found a nice bit of Calais but it was only small. We took a manky train to Lille, but had a very quick change, and had a good TGV to Paris.

1½ hour wait, which we needed - got on the phone to Basel and had lunch. Lots of soldiers with scary guns in Paris-Est. Five hour long journey to Basel with dull countryside, and a few hills. Arrived at 8 pm and walked to the Youth Hostel. We went out for dinner. £20 for not much. Accidently went to a worrying communist bar but okayish. Eventually got back, showered and slept at midnight.

Excellent hostel, very big with good facilities. 8 bed mixed room with 3 others - American couple and random bloke who slept all morning. We're a bit more relaxed now we've begun but it's still a culture shock. Even the basic things like language, currency and travelling are difficult and we wonder just how hard this trip is going to be. However, we're energetic, have an adrenalin rush and are excited about finding out.