I am heading out onto this huge water and I am taking on trust that somewhere on the other side there is a place called North America. I have learned about it at school and about the fact that Columbus discovered it in 1492, but -

But what, if it is just a myth, like Jason and the Argonauts and the golden fleece? That too I learned about in school - that too is nothing but a myth.

I wasn't really worried, as Columbus's crew were concerned about dropping off the edge of the wold, still, it was a strange and unaccustomed feeling to know that we would be out of sight of land for over a week. And, I suppose, it was a good, light-hearted way to begin a conversation with a stranger. After all, I was 18 years old and really, totally on my own.