The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon

A very ill British writer Henry Fielding(Tom Jones), decides to leave England when his health deteriorates.He books passage on a ship, floating on the Thames River, headed to Lisbon,Portugal.His physicians agree that the warmer climate might help.Fielding takes his wife,daughter, a friend and two servants along.Problems become obvious,the master of the vessel is in no hurry to head down the river into the sea.

The Captain wants more passengers and cargo.Fielding has to be lifted on board.Finally after many days,they start, and promptly collide with two other ships.Luckly there is just minor damage. But the wind or lack of doesn't cooperate and the ship remains in English waters.Weeks pass by and they get as far as the Isle of Wight.

You can imagine the primitive conditions on board in 1754 and the eagerness that people want to go on shore.Staying in an inn, the landlady is not friendly to say the least.She even charges for the candles used. When they eventually go south, you guessed it, the wind stops blowing again.Sharing a cabin with the old captain, who's snoring makes more noise than an orchestra and the seasick women in the next room.

Fielding is not feeling well either. Stranded in the Bay of Biscay, the crew captures a shark and eats it with the other food.One magical, peaceful evening at sea, on deck, Fielding's party views a colorful blazing Sun setting, and a silvery exiquiste Moon rising. That moment is worth all the hardships of the endless voyage to Lisbon.