Frieghter trips, Not cheap.

Hi all,

i am not new to the ways of travelling over land, but the sea is a new one for me. i was through europe and asia and found my self staring and an array of isalnds that were all worth seeing, and seeing a large see between me and south america there was only one way for me to go.... sea (flying is too much polution). So i need help, i have been looking at my first frieghter trip from hong kong to taiwan and have been shocked and stunned at the prices, i was kinda under the wild impression that it would all be very affordable. I would happliy sleep on the deck for the experience (in a hall way if the weather was bad). I always dreamed of crossing the ocean by sea and not on a cruise ship, comfort is not my stlye, i like the rough side of life as there is more to experience there.

So first up how can i do this within my small budget, is it possbile to work on the voyages and plus reduce the cost of the trips or if more fortunate maybe get the trips for free!! I have looked at the post that you have all been putting up and i see that it is for people with experience, i am not a fool and learn fast, but i have no knowledge at all of the open sea. I am not the type to ever give up and love a challenge the harder it is the more likely i am to do it. Can someone help? even if it is pointing me to a blog of someone that has done this too.

Greatly appreciate all repsonse's and i am jealous of all out there with your well earned sea legs :)

Tom :)