Day 17 of 102

Despite going to bed late last night and losing yet another hour as we steam ever eastward, I think I still managed some decent sleep. However, I just knew that everything would be more of an effort today.  I have only just achieved my daily steps target (which is rather more than when at home, especially during a North Derbyshire winter).  Outside, the temperature is up there at 26°C, somewhere in the upper 70s – early 80s Fahrenheit. 

This is the last of four consecutive sea days between Safaga on the Red Sea, and Salalah, a major container port in Oman.  I remember calling here on my way back from Dubai in 2019.  The idea of setting eyes on what is made out to be the tomb of the Prophet Job, whose run of bad luck is documented in the Old Testament, enticed me to book a shore experience to said tomb, as part of tour from Salalah. Masks must be worn throughout, including on board Queen Mary 2.  I will need to be out of bed earlier than normal, for an 08.30 hrs start.  No midnight buffets tonight or stargazing on the outside upper decks!

I met up with a cruise acquaintance I originally got to know in 2001.  A curry in the Golden Lion Pub on Deck 2, more or less on the opposite side to my cabin, made for a convivial catch-up.

This morning, I handed in a portfolio of items from my collection of ephemera from the 1922 World Cruise, the Centenary of which today’s World Voyage is commemorating.  Some items are illustrated below.

Fortunately, most items have been photographed and securely stored.  Portfolios can be printed off as required, and I have offered the Captain a copy.

It’s 5 o’clock now. Having enjoyed a formal afternoon tea in the Queens Room with The Brevis Trio playing well-known classical melodies as appropriate and much appreciated background music, it’s time to walk off some of what I should not have partaken of! An early night tonight, methinks.

I caught up with Jo and watched as what might have been a brilliant sunset was, at the last minute, obscured by a pesky bit of cloud cover.

We dined early in the Kings Court Buffet and attended the early show. After that, and a hot drink nightcap, I did get to bed around 10 pm. and slept reasonably well.

Many thanks for reading, David. After re-reading 28th January, 17.06 hrs after this morning’s “shore experience.”