Day 31 of 102 Friday 10th February

I awoke properly at 08.45 hrs, a respectable hour in anybody’s books, feeling ready for another worthwhile day, whatever that might be.  The watch I am wearing remains three hours slow, but should adjust itself either high up on decks 12, 13, or 14, or tomorrow in Penang. 

It was about time that I reorganised my sleeping quarters so that I could immediately lay my hands on anything as required.  Firstly, however, I was just in time for breakfast served to me in the Britannia Restaurant.  Outside, the sky was “north Derbyshire grey,” but it still appeared to be dry.  After breakfast, I would return to my room to commence the tidy-up.  Then, I would attend Jane Corbin’s Q & A session in the Royal Court Theatre at the usual time of 11.00 hrs.  Her live interview with the Entertainments Director Neil Kelly was fascinating, informative, and even thought-provoking, as were all  of the questions put to her from the audience.  It never occurred to me, for instance,  that war correspondents might suffer from P.T.S.D.   Much as I am critical of the BBC, I do have to concede its elevation in my completely unqualified opinion! After this event, I became involved in conversation and a pleasant coffee  with a gentleman from Southampton, seated near me in the Theatre, who had let his wife loose in the shops!  Outside, occasional lightening heralded the first of the rain on this voyage (as far as I can remember).

After that, I would return to my room, complete the tidy-up, and then only be just in time to catch a modest lunch in the Kings Court Buffet with about twelve minutes to spare!   I was determined that Afternoon Tea would not replace lunch on two consecutive days.  

Brilliant!  There was a nice vacant table in one of the floor-to-ceiling windowed alcoves, looking onto the Promenade Deck and out to sea.  I settled down with my plate of curried chicken, rice, and courgettes, preparing to write this blog.  The only trouble was, at an adjacent table, this geezer from somewhere down South, was insisting, for all to hear, and to a hapless elderly American lady at his table, that there was no such thing as global warming.  I had to find somewhere else to continue my salad (in lieu of sugar-stuffed dessert!)

I am impressed with the lady in one of the shops. I had spent enough to “earn” a $100 voucher to spend between Dubai and Singapore.  However, the voucher should have been applied for before arrival at Dubai.  She could see from my special booklet that I had not been informed, and, without my asking, arranged for me, a voucher which must be used in one transaction of any number of items available in the main shops around the atrium on Deck 3.   As it is throwing it down with rain today (and still people are walking around the Promenade Deck), I may just indulge in some complimentary retail therapy – to the tune of said $100!   Cunard’s generosity knows no bounds.  It was that extravagant watch purhase that helped me fill the voucher book!

Hopefully, the rains will cease later today, and I can continue my quest for 1 million steps before April 23rd.

I don’t quite know why, but I feel in no hurry to book numerous shore excursions.  I have visited Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur previously and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. However, these trips involve early starts, long bus journeys, and that incessant on board commentary, which for me detracts from the enjoyment of travel.  I shall take each day as it comes, and hopefully, as I have done so far, make the most of each exotic port of call.  While I don’t anticipate coming this way again, but maybe, it wouldn’t surprise me if I did, it would certainly not next year!  Actually, it is far better to visit the Far East on the way back, when most days involve an extra hour, rather than eastbound, therefore losing an hour, as is the case now. 

I’m told this actually happened at Manchester Piccadilly Station “decades ago,” but during my career on British Rail.  Most platforms at the main station had a clock.  One on platform 5 read 09.55 hrs, the adjacent clock on platform 6, 10.00 hrs, and another 2 minutes past 10, on platform 7.  A confused passenger enquired of a member of the station staff why the three clocks displayed different times.  With poker face, the station porter explained that “if all three clocks read exactly the same time, Madam, there would only be need for one clock!”  Madam walked away completely satisfied with this reasonable explanation. Those nearby, including train crew, smiled at the subtle humour.  The point of this irrelevant tail?  I have four time pieces.  My phone tells me it’s 12.07 hrs, my new satellite controlled watch, 13.07, and my two regular straightforward watches, ship’s time, which is now that of Penang Time, 16.07 hrs. I did revisit the on-board Citizen Watch outlet because it had only adjusted once since our call at Muscat. The shop manager came with me to deck 12 to explain how, if the watch doesn’t adjust automatically, a press of the correct button will achieve geographic time, which can be altered to ship’s time as required. Queen Mary 2 time is currently two hours ahead of geographic time, but now the same as Penang (Malaysia) time. And I now have the full owners’ manual.

Yes, it did rain hard this morning, but by late afternoon, it was mega hot on the open decks. Annoyingly, I have slithered out of the rhythm of walking, and really, I must get myself motivated again.

Because Jo has an early start tomorrow, I joined her for an early dinner in the Kings Court Buffet so that she could attend the 8 pm show time. I am still trying to regain the rhythm of walking and should achieve an acceptable target tonight.

Again, it’s a beautiful, if somewhat humid night. Although warm, the sea breeze is most welcome.

Many thanks for reading, David, 21.28 hrs on the Promenade Deck, starboard side.