Day 75 of 102 (26/3/23)

Today is slightly more grey and cloudier, and there remains the possibility of a heavy shower or two, as we steam ever so slightly northwestertowards Mauritius. It is hot outside and probably a little humid. (See the two maps below).+

My enthusiasm for walking is slightly lacking, but I remain determined to keep ahead of schedule.

As written in Blog 0063, I was up earlier than usual today, mainly thanks to another extra hour as we steam ever westward.  I enjoyed breakfast in the Britannia Restaurant, where I was seated next to a group of four who welcomed me into their conversation.  I then went to the Interdemoninational Church Service, not expecting that the full 45 verses of the appointed Gospel, John 11, verses 1 – 45 would form the Second Lesson of the service. I had read both that and the Ezekiel , the first reading, (Ch. 7, 1 -14) beforehand.  The service was remarkably well attended, and the congregation sang with far more gusto and enthusiasm than at many churches on land.

I went up onto the higher decks and walked a little. Eventually, I made my way down to the Promenade Deck, and eventually, to the Britannia Restaurant for a Sunday roast lunch, which I enjoyed in a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.  I would meet friends in the Commodore Club and elsewhere on the ship.  Eventually, I would just about achieve my walking target for the day.

Below are a few photographs taken today.

Tonight was Gala Night, and in the Queens Room, the Masquerade Ball attracted a substantial number of passengers who rose to the occasion with elaborate masks.  To be honest, this sort of thing does not appeal!  

For whatever reason, I went to bed far later than I should have done and was awake for the day just after 7 am.  Nevertheless, I still didn’t have breakfast until after 10.30.

Many thanks for reading, David, outside the Carinthia Lounge, 11.23 hrs, the following morning, 27/3/23.