I attended my first lecture today in a crowded almost full Royal Court Theatre, given by a retired airline captain.  It was then time for a one course lunch in the Lido, a favourite place of mine and seemingly everybody else as well.  

Feeling far better than I did yesterday, I had a further attempt at deck walking.  No need to wrap up as if in the arctic today.  While not hot, sitting out on the open decks, as well as walking couldn’t have been more agreeable. 

Yesterday, I struggled to achieve more than two laps of Deck 3, but still managed just over 10,000 steps.  Today, apart from a dodgy left knee, I am on my fifth lap, six laps equals two miles. 

Early this evening, I had my toe nails cut, otherwise known as a pedicure.   At home, this has become a back-straining chore. On Queen Victoria, the experience is glorious.  Not only are your nails manicured to perfection, your feet and lower legs are treated to exfoliation,  and powerful massage, a process taking a heavenly 45 minutes.  No photos of this experience.

I joined five table companions for dinner, one of whom arranged for three of us to go to afternoon tea at the Reid’s Palace, a World famous hotel tomorrow afternoon.   I enjoyed two portions of chicken for my main course.

The show in the Royal Court Theatre was a second concert by the girl trio Iris. They were fabulous, slick professional, a doddle on the eye, and exceptionally talented. I hope they go far, but they are leaving the ship tomorrow. 

Writing the following morning

My dinner (or table) companions are all travelling solo, and up to seven or us gather for dinner each evening in the Britannia Restaurant, (higher). The decor is said to be inspired by some interiors of the Orient Express.  The similarity doesn’t feel obvious to me except possibly the dark wood effect paneling.  Nevertheless, the general ship’s interior style seems popular with those on board.

Q

Many thanks for reading,  David,  8/1/26  in his cabin.