The homeward journey continues. 

Today looks like it’s going to be fine again.  Already (08.21 hrs) it’s 16°C outside.

Being Sunday, there is the routine Traditional Maritime Church Service, at 10 am in the Royal Court Theatre.

Back home, it’s the first of three Buxton International Festival masses at St. John’s Parish Church. I should be home for the second of these next Sunday, having decided not to extend this voyage to Hamburg and back.  I was tempted!

Tonight, as I think I have already mentioned is the first of two Gala Nights where in most parts of the ship, a formal dress code applies from 18.00 hrs.

Right now, it’s 08.36 hrs, two hours later than in New York. 

Although up at a respectable hour, breakfast in the Kings Court was still rushed. However, I was in reasonable time for the Sunday service.  Captain Hashmi took the service and again preached a very thought provoking sermon, referencing the Titanic survivors. I have a copy of a previous address on the same subject which he very kindly sent to my cabin.  At midnight tonight, we sail by 170 nautical miles south of the resting place of R.M.S. Titanic. 

After the service, I attended a lecture by Colour Sergent Brian Wood M.C., an incredibly moving account of his time in Iraq, the Battle of Danny Boy and the dreadful issues/accusations which followed his being presented with the Military Cross by the late Queen Elizabeth II. These serious and life changing accusations which the media including the B.B.C. were proven completely unfounded, costing the tax payer some £24m!   This is worth researching on the Internet and elsewhere.

It’s not as warm outside today as yesterday.  I have just been informed (18.00 hrs) of a parking ticket in Southampton. The joys of modern technology!  I have had to authorise immediate payment to prevent further penalties.  However, the hotel where I booked future accommodation assured me that I was ok to leave the car on its property while also having a coffee.  Blood out of a stone comes to mind securing a justified refund!

At around 3 pm, I went Illuminations to se a 3D presentation “Deep Sea”, a documentary about life in the sea, narrated by Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet.  Watching beneath the waves in 3D is astonishing and quite spectacular.  However, the point was made about the damage man is doing to marine life in the oceans and seas. 

I donned my tuxedo for dinner tonight. For once, I was on a table with six other people, making for a convivial evening. 

I then ambled to the Royal Court Theatre for a second helping of Rhythm of the Night. This time I was down stairs, three rows from the front.  Again, I enjoyed this performance which I feel.as if I know now by heart.  It’s much louder down stairs. I have enjoyed to-day.

Many thanks for reading,  David, 01.07 hrs, in bed!   13/7/26.