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Blog 225 Day 20/21. Penultimate Sea Day

I chose to dine alone last night and was allocated a very nice window seat on the starboard side facing the direction of travel. There was nothing I liked for a main course, which was most unusual. I opted for a standard chicken dinner which I won’t bother with again!

I didn’t want to be late for a second helping of Cora Kahaney’s American humour. She did know that there were a few English members of quite a substantial gathering in Illuminations at 9.30. However there was quite a lot that I didn’t get and although I did laugh through much of her act, I didn’t come away in stitches. Afterwards, I went to see the established and well respected duo Amethyst in the Golden Lion Pub on Deck 2 where I felt obliged to partake of a tomato juice. They were on the 2018 World Voyage and superb. They still are! Eventually, I joined Simon and Liz, who I had become acqainted with at an early Captain’s Cocktail Party.

It’s a bit warmer today, but not in some of the public rooms where the A/C is set just a little too low. This morning, I am attending an in conversation with session with Colour Sergent Brian Wood.

15.20 hrs:

It is he who after being justly awarded the Military Cross was spuriously accused of atrocious war crimes. I vaguely remember media reports at the time, and believing (to a degree) what I had read and heard. There were questions, all relevant from a highly intelligent audience. Having been to his first lecture, I came away utterly humbled. I was listening to a youngish man who, to raise money for various worthy causes had run 25 marathons (26.2 miles) in 25 days, followed by 35 marathons in 35 days in a quest to raise £1m. He’s not far off!

I am starting to pack today. It has occurred to me to leave my main suitcase in storage at Southampton. This is going to save a lot hassle travelling home by train.

This afternoon, after joining a table for six at lunch, I attended another lecture which I gather was an account of espionage in U.K. post- WWII.

I have managed to stay away from the 3.30 pm Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room since leaving New York. Hopefully during my travels in August, I can walk far more than at the moment, although I am achieving many more steps than I do most days at home, where I shall be late in the afternoon the day after tomorrow. I can’t believe it!

I learn that Queen Victoria is now fully booked for the Four Queens event in Liverpool in May 2028. There is still availability on Queen Anne, and I presume QM2 and Queen Elizabeth as this unique event is still advertised in some of the Daily Programmes. The fact that QV is sold out surprises me as she and QE do not stay overnight in Liverpool. December 2028 marks the 40th anniversary of my first cruise, three nights on Queen Elizabeth 2. My hair was jet-black and in great abundance back in 1988!

As this voyage draws to a close, certain events come to mind. While not beeing interested in football, I do hope England win tonight. I was surprised and saddened to learn of Bonnie Tyler’s death, and ummoved by Taylor Swift’s wedding last week. I was horrified by the circumstances of the death of Ann Widdecombe. Britain baked in its third heatwave. The gloss paintwork in my Garden Room melted in at least 150°C. And I got a parking ticket! This time the day after tomorrow, I shall be gazing at Axe Edge rather than the Atlantic Ocean. Nevertheless, it’s back to sea in early August for a total eclipse of the sun, a regular event in Buxton!. A few more pictures.