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Blog 246. Day 16/21. One Misty Moysty forenoon

The second of six sea days.

Steps,

My sleep during the night was somewhat disturbed by the muffled sound of the ships siren owing to continuing sea fog on the North Atlantic, this reminding me a little of overnight Amtrak rail journeys in the U.S.A. where it is mandatory for locomotive engineers to sound two long, one short, and two long blasts on the “whistle” at every level crossing. For whatever reason, the sleeping car is more often than not coupled next to the locomotive. This means frequent disturbance from the locomotive’s horn, a bit like the random barking of a distant dog, not really conducive to a good sleep!

Outside, the mist persisted as forecast yesterday in the noon-day address. But it didn’t feel particularly cold most of the day. I spent a better part of today “exploring” the ship with table companion Emily, on her way to the U.K. to continue her studies. We had lunch in the Britannia Restaurant, our “exploration” concluding with Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room where I was introduced to a lovely couple from Connecticut, both originally from Newport, Isle of Wight. The opportunity to meet so many different personalities from almost across the globe is a rare privilege I often take for granted until I’m back at home. However, travelling on board QM2 is increasingly becoming a rare treat as I become older. But two future QM2 voyages are currently in the bag both with my favourite Deck 3 single staterooms secured.

This evening is Gala Night, the theme being Red and Gold. I shall almost look the part. One of my bow-ties has a hint of gold. It “should do. “

Right now, outside, it’s raining heavily. Thus, I don’t think that I will achieve my modest 7,500 steps target today.

One day, I will write about the haunted piano.

*Right now, the piano lid is down. Later tonight the lid is raised and the piano plays itself. If the lights were out, this would be very spooky!*

*Floor to ceiling view of the Grand Lobby. 19/8/26.*

Some time ago, I suggested the possibility of documenting at least a few of the artworks of which there are 565 throughout the ship, and at least some of the Maritime Quest, informative display panels, again throughout QM2.

Does this half-globe in the Royal Court Theatre count as an artwork? When fully working, it was lit with numerous L.E.D. lights and could open up spectacularly like a huge flower. If any reader has a photograph of this lighting unit opened up,please do get in touch on QM2@sky.com. **Royal Court Theatre, forward on Decks 2 and 3 accessed near Stairwa**y B

Continue forward on Deck 3 along a passage either side of the Royal Court Theatre, in front of which is Illuminations, the 450 – 500 seat movie theatre, lecture hall, and stage venue.