So beginneth what one might refer to as the “home run”. At around 5 to 5.30 yesterday afternoon, we exited the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea. The warmth of the day continued into the evening.
Yesterday was Jo’s birthday and a splendid dinner party at the “Captain’s Table” was hosted by her. We were, by far, the last to leave the Britannia Restaurant well after 11 o’clock. We adjourned to the Commodore Club for a “nightcap” before retiring for the night. Once again, I did not get to bed before 1.30am.
This morning, we were docked at Limassol, another “first”, for until today, I had never been to Cyprus.
I have chosen to make the most of my my final ports of call on this World Cruise by once again taking what might be interesting shore excursions. My choice for today was “Flavours of Cyprus”. This entailed a brief drive through the Port city of Limassol before climbing up into the mountains past fascinating ancient ruins, farms, vineyards and terraces. Indeed, the multi course luncheon in a hillside tavern did showcase wonderfully, the cuisine of Cyprus. Excellent it was too, with plenty of wine to encourage joining in the local dancing….ugh! All very nice except….The tour guide was one of those who felt it her job description to entertain and jolly us along, both on the way out, and back again. We were regailed with what seemed like the entire history of Cyprus as well as numerous myths and tales. However, she commenced her tour long entertainment by….singing to us! I cowered in abject horror as people joined in and started clapping along as if at an old people’s home Christmas party! Outside of this reminder of one’s parsimonious mortality, the countryside was a joy to behold. I think we travelled for around 75 (long) minutes. As I say, the “meze feast”, a kind of Cypriot banquet, was magnificent….except for the obligatory Benidorm style of entertainment afterwards where guests were invited to try their hand at local dancing. I clapped along with the enthusiasm of someone sitting an exam! And yes, after a litany of local tales….the coach driver said he wanted to hear an English song….my Bonnie Lies over the Ocean. The lyrics I knew as a teenager came to mind….”If I had the Wings of a Sparrow etc etc….”
At last, the “ordeal” was over and I had little enthusiasm for coming back. It wasn’t all bad; there was a rare opportunity to take uninterrupted photographs of Queen Mary 2 docked at Limassol where the opposite side of the vessel could be seen resplendent with the sun reflecting off the classic black hull, white superstructure and gleaming red funnel. I made the most of this opportunity before re-embarking. Being tired and out of sorts, I chilled out in my cabin before writing this blog.
Whatever my opinion was at the time, our tour guide had put a lot of preparation and enthusiasm into today’s excursion, and she was obviously a talented singer and very highly educated. I do admit to getting out of bed too soon and on the wrong side!
All the best, David.
David's Cruise 