Generally, there are two sea days before the final day of disembarkation, and this voyage is no exception. This provides supposedly ample opportunity to pack for the forward journey, wherever that may be, usually home, and that period of “withdrawal symptoms”. Last year, at the same point in the voyage, packing turned out to be chaotic, and my needing to buy “extra capacity” so as to leave nothing behind. I think I have learned from that experience. So, this morning, with just one full day left, I have made an excellent start and am confident that I have more than enough room for everything.
So, how do I look back on my first, and hopefully, not my last global circumnavigation? With absolute pleasure, and the wish that I could do this all the time! That, of course, would be at the expense of a good life I enjoy at home, and seeing friends and family, which I could not give up. Therefore, “all the time” should read once or twice a year, leaving ample time to enjoy being at home.
And now, after 70 days, I do look forward to being met by my neighbour and friend from over the road, and seeing my beloved car again. (Proud to be Peugeot!). St. John’s Church is another place I look forward to re-acquainting myself with, and of course, the infinite surrounding countryside in which to explore.
But now, it’s time for a Captain’s cocktail party…At 11.15. I do feel I should attend.
This event was the Senior Officers’ Party which I remember on QE2 as the Ward Room Party. I did find good company during this event so wasn’t “lost” in a sea of people I didn’t know, as can happen at these popular occasions.
The sea appears calm. However, a slight swell from the North West is hitting the ship at an angle of around 45 degrees, resulting in more movement than usual. I fear a slightly uncomfortable passage across the Bay of Biscay; I “got away with it” both outward and return last year.
In fact, this year there was nothing to worry about as the minor discomforts earlier in the day subsided.
It is now day 72, just after midnight. The penultimate show in the Royal Court Theatre was a proper 60s concert by The Rewind Project (T.R.P.). Rarely do I buy the CD but tonight’s show was probably one of the most enjoyable I remember remember on board a ship. Band members were from The Moody Blues and 10cc. “Nights in White Satin” may have been an inevitable pre-encore finale, but this was a storming and passionate rendition, beyond perfection.
I had intended to look back on the entire world tour, but will do so in a later blog at a more civilised hour. Right now, I am in the Queens Room where the Roaring Twenties Ball has just finished. A handful of people remain dancing to canned music. But, I shall retire so as to be able to make the most of the last full day at sea.
Thanks for reading,
David.
“The Rewind Project”
David's Cruise 