This won’t be the first time I have been in the U.S.A. at the time Americans celebrate independence from Great Britain back in 1776. Was it really six years ago that I watched the celebratory fireworks from a pleasure boat in New York’s Hudson River? Later today, we shall be within clear sight of the former Cunard liner R.M.S. Queen Mary at Long Beach as that city’s fireworks decorate the night sky with colour, choreography and explosive cacophony. I cannot get enough of such occasions!
I slept well last night despite several wake-up calls of nature. And today, the morning grey is already giving up its fight with blue skies and clearing views of the California coast off our port-side. And now, oil field platforms (I think that’s what they are) tarnish the image I once had of southern California of pristine countryside and endless warmth. Nevertheless, California does have that laid back “feel good” ambience, much celebrated in vintage pop music.
Dinner tonight is retimed to 7.45 to allow everybody on board to view the fireworks.
Last night’s show in the Royal Court was very well performed by what I would call an “Andrews Sisters” tribute act who brashly serenaded their audience through an over adjusted P.A. system. It was a convincing performance, with wonderful American patriotic fervour which offended a small few who “legged it”. Tonight, they will be belting out the U.S. National Anthem, outside on deck 9. (We lost that one 243 years ago!)
Time for a deck walk – more later.
David.
David's Cruise 