From my balcony where once I gazed upon Guatemala, I now survey a grey and leadened Greenock as the reality of the real world drops its biggest hint! Drizzle moistens the forenoon of an early August day, as I wonder whether to explore again, a much visited port of call. I was first here in July 1990 when I was fortunate enough to be a passenger aboard QE2 on its first return to the Clyde after the ship was completed in (I think) 1968. This was in celebration of Cunard’s 150th anniversary. QE2 was launched, nearby, on September 20th 1967, and 40 years later, to the day, she would return once again for typical Cunard elaborate celebrations, including a fine display by the Red Arrows, who I am told by a neighbour, had passed over the very street where I live, on their way to Scotland. As darkness fell, fireworks exploded, filling the sky forward of QE2 with colour and noise. Yes, I was there for that celebration also, but not its final call at Greenock, the following year. This place certainly does hold distant joyous memories of when the sun was allowed out for much of the day. Now, the drizzle has morphed into uninviting rain, and I am tempted to stay on board.
(Above) Not yet 07.00hrs, I ventured out onto my balcony to take these pictures as Queen Elizabeth headed up the Clyde towards Greenock. The weather was on the cusp of deteriorating even then! I had an “enhanced” breakfast in the Lido which offered “inspiring” views of neatly stacked containers against a backdrop of uninspiring high-rises, a couple of churches and architecture from a previous century, all overlooked by low partially wooded hills. “Enhanced” means that because no grapefruit was available, I treated myself to a small plate of cooked food. Now to continue the jig-saw puzzle, that is packing.
Well, I did go back to my cabin, and although still held back by the remnants of a cold that won’t go away, I made wonderful progress with the packing. Blue skies were winning the battle with its murky counterparts, and warmth provided more evidence of summer. It had turned into a very nice day, just as I remember.
I made two trips to the Post Office and off loaded a substantial amount of souvenirs, books and clothing which should reach home before I do. Packing would have been a nightmare had I left it to the last day. It yet may still be!There was a very pleasant feeling of being back in the U.K. A taxi driver took me to a different post office to the one I had walked to. I now doubt if any of my bags will violate weight restrictions. I have missed lunch, and am back on board now. Time for a little sustenance.(6/8/19, 09.10hrs)I joined Denise for a modest bite to eat in the Lido. We then ventured to deck 3 for views of the pipe band who entertained the many, watching from the ship. A kind lady assured me of a decent view, and I was able to manage some acceptable video & photographs.We were late departing Greenock. Two late-comers were cheered by the onlookers on Deck 3, but these turned to “good-natured” (I hope) boos as they walked up the gang-plank! The pipe band serenaded from us the quayside including their finale, “Scotland the Brave”, a melody I have liked since early childhood.Sailing along the Clyde turned out to be as gorgeous (although much different from) as Alaska’s Inside Passage. Warmth and lovely skies had trounced the miserable wet and colourless gloom of the fore-noon. I do not remember this part of the U.K. being so attractive. I even enjoyed the brief time I spent in Greenock itself.As a rare treat, I joined Glenis and Denise for drinks in the Commodore Club from where the most wonderful panoramic views can be enjoyed, especially in Scotland. The three of us then redeemed our Diamond status vouchers for a very “high-end” Indian banquet in Cunard’s Alternative Dining on Deck 9, again offering spectacular scenic vistas of southern Scotland’s atmospheric landscape. A most pleasant day was “rounded off ” in The Royal Court Theatre where a male quartet, backed by the Royal Court Theatre Orchestra performed covers of well known pop music with astonishing professionalism. I even enjoyed the tedious Bohemian Rhapsody, executed to perfection, so much so, that, after all these years, I now like Bohemian Rhapsody!A final de-caff latte in the Carinthia Cafe brought a most pleasant day to a close. I slept reasonably well.I leave you with a handful of images from the ship as we set sail for Dublin the FINAL port of call.
Thanks for reading,David.
David's Cruise 