A nice lazy day, today.
There was no camera shop in the Galleria shopping mall in Fort Lauderdale to “see me coming.”
I had the latest of breakfasts long after the Lido had closed in preparation for lunch. A kind staff member brought me a single-serving packet of corn flakes and a polystyrene cup of cool fresh milk. I looked out of a nearby floor-to-ceiling window, onto the harbour below, and the city and river further afield. A cool wind still thwarted the clear dry weather’s attempt at a hot day, although, it was possible, later in the day, to soak up the sun.
I was joined for an early lunch of healthy salad with various cheeses and cold meats by Gary and Jan from Portsmouth on their first cruise. He is a former Royal Navy server, and assures me with a degree of authority, that the recent crossing of the Atlantic was his worst of several. Perhaps not the roughest, but it is expected that there is, usually, some kind of let-up between turbulent episodes. However, he felt the strongest winds were between force 8 and 9.
I made it to the shopping mall; there was no camera shop or general store selling them. Perhaps it’s a good thing. I did, however, buy a couple of shirts to replace old ones I had brought with me. Also, a black belt for my dark blue trousers.
Just bumped into Jo, in the Mall. Now for some unexpected serious window shopping. (But there are no glaziers round here…) She wants some toothpaste…I breathed a sigh of relief as we passed by the Rolex shop, and other over-the-top high-end outlets.
Actually, I quite like these malls, but I am sure there are more exciting ones than that Cunard sends its guests to.
I went back for a third shirt!
I am now at the table I was invited to join, after much thought. Christine has returned to my original table, and hopefully, I can go back from time to time to keep in touch.
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The voyage has gone to plan, and “not gone to plan,” simultaneously. We left Fort Lauderdale this evening, on time, after a most difficult crossing with consequential very late running. I had figured, based on previous experience, the weather would begin to warm up after three or perhaps four days. Storm Brendan necessitated a time consuming diversion; we entered a second cool weather system which influenced our stay in Bermuda, now, 24 hours late. A gallant effort was made to regain all the time lost so far, and arrive at Port Canaveral on time. Technical issues, however, resulted in the ship being slowed down, and we docked in the afternoon, leaving just enough time for a quick trip to the Space Centre, Cocoa Beach, or merely, a wander around.
Back on board, as darkness started to falI tonight, I saw, from my stateroom balcony, the remains of what must have been a decent sunset, before changing for dinner tonight. I shall post the photos in a separate blog; hopefully they will upload properly for anyone to access.
Our next port of call, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
All the best, David.
David's Cruise 