Another bonus gorgeous day with calm seas and a clear blue sky. A slightly cooler breeze reminds us of our progress north east across the Atlantic. I am beginning to hear more from home as, according to my stateroom TV, the virus situation develops. I am determined to maintain the good health I am enjoying; there’s no doubt that these days at sea from the middle of January have been most beneficial. Time for deck-walking. But first, tidy the room and prepare for packing. (This I have now done)
Jo, Aiden, Jose and I met for our complimentary lunch in the Stakehouse Verandah Restaurant midships on Deck 2. The meal, normally $25.00, but well worth the supplementary charge was of superior quality and presentation, and is complimentary to passengers who have amassed 150 nights or more on Cunard ships.
I started with a beetroot salad which as a child, I would have avoided like the plague. The sirloin stake with onion rings, spinach and gorgeous mashed potatoes made for a wonderful main course, followed by a plate of fresh strawberries.
After the lunch, Aiden took time out to suggest ways of avoiding contracting Coronavirus, much more than merely handwashing to two renditions of “Happy Birthday”, every ten minutes. Nobody must enter the house, all shopping wiped over. All this was meant to reassure me. Advice to use the Cruise Connect bus service to the North might be a sensible alternative to being driven home from Southampton. But I still like the port to my front door non-stop option my friend very kindly suggested. I am not keen on a hire car with its unfamiliar technology.
The day has gone quickly. I have bottles of champagne left over from my birthday. I decided to hold a champagne-whist afternoon in two days. That idea went down well!
Tonight, I get to look at the painting which was centrepiece at the Cunard Gala in Buenos Aires. I was determined that would end up in Buxton. The Art Gallery are taking very good care of it until I leave the ship. I am also after a pavement banner with the QV South America logo. I think there are at least two of these. Thankfully, despite the Coronavirus crisis, I still haven’t forgotten my collecting priorities!
I am not sure of my plans for tonight. I don’t fancy anything more than a snack before going to bed. Thanks for reading, David 19.16 hrs 18/3/20.
David's Cruise 