Our progress, ever north east across the Atlantic is evidenced by an increasing loss of temperature. Today, probably my last in shorts, I walked around the deck before and after breakfast. The ship’s internet seems not to be functioning although I think that I did manage to send a WhatsApp message today.
Last night, all passengers received a letter inviting them to choose which day to leave the ship next week. We shall be arriving on Thursday afternoon, and I shall be travelling to Buxton on Friday morning. Normally, we would stop for lunch on the way; those days have ended for the time being. In London and elsewhere, the Coronavirus is having a devastating impact. Optimists predict recovery from the end of May. Others I meet site May 2021 when recovery might begin.
I tried to enjoy Day 70 by attending some of the events on board. Robert Powell, delivered a very moving account of the life of Rudyard Kipling part of whose childhood was hell in the hands of a Christian foster family he had to endure from age six to twelve. For almost an hour, I was “not on the Queen Victoria” but, at a very serious lecture which was so well delivered, it could have been just for me. I had the rare feeling that I wished I enjoyed reading. My blogs would be far better. Kipling’s writings and poetry are like music. Only late in life do I appreciate really good English.
I am sad that the places I visited on this wonderful voyage are but a fading memory enhanced by my daily blog, photographs videos and baseball caps! Soon, I shall have to vacate cabin 5015, the “home” I became accustomed to almost instantly, looking out from my balcony across the Solent, back in January. I knew these last days would be emotional; what nobody expected was the global crisis which had started to manifest itself, unknown to me, as early as December. The way of life at home which I was so accustomed to will be vastly different a week from now.
There will be little to write about between now and next Friday, Day 77 when I leave the ship one day early. I do intend to write each day, nonetheless. I have been pleased to receive a few encouraging comments, and assurances that people have to a degree, have enjoyed reading my account of this phenomenal odyssey, a voyage that “ticked a whole host of boxes.” Its 1am now. Karaoke, after the Show Time wasn’t the hell I was expecting. Every volunteer singer was at least, very good indeed, some even worthy of their own show in the Royal Court Theatre! I’ve been busy today, and plan to be tomorrow.
Many thanks for reading, David: 01.05 hrs 20/3/20.
David's Cruise 