It is almost a week since I heard the Faure Requiem for the first time in a very moving performance at St. John’s Church last Saturday night. This was by way of an act of Remembrance, performed by the Buxton Bach Choir, with each section (or movement) separated by reflective poetry, some written during the First World War, some only recently, all read with unsurpassable confidence and tear-jerking authority. This event was very well attended, and I was, as is usual these days, in charge of the sound mixing desk, and for the first time, the recently installed lighting system.
This was all the more poignant; I learned that somebody I knew fairly well during my teenage years, and possibly a little later too, had passed away. Not a couple of weeks ago, but some years since.
Today, Thursday, one of my work colleagues who keeps in touch rang me, mainly to “catch up” but also to let me know of a sailing to Vancouver which ties in perfectly with my forthcoming Alaska cruise and Amtrak railtour, described numerous times in recent blogs. This would add 30 days to my current planned journey and negate the need to go up in an aeroplane. Strangely, I was quite looking forward to flying to Vancouver, but, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go there by ship instead, and get to travel westbound through the Panama Canal. Bookings opened this morning and there was just one balcony cabin available, similar to the one reserved from Vancouver. I snapped it up, and quite unintentionally, I am now going to the Caribbean twice in 2022, with no duplication! I am less pessimistic about the pandemic which has still not gone away. If these travel arrangements are postponed yet again, at least I will have enjoyed planning and looking forward to them.
I went into Buxton last night for curry. It was as good as ever. Outside were colourful reminders of the advent of Advent…and Christmas to follow. LED illuminated Christmas trees decorate every shop and business in Higher Buxton. And for the first time, I hope to have an illuminated crib adorning either my front garden or the ledge above my front door.
Many thanks for reading. David, 2028hrs 18th November 2021.
David's Cruise 