Friday 7th January 2022
This time next week, I should be safely ensconced in my Inside Stateroom on a high deck. Outside, the weather may well be as it is today – miserable! On previous January departures, crisp clear skies reigned over a frosty morn, following a pleasant drive the day before.
On Thursday, (yesterday), Epiphany was celebrated at a Choral Evensong at St. John’s Church. I treated myself to a curry before the service at 7.30, and was only just in time; the choir of 14 was already assembled at the West Door (the main entrance). However, they let me through, not with disgruntled comments, but a cheery greeting and “Happy New Year.” The Churchwarden assured me that the sound system was already set up. “Oh right…” I thought to myself. “Of course….the sound system!” In my defence, the only notification I remember about this mid-week service was an e-mail from the Parish Office which was soon “buried” under a stack of more recent e-mails, and I only remembered at the last minute it was taking place. The service was so beautifully performed by everybody involved, it was worthy of being televised, or broadcast on Radio 3.
For the the next six days, I will be preoccupied, preparing for a month of, hopefully, enjoying the Caribbean sunshine, and the voyage across the Atlantic, which, taking a much more southerly course in both directions, promises much warmer weather. Unbelievably, I do have a few slight misgivings. I don’t relish the thought of being tested positive for coronavirus and thus confined to my (booked) windowless cabin, from the time of being tested, to the end of a month long cruise! Apparently (according to the Daily Mail) that happened to a couple on a similar but shorter voyage, which is still on its way back from Barbados. Except, they had a balcony and therefore, access to fresh air.
I believe I have all the “red tape” in place. A couple of items need to be taken care of nearer to departure. Late on Thursday morning, I shall be on my way, this time hopefully, not having left my credit card and rail pass at home in a drawer! Fortunately, on that occasion, my Visa card sufficed for the entire eleven week circumnavigation of South America.
I think I have mentioned before, next week is peppered with other non-cruise related commitments including a trip to the dentist, a theological meeting and a hair appointment.
Snow has fallen this week, but today (now it’s Saturday afternoon) it has turned to rain which at times crashes down like a waterfall. And the carport which remained waterproof for a few months is no longer quite so resistant to the squally showers that thrash down from all directions. “Solitary” in a windowless cabin on deck 12 begins to feel slightly preferable to the continued onslaught of lousy weather. I imagine my next blog may be from that cabin/stateroom. Now to start packing!
Many thanks for reading, David, 16.11 hrs, 8/1/22
David's Cruise 