Isn’t life so very strange, especially at 3 o’clock in the morning. I usually wake up three to five times for a “comfort stop.” Last night, and still this morning, the sea was termed as “rough” on the Navigational Channel, with temperatures remaining at a most acceptable 19 degrees Celsius. Through the night, my cabin bounced around like an “out of sync” elevator. And, when I awoke at that silly hour of the forenoon, my thought process went haywire. “Between now and the end of April next year, I shall be far from home for around 200 days,” I pondered. And, at that time of the morning, my heart sank! I drifted off to part 4 of my night’s sleep. I became aware of 5am, 6 something a.m. and then found myself “deejaying” at my farewell gig, with all my music inaccessible and the only 7″ single not being compatible with my CD-only equipment. I offered this rare vinyl record to a disinterested group of young people for a charity auction. Need for a further “comfort stop” rescued me from the scrambled ramblings of what passes for a brain! Comfortable once again, I sunk into a more pleasant state of slumber. It should be noted that Queen Mary 2 is facing rough seas, but, I have experienced, and enjoyed far worse!
When I awoke eventually at 8.30-ish I was relieved that the night time state of panic and melancholy had vanished without trace, and outside, the sight of choppy blue seas, much white froth and a gorgeous skyscape was as welcome as a lottery win. My only issue right now is “only 200 days?”
Last night, I was invited to join a couple from Wigan who I first came across on the 2018 World Voyage, for dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed being in their company, not only for dinner, but for the show afterwards. Two “tenors” from Yorkshire were backed by the hugely versatile Royal Court Orchestra. Their singing was, as one might expect, very good indeed, one slightly better than the other. But their chat between numbers did nothing to enhance the show and merely served as padding to give the backing band a break. I did enjoy their take on Nights in White Satin, and the Sound of Silence, a favourite of mine since penned by Paul Simon c1965. The duo explained this song was meant to portray an aspect of mental illness, and I was expecting them to launch into “I am a Rock,” which illustrates despair much more obviously. Ye Gods! That would have depressed the audience, and impressed me!
We eventually went our separate ways; I decided to catch the end of Amethyst’s performance in the Carinthia Lounge. “Amethyst” are a duo who I first came across on the QM2 2018 World Voyage. Paul is a superb virtuoso guitarist and with Katherine (I think that’s the correct spelling) completing the twosome, I could listen to their music for hours on end. Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here concluded their spot. But, by that time, I was too weary to wish anybody was here.
This afternoon, Dr Stephen Payne delivers a lecture on Cunard’s 1907 express liners, Mauretania and Lusitania. I shall arrive early so as not to have to stand through his illustrated presentation. The rest of the day, I shall walk, sunbathe, and change one of my booked excursions. I have at least one activity booked for each port of call, and when in Tenerife, will revisit Puerto De La Cruz where I enjoyed holidays back in the 1980s. Surely it will be different now. (11.20hrs, GMT -1)
13.48hrs For the first time on this voyage, I managed six consecutive laps of the Boat Deck, 2.2 miles, the exact distance from my house to Buxton Station (by car). Walking is marginally less. And for lunch, I managed to have a table for two right by the window with magnificent up-close views of a “moderate to rough” sea. Such tables are at a premium, especially if you are by yourself. A wonderful (if not particularly healthy) beef and ale pie was accompanied by mash, peas and gravy. There is something to be said for lunch, almost each day, at a table “dressed” with fresh linen, crockery and silverware, especially with views of a frothing tempestuous sea. Outside, the wind may be strong, but you are not going to catch a chill. And, from what I gather, tomorrow will be calmer, and a degree or two warmer. The long sleeve shirts will go to the laundry, and out will come the shorts and t-shirt. (Yuk!)
I made my way to Illuminations for Stephen Payne’s lecture, half an hour before the start, only to be reminded that it would take place in the Royal Court Theatre. Nevertheless, I did find a decent seat with no difficulty. Actually, this would be a good location for one of the shows. There isn’t the same enthusiasm for his Titanic lecture in Illuminations, unless people drift in late. Perhaps the agreeable climate outside is proving irresistible. I shall be resuming my deck walking 🚶♀️ shortly afterwards.
I have taken a few photos which I shall post when internet quality permits. I shall also publish the blogs written during and after our call at Lisbon.
Stephen Payne’s lecture on the Mauretania and Lusitania was hugely enjoyable and enlightening. He confirmed bits of knowledge I have on the subject and cleared up many things of which I was either ill-informed or uncertain. There were numerous dates and statistics which brought his presentation to life, particularly the illustrations by Paula Nunn who through modern technology and much personal skill, was able to produce fabulous interior images in full colour which, when displayed on a big screen, brought both Mauretania and Lusitania very much to life, just like an expensively produced brochure. Dr. Payne’s delivery was clear and measured to perfection, with no unnecessary “theatrical.” Nevertheless, his account of the breaking up of a once national treasure brought a lump of deep regret to my throat. He suggests Mauretania was the Concorde of its day and I am glad that tiny pieces of Mauretania are in my collection, fashioned at that time into tasteful souvenirs, and I can gaze upon ephemera once perused by passengers of both Lusitania and Mauretania. What I never knew until this afternoon is that Queen Mary 2 was originally to be named Mauretania. The name might not have marketed quite so well as QM2, but it would be fabulous if the new Cunarder could be named after one of the “greats” e.g. Aquitania.
I have had a superb day today. My quest for 300,000 steps is well on target, and I have enjoyed the abundance of pure unpolluted air, blowing strongly from a southerly direction. Right now, 18.06 hrs, I am in one of my favourite venues, the Carinthia Lounge where the ship’s resident band “Changez” are playing to few passengers, which is a pity. Carinthia Longe on Queen Mary 2 is situated on Deck 7, where the Winter Garden was located until QM2’s remastering in 2015. When the band finish, I shall venture back to the cabin to prepare for dinner.
Posted the next day, Friday 21st January at 10.24hrs, Ship’s Time. Thanks for reading, David.
David's Cruise 