Last night was another pleasant evening in “out of sync summer.” As usual, I made my way down to dinner in the Britannia Restaurant where the now expected excellent dinner was served. I have to say that I do like this new arrangement of open dining between 7.45 and 9 pm, meeting new people most nights while also being joined by those met earlier.
“Forever Tenors” delivered a second and final show before they leave the ship at Barbados, I would think, for further similar engagements. Their singing and stage presence was superb, their dialogue between songs, still tedious and irritating, although judging by the warm reaction of the audience, perhaps it is I who needs to get a sense of humour implant!
Amethyst performing poolside at the stern end of Deck 8, had a full dance floor under the stars. Although “on my own,” I was able to derive pleasure from this mid January phenomenon of outdoor leisure as the next day approached. I was far from the only one just “looking on.” But I did hanker after my younger less mature and responsible days somewhat.
I went to bed late, endured another repertoire of weird dreams, but awoke at a respectable hour. Today, Dr Stephen Payne delivers his final lecture, “Genesis of a Queen, QueenMary 2,” which will attract a full house. I have seen similar presentations before, all slightly different. Outside, a Force 3 north easterly breeze continues, as do the slight seas and air temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Maybe the chart hasn’t been updated.
It’s just after 9 am. Time for breakfast and walkies. (13.22 hrs, during a late lunch in the Britannia Restaurant.) For the first time on this voyage, I completed six laps of Deck 7 before breakfast and then taking my seat for Stephen Payne’s historic lecture. All his lectures on this voyage were worthy of a much wider audience than can be achieved on a passenger liner. Clear, well laid out and lavishly illustrated, and an enormous privilege to be at, GENESIS OF A QUEEN “Queen Mary 2” was presented by its creator, on board Queen Mary 2.
Lunch today consisted of a curry/vegetable soup, followed by roast lamb, and the fruit plate. I was ready for something to eat after a breakfast of just oatmeal and banana. This afternoon, on the recommendation of Joan and Jack, I am attending a second presentation in the Royal Court Theatre, “HUMAN PLANET,” given by British T.V. Producer and Director, Dale Templar. The pre-lecture slide show promises something of great interest in the next forty-five minutes. It has become dull outside, but probably its still nice and toasty out on deck. Dale Templar’s presentation of, and stories relating to clips from the TV series “Human Planet” was spectacular, and thought provoking. Cunard still does extremely well engaging these phenomenally interesting guest speakers.
This is the last of seven sea days, and while exciting new (to me) destinations are anticipated over the next seven days, including two in Barbados, I am slightly sad that this run of sea days is drawing to a close. (16.23 hrs in the Britannia Restaurant for Afternoon Tea) The Queen’s Room is, once again, set up for the pre-Barbados administration of optional Lateral Flow Tests. These are mandatory if exploring independently. One’s own tests are not valid, although I did take one in my room, as well as the Cunard Lateral Flow Test to confirm that I remain unaffected by the continuing pandemic. If the QM2 bongs precede my name over the ship’s P.A. system, I’m in trouble! It’s 17.46 hrs right now. Time for some pre-dinner walking.
07.47 hrs, Tuesday 25th January, Bridgetown, Barbados.
Yesterday, I completed at least 12 laps of the Boat Deck in an effort to negate the excess of things like afternoon tea. Although only equivalent to 4.4 miles, I did feel a sense of achievement having walked much further inside the ship. The warm, but not oppressive weather more or less throughout, has been therapeutic. This morning, mainly because of the maritime version of jetlag, I was up shortly after 6am, feeling refreshed from a reasonable sleep. I had a job to stay awake through the show last night, which I chose to attend, despite being an event I wouldn’t dream of goiing to, or watching on T.V. at home. Yes, the juggling was mind-blowing, but the show, loud and tedious. The audience, on the other hand, lapped it up and gave a standing ovation at the end.
Our seven consecutive sea days are over, and we are berthed for two full days in Bridgetown. Mid-morning, I will experience going down in a tourist submarine, something that was almost frowned upon by a fellow passenger who asked me of my plans for the day! Actually, she has a point! If one of the passengers on this or any trip proves positive for covid-19, the rest of us will be forced into self isolation. Probably not my wisest decision! There should be some good photos!
Finally, now we are at Barbados, there should be the opportunity to post the illustrated blogs written during our call at Lisbon. So we shall “jump back a week for two blogs, 696 and 697.
Many thanks for reading
David 08 14 hrs GMT -4. Enjoy your lunch!
David's Cruise 