Blog 721 Surrealism

Is there such a word? I think this is Day 4 of 6 sea days between Tortola and Santa Cruz de Tenerife; I’m beginning to lose count!

My intention of continuing my “marathon” walking was somewhat thwarted this morning, which is a pity. Answering texts and sending e-mails, and waiting for replies, despite being up at around 08.00hrs, took up the entire morning. I did finish off yesterday’s blog, also, and sent a huge long reply to a WhatsApp message from my sister which appears to have just vanished into the ether… Sorry Mary! I think I have just about managed to co-ordinate the delivery and assembly of a cabinet to St.John’s Church to house the existing sound system. This has meant liaising between the cabinet supplier and the churchwarden by e-mail, and eventually by phone @ £1.88 / minute! Doing most of this from inside my cabin made me feel I was back home in Buxton. (surrealism). But a small lunch and a bright day has brought me back to this temporary reality. Now to lose at whist again!

And I did; the cards did not fall like they did yesterday. Having had a smallish bit of something to eat at lunch time, I followed the whist session with my now famous mini afternoon tea. Then, it was time to walk…with difficulty at first, but somehow, I managed (throughout the day) approximately four miles either inside or on the Promenade Deck. Alan (who informed me about the bargains on the next cruise) joined me and made sure I got several laps in. Walking is somehow much easier with company.

I had joined Jean, Joan and Jack for a spot of afternoon tea, then for dinner, and later in the Queen’s Room where the combined Queen’s Room and Royal Court Orchestra provided big band music for dancing. Masks still need to be worn when on the dance floor. It was this restriction or instruction which caused an unpleasant kerfuffle at the beginning of this voyage, which now feels an age ago. Masks are still required to be worn inside the ship, except when eating/drinking. Now, I have to check the covid regulations for disembarkation next Friday. There are two more sea days before arrival at Tenerife. I shall ascertain all of this sooner rather than leaving it to the last minute. I remain incredibly comfortable on this massive liner, and I’m rather glad to be starting this all over again in 10 days’ time. Now, it’s the next day, 00.34hrs GMT-2.