Actually, it wasn’t, this morning. The outside temperature was given as 11°C, with F9 south-westerly near gale conditions across the outside decks. And it was raining! I wrote off thoughts of walking, but this afternoon, it was dry and much warmer than I envisaged.
This morning, I relaxed, writing WhatsApp messages to people I know back at home. It wasn’t fit to venture outside. I met Jo at her favourite spot in the Carinthia Lounge. There was a fascinating illustrated talk by Steve King, The Story Behind the Song, which provided an unusual but qualified insight into how famous and favourite songs came into being. I look forward to his next lecture on Friday.
A light lunch of tomato soup, rice and stir-fried noodles was the order of today. We then ventured to the Royal Court Theatre for the third of four recitals by the Melbourne and Socrates Duo, featuring music for clarinet and piano by Schubert and Brahms, among others. We took our seats in the “side circle” on Deck 3, where we all would sit during the 2018 QM2 World Voyage. There was a remarkably good attendance although a few found the whole thing too much, and discreetly left the auditorium. I noticed! Neither of us had any appetite for Afternoon Tea but we are using our discretionary vouchers for alternative dining tonight.
Having warmed up substantially this afternoon, Jo and I did a couple of laps of Deck 7. I then did a couple more by myself, and some more, still, after it had gone dark. I think we can safely say it’s going to be warmer from now on. Our first Caribbean port of call on Saturday is the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas. The last time I was there was on the Maiden Voyage of the ship I am on right now. That was an unbelievable 18 years ago.
Tonight, we redeemed our Diamond World Club vouchers in the Alternative Dining venue, where a section of the King’s Court eatery is laid up with linen tablecloths and fine cutlery and crockery. Tonight, my main course was “venison cottage pie.” Somehow, for dessert, the chef managed to produce an allegedly much reduced sugar baked Alaska. Neither of us had meringue!
We went to the show, afterwards where Indigo May, two superb female vocalists entertained brilliantly with an eclectic repertoire of many different genres of song. I’ve seen them before, but I didn’t recall them being as good as they were tonight.
The beat of the pop band Changez in the Queen’s Room is not conducive to an early night. I shall do a couple of laps on/of the Promenade Deck by which time the dancing should have finished.
Apparently, it’s 20°C outside. Time for an evening stroll methinks. I made my way to Deck 7 where outside, a warm strong breeze reminded me of those glorious warm days of late January/early February. Outside on Deck 7, I came across the folk duo who play late at night in the Golden Lion. They finish on QM2 on March 15th, the day I disembark. Their contract continues on Queen Elizabeth on May 2nd. This is some coincidence; my next travels resume the same day on that same cruise ship.
Many thanks for reading. David, 00.21hrs King’s Court aft, where “refreshment” is available until 00.30 hrs.
David's Cruise 