Our third day at sea, like the first two is remarkably tranquil, with hardly a noticeable swell. Such gentleness didn’t seem possible when crossing the Atlantic to New York in February! But boy! It’s hot out there today. Each attempt to walk sees me soon wilting into either an inside air-conditioned venue or onto a shaded sunlounger. And right now, I’m taking refuge in the Queens Room where a cabaret pianist entertains with an unremarkable soundtrack of familiar melodies. I can even name the title to some of the tunes people are nodding to as they indulge in Cunard’s signature Afternoon Tea. I am ashamed to say that I am in their number! But I do have a fabulous sea view from where I am sitting, putting away endless brews! Surprisingly, few have availed themselves of the traditional afternoon tea today. There are 1,300 passengers on board. But even throughout the day, the ship seems more than half empty, and one wonders how many, having tested positive for covid-19, are now confined to their staterooms.
I know little of today’s current affairs. Has Boris come out smelling of roses from the long awaited Sue Gray Report? I hear the Queen made it to the Chelsea Flower Show, as I myself did in 1971! Yes, the variety of life survives to the present day!
Nevertheless, as far as I am concerned, this trip is doing exactly what it says on the tin, that is transporting me in exceptional comfort to Vancouver, the real start of my travels, which when first booked, actually should have started in Tokyo! (Covid and All That).
Tomorrow, we call at Manzanillo in Mexico and I shall be making probably best use of the day on one of Cunard’s shore experiences. I do hope that I can enjoy the bus ride with minimal and relevant commentary. Lunch promises to be very good, as do the various towns we shall call at.
Before my umpteenth attempt to walk today (5,828 steps so far today), I shall listen to Art Expert Sam Cox’s account of the life of Andy Warhol, along with his customary investment sales pitch which has had almost reaching for the wallet on more than one occasion! (Continued 28/5/22, 11.21)
After the Andy Warhol presentation which again, I found interesting, at last, I did find the energy, and more importantly, the inclination to resume the walking, and finished the day with an acceptable 16,409 steps, or around 5.75 miles. The rest of the day was fairly routine, joining my table companions for dinner, and a final nocturnal stroll before a shorter sleep. I had signed up for the shore experience to Colima, Comala, and the pyramid ruins at Campana. This would mean an early (for me) start. Originally sold out, this tour, which included a typical Mexican lunch, would, at the last minute, have seat availability.
Many thanks for reading, David, 28/5/22, 11.49hrs.
David's Cruise 