Blog 831: 5 and 6/9/22 En Route for, and in Stavanger.

Day 2 of 7

I shall take it easy today as we head through the North Sea. Winds from the S E. are light at the moment; earlier this morning, the temperature was given as 21°C. “That’ll do nicely” I thought to myself. I suppose that the excitement hadn’t worn off yet; sleeping last night was a challenge. I did eventually “drop off” but today, I am not really “full of beans.”

It was interesting at dinner last night. Two ladies, each with two homes (always an ambition of mine, to have two homes), one in Switzerland and one over here, were on what they called their “maiden voyage.” Yep, they were on their very first cruise. Both were overwhelmed with the options listed in the Daily Programme and were debating how to fit it all in. It was inevitable that I would be asked about my cruising history. Now, I remember all too well back in the 1990s being slightly irritated by people who would ask “how many cruises have you done?” I don’t usually tell “porkies” (lies) but my usual answer would be “I haven’t a clue, I’ve lost count” knowing full well that my total, back then, could be counted on one hand. But today, I really have lost count! Being at sea en route for some interesting part of the world has yet to lose its appeal. While 2023 should see my last multi-month voyage, I rather hope I can enjoy an annual “QM2-fix” for a good number of years, as well as trying out other cruise companies, all excellent in their own individual way. However, despite my modest shareholding with Carnival, I won’t be in a hurry to party along on their family oriented Carnival Cruise Line vessels, which inspire the contradiction, full vessels make the most noise!

I remain impressed with the camera on my new phone. Never before have I photographed an oil rig! Opportunities are aplenty in the North Sea and one ponders in wonder at the engineering and genius of extracting oil from these remote and harsh locations.

On this picture, you need extremely sharp eyes to see the oil rig to the right, on the horizon, the one pictured below. (Enlarge the picture if you can) .In reality, it *was* easier to discern from the Promenade Deck, but very difficult to photograph.

One of the numerous oil rigs in the North Sea. The top image exaggerates how far off this particular rig. The same rig, llustrated here, is seen from *Queen Mary 2.*

Right now, I’m in my element. I have chosen to enjoy lunch in the main restaurant at Table 354, always occupied by Richard C. Faber Jnr, and his numerous invited guests. I would soon be joined by two couples roughly my age, retirees from illustrious careers.

Moments before the start of this afternoon’s piano recital in the Queens Room.

After lunch, I ventured to the Queens Room where a superb piano recital of music by Chopin, Brahms, (not and *Liszt!), Mozart, Debussy and Grieg was extremely well attended. Such fine virtuoso piano playing would grace the most prestigious of venues, anywhere. *(Brahms and Liszt is Cockney slang for…drunk!)

So far, I have booked two shore experiences, including a recital in the grounds of Grieg’s residence on the outskirts of Bergen. However, I have chosen to do my own thing in Stavanger, tomorrow. I’m sure the opportunity to travel to Scandinavia will present itself in the not too distant future.

On board, this evening, is the Black and White Gala night at which passengers will don their finest formal wear, the ladies, especially, with their predominantly black and white finery. This should present no problem for me; my evening attire is nothing but Black and White, except for a couple of colourful bow-ties.

This is the first voyage in many years that I don’t know anybody at all from previous cruises. That is, apart from the “Amethyst” Cunard’s superb resident duo, who I first encountered in 2018. But I have enjoyed the company of several “new” people mainly during various mealtimes. I decided to put on the tuxedo for tonight’s Gala. In lieu of an Officers’ party, presumably curtailed through covid-19, all diners were treated to a glass of “bubbly” to accompany their meal. This happened on previous voyages, but only for the “Black and White Gala Night. I was never a big fan of these get-togethers being a solo traveller. However, other regular guests with Cunard lament the absence of these social gatherings, which I do remember as being well attended and highly enjoyable events.

Black and White Ball in the Queens Room.

I completed another 10,000 steps during the day, and before retiring for the night, in the wee small hours of the following morning.

WiFi and the Internet remain patchy on board, especially in the mountainous surrounds of southern Norway. I completed this blog having enjoyed exploring part of Stavanger on a Hop-on Hop-off red bus, as well as on foot. Below are a few pictures captured today.