Author: davidscruise

Isn’t life so very strange, especially at 3 o’clock in the morning. I usually wake up three to five times for a “comfort stop.”  Last night, and still this morning, the sea was termed as “rough” on the Navigational Channel, with temperatures remaining at a most acceptable 19 degrees Celsius.  Through the night, my cabin bounced around like an “out of sync” elevator. And, when I awoke at that silly hour of the forenoon, my thought process went haywire.  “Between now and the end of April next year, I shall be far from home for around 200 days,” I pondered. And, at that time of the morning, my heart sank!  I drifted off to part 4 of my night’s sleep.  I became aware of 5am, 6 something a.m. and then found myself “deejaying” at my farewell gig, with all my music inaccessible and the only 7″ single not being compatible with my CD-only equipment.  I offered this rare vinyl record to a disinterested group of young people for a charity auction.  Need for a further “comfort stop” rescued me from the scrambled ramblings of what passes for a brain!  Comfortable once again, I sunk into a more pleasant state of slumber.  It should be noted that Queen Mary 2 is facing rough seas, but, I have experienced, and enjoyed far worse!

When I awoke eventually at 8.30-ish I was relieved that the night time state of panic and melancholy had vanished without trace, and outside, the sight of choppy blue seas, much white froth and a gorgeous skyscape was as welcome as a lottery win.  My only issue right now is “only 200 days?”

Last night, I was invited to join a couple from Wigan who I first came across on the 2018 World Voyage, for dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed being in their company, not only for dinner, but for the show afterwards.  Two “tenors” from Yorkshire were backed by the hugely versatile Royal Court Orchestra.  Their singing was, as one might expect, very good indeed, one slightly better than the other.  But their chat between numbers did nothing to enhance the show and merely served as padding to give the backing band a break.  I did enjoy their take on Nights in White Satin, and the Sound of Silence, a favourite of mine since penned by Paul Simon c1965.  The duo explained this song was meant to portray an aspect of mental illness, and I was expecting them to launch into “I am a Rock,” which illustrates despair much more obviously.  Ye Gods! That would have depressed the audience, and impressed me!

We eventually went our separate ways; I decided to catch the end of Amethyst’s performance in the Carinthia Lounge.  “Amethyst” are a duo who I first came across on the QM2 2018 World Voyage.  Paul is a superb virtuoso guitarist and with Katherine (I think that’s the correct spelling) completing the twosome, I could listen to their music for hours on end.  Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here concluded their spot.  But, by that time, I was too weary to wish anybody was here.

This afternoon, Dr Stephen Payne delivers a lecture on Cunard’s 1907 express liners, Mauretania and Lusitania.  I shall arrive early so as not to have to stand through his illustrated presentation.  The rest of the day, I shall walk, sunbathe, and change one of my booked excursions.  I have at least one activity booked for each port of call, and when in Tenerife, will revisit Puerto De La Cruz where I enjoyed holidays back in the 1980s.  Surely it will be different now.  (11.20hrs, GMT -1)

13.48hrs For the first time on this voyage, I managed six consecutive laps of the Boat Deck, 2.2 miles, the exact distance from my house to Buxton Station (by car). Walking is marginally less.  And for lunch, I managed to have a table for two right by the window with magnificent up-close views of a “moderate to rough” sea.  Such tables are at a premium, especially if you are by yourself.  A wonderful (if not particularly healthy) beef and ale pie was accompanied by mash, peas and gravy.  There is something to be said for lunch, almost each day, at a table “dressed” with fresh linen, crockery and silverware, especially with views of a frothing tempestuous sea.  Outside, the wind may be strong, but you are not going to catch a chill.  And, from what I gather, tomorrow will be calmer, and a degree or two warmer.  The long sleeve shirts will go to the laundry, and out will come the shorts and t-shirt. (Yuk!) 

I made my way to Illuminations for Stephen Payne’s lecture, half an hour before the start, only to be reminded that it would take place in the Royal Court Theatre. Nevertheless, I did find a decent seat with no difficulty.  Actually, this would be a good location for one of the shows.  There isn’t the same enthusiasm for his Titanic lecture in Illuminations, unless people drift in late.  Perhaps the agreeable climate outside is proving irresistible.  I shall be resuming my deck walking 🚶‍♀️ shortly afterwards.  

I have taken a few photos which I shall post when internet quality permits. I shall also publish the blogs written during and after our call at Lisbon.

Stephen Payne’s lecture on the Mauretania and Lusitania was hugely enjoyable and enlightening. He confirmed bits of knowledge I have on the subject and cleared up many things of which I was either ill-informed or uncertain. There were numerous dates and statistics which brought his presentation to life, particularly the illustrations by Paula Nunn who through modern technology and much personal skill, was able to produce fabulous interior images in full colour which, when displayed on a big screen, brought both Mauretania and Lusitania very much to life, just like an expensively produced brochure. Dr. Payne’s delivery was clear and measured to perfection, with no unnecessary “theatrical.” Nevertheless, his account of the breaking up of a once national treasure brought a lump of deep regret to my throat. He suggests Mauretania was the Concorde of its day and I am glad that tiny pieces of Mauretania are in my collection, fashioned at that time into tasteful souvenirs, and I can gaze upon ephemera once perused by passengers of both Lusitania and Mauretania. What I never knew until this afternoon is that Queen Mary 2 was originally to be named Mauretania. The name might not have marketed quite so well as QM2, but it would be fabulous if the new Cunarder could be named after one of the “greats” e.g. Aquitania.

I have had a superb day today. My quest for 300,000 steps is well on target, and I have enjoyed the abundance of pure unpolluted air, blowing strongly from a southerly direction. Right now, 18.06 hrs, I am in one of my favourite venues, the Carinthia Lounge where the ship’s resident band “Changez” are playing to few passengers, which is a pity. Carinthia Longe on Queen Mary 2 is situated on Deck 7, where the Winter Garden was located until QM2’s remastering in 2015. When the band finish, I shall venture back to the cabin to prepare for dinner.

Posted the next day, Friday 21st January at 10.24hrs, Ship’s Time. Thanks for reading, David.

Wednesday 19th January 2022, 11.18, The King’s Court, 32.56 degrees North, 21.56 degrees West.

Unless the on board internet improves enough for be to be able to send pictures, blogs 696 and 697 will be “posted” from Barbados – that’s the plan.  Photos taken between where we are now, and Barbados, if worthy of publication, will be included in my continued account of this voyage.

Today is our first in a new time zone, and the Captain’s pessimistic prophecies of precipitation and poor weather have proved positive! The extra hour in bed (there are at least three more to come) failed to enable me to make it to the Britannia Restaurant for breakfast before the closing time of 09.30hrs. I did, however, find a nice bay window location in the King’s Court for my weekly treat of a small cooked breakfast. This unfortunately was interrupted not only by the intrusive but necessary crew drill, alarms and staged pandemonium et al, but also by an elderly couple, I presume hard of hearing, discussing for all to hear with uninformed authority, icebergs, Titanic, and interpreting the crew instructions. This proved too much, and I gracefully left a half drunk decaff coffee, to find somewhere to write in more peace. I just managed to find somewhere in the adjacent Carinthia Lounge (not Café, as previously stated) and ended up in conversation with two passengers from the “North Country” (Lancs/Yorkshire border), until after the Captain’s noon-day address.

I then managed three laps (walking) of the Boat Deck, which equates to 1.1 miles. By this time, the rain had stopped and the decks more or less dry. The sea is choppy but looks magnificent with the sun reflecting there-from. Occasionally, sun and spray make for a split-second rainbow 🌈. Although having experienced this on numerous previous sea trips, this never ceases to amaze me.

I chose to sit by myself for lunch in the Britannia Restaurant, but still managed to engage in conversation with two gentlemen, one of whom told me he had appeared at the Buxton Playhouse. He didn’t look old enough; I think the Playhouse had finished in the 1970s, being re-purposed as the Paxton Suite a decade (or less) later.

Back to Queen Mary 2. I am amazed that despite the strict covid restrictions, all is going very well indeed. The food is extremely good, the service all around the ship, efficient, friendly, courteous and professional. I am perfectly content with my inside accommodation and I quite like the way second sitting dinner is at a different table with different people each night. I also like being served in the one-time self service King’s Court eatery on Deck 7. At the moment, it is slightly harder to navigate, but no more difficult than a supermarket where items are no longer at their established location.

Queen Mary 2 is riding the “choppy” Atlantic ocean with little sign of turbulence. Turbulence, does, however, become more apparent when taking a shower!

I am completing this blog, after a pleasant lunch of duck cottage pie and two veg, seated comfortably in the cavernous Grand Lobby. Light classical music plays gently in the background, but soothes rather than irritates.

While it’s not toasty hot outside, and there is a strong south-westerly breeze, people have either found sun traps away from the wind, or are contentedly relaxing in the deck chairs and sunloungers provided around the ship. I feel so very fortunate. At home, if there is no mist, I can enjoy an uninterrupted view of Axe Edge in its never ending varieties of natural shades. Here, the sea offers an equivalent and is rarely tedious. Unlike Axe Edge, however, the sea can and does turn nasty – but not enough to deter me from travelling this way.

Thanks for reading, David, Grand Lobby, QM2, 15.57 hrs Wednesday 19th January 2022

untry

I awoke from a more settled sleep this morning, somewhere around 07.00. So far today, it is a little overcast. Enjoying breakfast in one of those nice bays in the King’s Court, I noted people exercising on the Boat Deck outside, wrapped in inclement weather attire.

Being Sunday, I did attend the Traditional Maritime Church Service at 10.00hrs. The Third Sunday of Epiphany was observed by a socially distanced congregation who sang through their mandatory masks in much better voice than I can ever achieve these days when not wearing a mask. Given the limitations of worship on a passenger liner, it was a very good and meaningful service even if, as instructed on the front page of the Daily Programme,….”masks are required to be worn throughout the entire performance…..” Actually, worship at some High Anglican churches could be seen as a performance considering the skill of the musicians and choir, the intellect of the clergy….and the tireless work of the Churchwardens!

Dr. Stephen Payne, who I understand hails from Catford, and designed the Queen Mary 2, is on board to give a series of lectures. It was refreshing to hear a measured and very informative account of the history of Titanic from planning to its premature end. Social distancing ensured seating was inadequate. However, his first lecture was well worth standing through. On Thursday, his subject will be the Lusitania and Mauretania.

Now, I shall attempt to secure the Passenger Locater Form (PLF) to enable going ashore in Lisbon tomorrow. I may take a shore excursion either to visit somewhere I have already been to (but several years ago) or discover something new.

12.35 hrs 16/1/22

The P.L F. is now on my phone in the form of a QR code…..With luck, I’ll make it onto the Shuttle Bus to Lisbon.

Comedian Mike Doyle gave a kind of on stage autobiography at 1pm in the Royal Court, where he appeared last night. This life story was extremely funny and poignant at the same time. I do wonder how much of it was apocryphal. But, still no mention of the Mixed Grills and Baby (deputy) Captain. This caused me to have a late bit of something to eat in the King’s Court just before the luncheon section closed. I am now OK until dinner, for which I must make a reservation.

The Internet is lousy right now. Hopefully, I can post my blogs in the right order when we dock in Lisbon. After that, I may be out of reach for at least six days.

This afternoon, I have to endure another Lateral Flow Test if I am to be allowed onto Portuguese soil. Outside it remains overcast. However, I did get some walking in. Although dull and overcast, the southerly breeze was mild and therapeutic. Already it’s nice outside.

At long last, thanks to an extremely helpful assistant in the Library, forward on Deck 8, I have my P.L.F. documentation on my phone, along with connection to the ship’s Internet, as well as the ship’s My Voyage facility. All this is miraculous when it works, quite wonderful; ghastly when it doesn’t!

The day is ended, I am fed, watered and entertained. My Lateral Flow Test proved negative.

It’s now 00.12 hrs. I sat with a new set of people for dinner tonight. My companions were far more travelled than I have become. But it was a nice dinner, followed by some supernaturally talented gymnasts and acrobats at tonight’s show. The music and lighting which accompanied their skilled performance was equally haunting and beautiful. I can’t think of a better way to travel to Lisbon!

Many thanks for reading. After Lisbon, we head directly for even more exotic ports of call, to lands where people will complain that it’s too hot!

David 00.20 hrs Cabin 12053.

We are on our way. Since Monday, Queen Mary 2 had been berthed in Southampton being “deep cleaned” instead of cruising to Hamburg and back.

It’s hard to tell actually, how full the ship is. There was no fanfare leaving Southampton, no crowds at the quayside, no band, no streamers. This isn’t QM2’s pandemic maiden voyage. It isn’t even its first sojourn to the Caribbean. After almost two years of various types of lock-down, and other continuing restrictions, being on board QM2 will feel both exciting and weird simultaneously. As at home, everybody is wearing a face mask inside the interior public areas, no surprise, but, nonetheless strange. Tables in the King’s Court, and seats in the Royal Court Theatre, and presumably elsewhere are marked to prohibit people sitting there, to enable social distancing.

So far, I have no problem wearing a face mask. I doubt I shall be too bothered even after four weeks.

Continued 15th January 2022, 08.27 hrs

A few things are different on this “pandemic voyage.” While I was, and remain excited about being on board Queen Mary 2 once again, I have a strange feeling that somehow, I have slipped back in time, but taking with me, much less hair than I once had! I was impressed by the new style boat drill, which if followed diligently, is excellent, and much more convenient. A short explanatory video explains clearly how to locate your muster station, how to don your life jacket, and gives other essential information. All one has to do now is, any time prior to departure, go down to your muster starion (mine is located amidships, Deck 7, in the King’s Court eatery), and have your key-card scanned. The Captain, just before departure, broadcasts his safety brief over the ship’s loudspeaker system. This is far better than all the passengers being summoned at around 5pm to be given a live boat drill. I well remember the comment at my first such occasion when, struggling with my life jacket; somebody quipped, “women, children, and David first!” That was my first ever cruise, a three day party cruise on QE2 in December 1988! In those days, my hair was plenteous and black!

Also different (and this appears to be new Cunard policy) are the reservation arrangements for those in Britannia Class who have opted for second sitting dinner. I think that, for both First and Second sitting, open dining applies. Those who opted for First, can arrive at the Britannia Restaurant between 6 and 6.15 pm (obviously!) while I have to book a reservation between 7.45 and 9 pm (again, obviously!) These instructions are printed in a glossy guide My Voyage. Your ‘ ‘how to’ guide. I think this replaces the huge folder with similar content.

Still in my cabin on Deck 12

Today is the first of several sea days. We have set a course for Lisbon. Apparently, forecast weather conditions prevented our original first port of call, Funchal, Madeira, being tenable. I don’t think the Reid’s Palace Hotel are going to be too pleased; they always do good business when the cruise ships call by!

It’s just after 9 o’clock and I am still in bed, writing this blog. I shall get up now and enjoy the first full day of this Eastern Caribbean cruise, and shall continue writing later.

I have just enjoyed my first Cunard breakfast at a window table overlooking the sea, as illustrated. Outside, hardy walkers, dressed for cool January weather, take their exercise, walking or (occasionally) jogging along the Boat Deck. Three times around equates to 1.1 miles. I shall join them soon for this rare opportunity for fresh sea air.

Despite restrictions due to the continuing pandemic, much remains familiar, and at last night’s show time in the Royal Court Theatre, I did get that feeling of “Cunard entertainment deja vue!” I did enjoy it ‘though, with predictable cruise humour et-al. Live music is “all around the ship” in the evenings – another comforting reassurance. Marks out of 10, so far, 15!

More later.

Now, to put on some further warm clothing for that wonderful sea air! (11.25 hrs) I can access Deck 7 outside from where I am, quite easily on Deck 12, where further walking can take place.

12.30 hrs. Out on the open decks, one would say it is “bracing.” A strong wind from the South is only marginally warmer than the southerly breeze in Harpur Hill. The skyscape changes like an entertaining light show, and a storm cloud can obliterate subtle greys, blues and whites with the dexterity of a light switch. 16 degrees Celsius is assured for Monday afternoon in Lisbon; better than the parcemonious 2s and 3s of North Derbyshire.

I had a look in at the “souvenir shop” on Deck 3. There were the usual t-shirts, and other QM2 clothing, mugs, fridge magnets and the like. I usually buy items relating either to the voyage I am on, or to the particular year it took place. The mugs are very nice and tasteful, but are no longer dated. This, of course means that, stock left over is valid the following year. Restaurant menus used to be dated, even in the early days of QM2. But, these minor irritations do not detract from the joy of this type of travel. And I have enough of this stuff to open a museum! Now (13.01 hrs) I need to get down to where the computer centre is to establish Internet connection.

My first lunch at sea was at table 360, three tables away from Richard Faber’s chosen breakfast, lunch and dinner location immediately to the right hand side of the restaurant staircase down from Deck 3. The spectacular Britannia Restaurant would undoubtedly have been the reserve of those travelling Cabin Class in the 1930s and early 1940s, before being designated First Class after WW2., when Cabin became the 30s Tourist, and 3rd Class was reinvented as Tourist Class. I suppose it gave someone a job!

I got to know Richard Faber as an avid seller of ocean liner memorabilia on eBay, sometime around 2005, maybe later, eventually meeting up on a transatlantic crossing and thus becoming one of his many friends. Although no longer with us, he remains highly respected as not only a collector/dealer, but as an eminent maritime historian. I miss his sharp New York humo(u)r enormously – even now. I enjoyed a lunch of leek and potato soup, ravioli, and a dessert of fresh fruit in the beautifully laid out restaurant. It’s never a heavy lunch in there, but always pleasant and relaxing.

Thinking it was about time to sign up for my complimentary WiFi, I went down to Connexions forward on Deck 2. It seems half the ship’s passenger manifest had the same idea.

I’ll try again tomorrow.

23.58 hrs

As I mentioned previously, dinner arrangements for second sitting, are changed. No longer are passengers assigned a table for the entire cruise; one now has to book a time between 19.45hrs and 21.00hrs. As with open sitting, you are shown to your table, and you have the choice of dining alone (not a good idea) or with a small number of fellow travellers. Tonight was the first of just four Gala (formal) nights, this evening being a “Black and White Night.” Tuxedos (or dark suit) was the dress code, and thankfully, I was still able to get into mine. I joined two couples, one of whom I met on the 2020 South America voyage. And it was a very convivial evening, with the suggestion that we should meet for dinner on a future occasion.

After a fine meal, with special black napkins and a complimentary drink, I ventured with two from our table to the Royal Court Theatre. The Captain addressed the audience in much the same way as he would address a cocktail party. If I remember rightly, he confirmed that the ship was just over half full. The comedian, who I have seen before, was superb, extremely funny (most of the time) with no repetition of previous material, which was a pity, because that too was most amusing also. He coined the term Mixed Grills for those passengers in Princess and Queens Grill Class. Tonight, those in the Queen’s Grill did get some “ribbing!”

I rounded off the evening in the Queen’s Room where the ballroom dancing was drawing to a close – rather abruptly as it turned out. I’m not at all sure what occurred, but the band didn’t get to the end of The Last walz. But, I, at long last, have got to the end of this blog

Many thanks for reading, David, 00.24hrs 16/1/22.

Friday 14th January (Day 2)

Yesterday (Day 1/29)

I have never been quite so well organised…all but my overnight bags were packed and loaded into the car the previous night. Yesterday morning, the “overnight” carry-on case was packed and loaded, the house tidied up and I was ready for departure from home on the dot of 1pm, with nothing vital left behind, and no panic attacks at Warwick Services! Today, I am on board, still with no last minute hitches. Boarding procedures did feel long winded and complicated, but, they weren’t really.

The drive from Buxton, yesterday, was in glorious Mid-january clear cool weather. And as previously, we stopped for a late lunch at Warwick Services, and also for coffee around an hour from Southampton – a “comfort stop!” We arrived at the chosen hotel shortly after 7.35 from where a splendid view of R.M.S. Queen Mary 2 could be enjoyed.

Already the itinerary is altered…that’s my first claim on my travel insurance! Madeira is cancelled, as is St. Lucia. I’m sorry about St. Lucia, but Madeira, not so much. I have been there several times, including spending a few nice days there having flown, rather than travelled by ship.

We shall be sailing soon, and the blogs should become increasingly exotic!

Many thanks for reading, David, 17.01hrs, on board Queen Mary 2

Friday 7th January 2022

This time next week, I should be safely ensconced in my Inside Stateroom on a high deck.  Outside, the weather may well be as it is today – miserable!  On previous January departures, crisp clear skies reigned over a frosty morn, following a pleasant drive the day before. 

On Thursday, (yesterday), Epiphany was celebrated at a Choral Evensong at St. John’s Church.  I treated myself to a curry before the service at 7.30, and was only just in time; the choir of 14 was already assembled at the West Door (the main entrance). However, they let me through, not with disgruntled comments, but a cheery greeting and “Happy New Year.”  The Churchwarden assured me that the sound system was already set up. “Oh right…” I thought to myself. “Of course….the sound system!” In my defence, the only notification I remember about this mid-week service was an e-mail from the Parish Office which was soon “buried” under a stack of more recent e-mails, and I only remembered at the last minute it was taking place.  The service was so beautifully performed by everybody involved, it was worthy of being televised, or broadcast on Radio 3. 

For the the next six days, I will be preoccupied, preparing for a month of, hopefully, enjoying the Caribbean sunshine, and the voyage across the Atlantic, which, taking a much more southerly course in both directions, promises much warmer weather.  Unbelievably, I do have a few slight misgivings. I don’t relish the thought of being tested positive for coronavirus and thus confined to my (booked) windowless cabin, from the time of being tested, to the end of a month long cruise!  Apparently (according to the Daily Mail) that happened to a couple on a similar but shorter voyage, which is still on its way back from Barbados.  Except, they had a balcony and therefore, access to fresh air. 

I believe I have all the “red tape” in place. A couple of items need to be taken care of nearer to departure. Late on Thursday morning, I shall be on my way, this time hopefully, not having left my credit card and rail pass at home in a drawer!  Fortunately, on that occasion, my Visa card sufficed for the entire eleven week circumnavigation of South America.

I think I have mentioned before, next week is peppered with other non-cruise related commitments including a trip to the dentist, a theological meeting and a hair appointment.

Snow has fallen this week, but today (now it’s Saturday afternoon) it has turned to rain which at times crashes down like a waterfall. And the carport which remained waterproof for a few months is no longer quite so resistant to the squally showers that thrash down from all directions. “Solitary” in a windowless cabin on deck 12 begins to feel slightly preferable to the continued onslaught of lousy weather. I imagine my next blog may be from that cabin/stateroom. Now to start packing!

Many thanks for reading, David, 16.11 hrs, 8/1/22

So far so good. R.M.S. Queen Mary 2 is now on its way from Barbados “express” to Southampton after its first Caribbean cruise since the pandemic, was somewhat “altered,” I think because of continuing covid issues. If there are no further problems, QM2 will continue to Hamburg on January 10th, returning to Southampton on the 14th, when I embark for its voyage to the Eastern Caribbean. It should be warm by the time we dock in Funchal, Madeira and remain pleasant for the next three weeks, perhaps, even hot!

My travel agent has done an excellent job detailing what I need to do before travelling to Southampton on Thursday. I am required to book a “day 2” test (to be taken two days after I return home), before I depart from the U.K. next Friday. A friend who is much more computer savvy than I am is going to assist me with the bits I am struggling with. Hopefully, all this can be sorted tomorrow (Friday). Next week, I have a theological meeting to attend on Monday afternoon, which I now wish I had not committed myself to1. Immediately afterwards, a haircut, which should ensure I don’t need one while away, and the following day, an appointment with the dentist! My Driving Licence expires at the end of February. Sometimes, I feel it’s a close run thing between me and it.

I rather hope that my next Blog, 691, will be from on board my ship, bound for Madeira and places much further south west.

My Christmas decorations are now stowed, until early December. I was sorry to put the c1rib away; it looked magnificent in front of my house.

I was also sad to remove the Christmas cards and tinsel, as well as the tree, which looked quite impressive in my lounge. And, I shall also be quite sad to say goodbye to being 72. My birthday in less than two months serves to remind me of the ever quickening passage of time.

Many thanks for reading, David, 23.59 hrs 6th January 2022.

“….when I go away on 2nd, should read “when I go away again on 2nd May. This should be corrected when accessing the blog via Google on http://www.davidscruise.wordpress.com

2/01/22

Welcome to my first blog of the New Year.

There is much to look forward to, and perhaps a few bullets to dodge along the way; nothing changes!

Looking ahead, I am expecting to reacquaint myself with R.M.S. Queen Mary 2 a week on Friday. Just last week, I received “important instructions” from Cunard which if printed, might span several hundred pages of “small-print.” There seem to be more hoops than usual to be granted entry to the ship. Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory (quite right too), and plenteous evidence with official provenance of whatever vaccinations are required at the time. There is plethora of other stuff to read through in Cunard’s e-mail, there’s more here than in the Old Testament….perhaps I exaggerate a little. However, it remains with anticipation, excitement and pleasure that I look forward to a re-enactment (partially) of life before the pandemic, driving to Southampton on Thursday with my neighbour who will return my car to Buxton, a convivial dinner, a glorious sleep at a hotel I have become fond of, and, a magnificent “diet-unfriendly” breakfast. One of the hoops I will need to jump through is an official Lateral Flow Test, which these days are not as unpleasant as they once were. There is also documentation which needs to be completed before I disembark on 11th February. It seems that this, too, can be taken care of before departure from home. Despite all this, I am greatly reassured by the comprehensive strategies Cunard have implemented to keep their ships fully sanitised, and the enormous effort to make sure its passengers (sorry, guests) have a superb time. But, it does feel strange being so far away when, in the last almost two years since the pandemic was established, the furthest I have travelled is Lancaster! In days of yore, I would regard a transatlantic crossing as a “commute.” And it is that “commute” which will bring the curtain down on my planned travels for 2022, in mid July. No, I’m not away for seven months; I am home from mid February to when I go away again on 2nd May.

Yesterday, a second person from Church invited me to join a small group for lunch. Being New Year’s Day, although having had only one very small glass of Baileys to see in 2022 the night before, I felt suitably groggy, and on getting up, slumped in front of the TV, half asleep, as YouTube videos failed to keep my attention. At around 1.15, I was roused by a vibrating in my trouser pocket. “Ye gods! Somebody is calling me on New Year’s Day.” “It’s Rosemary here” came the unfamiliar tones of the caller. “Where are you?” “Harpur Hill” I replied, still confused. “You’re supposed to be at Phillip’s for…..”then I remembered the lunch I had been invited to. I kept any expletives to myself and assured Rosemary that I was on my way. Fortunately, Philip the host, was unaware I had not showed up and the four of us enjoyed a splendid Seasonal lunch. What was remarkable is that the host who will soon be 91, remains sprightly and prepared a traditional lunch “from scratch.” I felt privileged to be there, and after the other two guests had departed, I enjoyed a fascinating “one – to – one” with the retired clergyman whom I have known since joining the congregation of St.John’s in the early 1990s. At one time, I was not overly keen on Christmas. But now, being retired, and no longer having commitments and obligations, I rather like the explosion of Christmas lights in people’s houses, and all the other things which brighten up the dullness of a winter in northern Europe. I even made more of an effort myself, and will be quite sad to take down the tree, cards and crib on 6th January.

There was no service at St. John’s today, there never is on the first Sunday of the New Year. Usually, the ancient St. Anne’s comes to life on this day. For some reason, it was decided that the New Year service would be at the lovely Christ Church Kingsterndale, around 5 miles from Buxton Town Centre. Initially, I intended having “the day off from Church,” the service being at the ungodly hour of 9.30. But, I was up and about, despite still going to bed late last night.

Few people attended, which was a pity. The Curate, and Reader, Sheila conducted a service I was very pleased to have attended. A small organ is situated at the back of this tiny church. Either the organist was superb, or the hymns were a very convincing recording. Not having eyes in the back of my head, it was hard to tell.

Although situated in open country, I doubt if Kingsterndale is much further from where I live than St. John’s in the town centre.

A lamb shank roast at The Royal Oak this afternoon leaves the rest of my day content and rejuvenated.

So beginneth another year, during which I wish all is well with everyone.

David, 2nd January 2022, 15.53hrs Hurdlow, the Derbyshire Dales (I think!)

Greetings from the Taj Mahal Restaurant, Buxton.

While I doubt the efficacy of a good curry, dining at one of my cherished eateries does serve the purpose and saves me relying on my limited culinary expertise, and also feeling the need of something to eat prior to getting my head down.

Right now, it’s the middle of Christmas Week; 2021 becomes history at midnight on Friday, and fourteen days later, I expect to be setting sail from Southampton on a much anticipated sunshine cruise.  However, I hear the ship I am travelling on is staying in Barbados until January 2nd, awaiting further crew as a result of the omicron variant of covid 19 spreading globally like wildfire.  That still leaves plenty of time to be in Southampton on 14th January, but even so, I still wouldn’t be surprised if there were to be a drastic change of plan.  Actually, I was originally booked on a World Voyage, this being cancelled many months ago.

I enjoyed a peaceful and reasonably quiet Christmas.  The preceding three Sunday evenings were taken up with a complete performance of Handel’s Messiah, The Buxton Musical Society carol concert, and finally, a Festival of Nine Carols and Lessons in candle light.  On Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass at St.John’s was also candle-lit.  And I wasn’t on my own on Christmas Day; I joined members of the congregation for a splendid lunch.  And I have spent the first three days of this week not doing very much at all, except watching Netflix movies bits on YouTube and not so much actual T.V; my “channel hopping” yielding little of interest.

I have been back at home a while now, and it is 33 minutes into Thursday morning.

It’s time to get some sleep, and I shall write some more either at the weekend or shortly afterwards.

Many thanks for reading. All the best, David, 00.37hrs, 30th December, less than 48 hours to 2022. If I don’t write within those 47 and a bit hours, Happy New Year to you all!