April 2nd

At Sea

Lieutenant Colonel Graham Jones gave a lecture about “The World of State Ceremonial Music” this morning. I missed it due to wanting to finish my craft project (did I say I have a new addiction?), but Brian went and really enjoyed it. Graham talked about the musical aspect of the preparation for occasions such as state opening of parliament, state visits, national day of remembrance, and royal weddings. I know we are biased, but we do think that the British do pomp and ceremony tremendously well. So having a presentation on how we do it was great.

Lunch was in the Lido. We still have a large number of Japanese passengers on board, so there continue to be many Japanese food options available, including a rather nasty looking Japanese fish curry. I decided to give it a miss.

I feel very settled in to life on board. Some days it feels like we have never left QV, the ships are so similar, and we are in to the same routine.

Port days are always fun and busy, each one bringing some new insights and experiences. It is so wonderful to be able to spend the day exploring novel and interesting destinations, and know that at the end of the day we will be welcomed back on board and treated to yet another fabulous evening with so many options of what we can do.

Sea days tend to be busy days too. There are the talks and activities to go to, music to listen to, shows to see, a library to explore, quizzes, and of course the all important, lying by the pool now that the sun has arrived. Then there is also sitting out on the balcony watching the waves go by. That’s what I am doing right now. It really could just become a way of life.

Tonight was another formal night, no theme this time. As we are in the tropics Brian decided to wear his white tuxedo jacket and looked totally wonderful. We took a selfie, but it didn’t come out right alas. Maybe there is something to those very obnoxious selfie sticks.

There is a table for 10 next to us in the dining room. Previously there was a large family of 10 with a small baby seated there, but they must have disembarked in Hong Kong, as it had been empty for the past few nights. Well tonight it wasn’t. It was full, and hosted by an officer. The wine and conversation seemed to be flowing freely. Looking over at the guests I recognized the South African couple with whom we had shared a table at the start of the cruise, and a couple who I recognized from Facebook and Cruise Critic.

Later in the evening, chatting with our tablemates who are on the whole world cruise, I realized that Veronica was active on Cruise Critic too, and that I had loved her blog on the QE2 2008 World Cruise. Yes, social media is indeed invading our lives, but I think in this case it is in a good way.

Seeing as we were all dressed up and didn’t want to go and hear the singer in the Royal Court Theatre, we went to the Commodore Club, and had a great time listening to Clarolyn on the piano and people watching. We could see the lights of the ships around us, and finally see some stars. It was perfect. Midnight came all too soon, and Clarolyn left, as did all of the other guests. It was time to say good night to our waiters and let them get some sleep before they have yet another busy day ahead. Besides, I have to get all of my masterpieces ready for the craft exhibition tomorrow.