At Sea

Ah, I love sea days. I am not sure we actually did anything all day. We went to check in on Homer Simpson to make sure he was still there.

Yes he was, although he is definitely fading over the years.

I did make it to the craft session. We did silk painting. And I had a great time. I am totally not a craft type person, and always feel intimidated by the other women who are there who are very  talented and competent. I aspire to achieve this, but usually fail, however I have fun doing so.

I chose the easiest piece of silk to paint, and managed to keep the paint within the lines. The background was a problem, and it ended up looking very blotchy. Louise, who ran the group came over to see what I was up to. Expecting her to say that it was a disaster, she commented on how she liked the way I had made it look like there were clouds in the background. Really? Of course, that was exactly the effect I was trying to achieve. She showed it to the others in the group, who nodded in approval. Oh boy, I felt so good! Yes, I know I do lack the talent for crafts, but I do so enjoy doing this. I can’t wait until tomorrow. My work of art is now gracing the stateroom. Yay!

To celebrate we went for lunch at the Golden Lion pub. It struck me during lunch, how very happy I am to be on board. This really is my happy place.

Happy place or not, dirty laundry tends to accumulate to the extent that you can no longer ignore it. It was time to face the dreaded launderette. It did not fail to entertain. There was a woman there who did not seem to actually be doing any laundry herself, but she was telling the rest of us there what to do and interfering with our attempts to simply get our washing done. I tended to ignore her, after all I have done laundry before on QM2 and I know what I am doing, but the other women were getting quite annoyed with her.

It was sunny this afternoon, so we decided to sit out on deck and read. My plan had been to sit on the promenade deck, but although there were many folks braving the elements, it was too cold and windy for us. Looking at the plans for Queen Anne it really looks like she does not have such an extensive promenade deck. I do hope I am wrong. Walking around the teak decks of this beautiful liner I am always in awe. However, I do need warmer weather to take advantage of this.

We decided to retreat to the covered pavilion pool on deck 12. It was lovely and warm, and sunny there, as we lay on loungers, thrilled that we were finally getting to relax. I can’t remember when we have last done this!

It wasn’t too crowded, and although there was definitely a greenhouse effect, and I would have preferred to be out in the open, with force 6 winds off our bow, it was the best place to be to catch some sun.

At 5:00 we had a cocktail party to go to in G32, hosted by Distinctive Voyages, the group to which our travel agency belongs.. The last time we were in G32 for a cocktail party the waiters had put out all of the drinks on the bar counter in anticipation of the arrival of crowds of thirsty attendees. Suddenly the ship hit a huge wave, and everything went flying. Broken glass and spilled champagne went everywhere. It was a huge mess. Captain Hashmi later explained to us that the disruption was caused by Santa Claus making a practice run for his descent down the funnel on Christmas eve. He missed. It was the Caribbean Christmas cruise after all.

This evening there was no risk of a major glass and champagne disaster – the waiters only had a few glasses on their trays as they greeted us on arrival. Also, the ocean continues to be ridiculously calm. The ship hardly lets you know that we are in an ocean off the coast of Africa.

The party was great fun, and we met several interesting people. I really don’t like G32 that much, it is too dark and metallic for me usually. However, somehow this evening it seemed better; it is finally growing on me.

Stephen Payne sat next to us at dinner at his usual table. I still didn’t know what to say to him, it’s all rather difficult. What I think I might do is ask him to sign my Cunard Logbook. I have asked the captain on all of my Cunard voyages to sign the book ever since I purchased it in the wonderful book shop on QE2, and Captain McNaught signed it. All of the captains since then have been very obliging, but my favorite signature is from Captain Thorhauge. When I asked her to sign, she asked me what color pen I would like her to use. All the other captains just used their black or blue pens, but she had a lovely collection of different colors. I love that.

It was a lovely evening. Most of the passengers followed the dress code, and the Britannia dining room looked as wonderful as ever. It really is my favorite dining room at sea. No other dining room can match the grandeur and spacious feeling that you get there. It is spectacular. The food’s not bad either!

When we returned to our stateroom there was an invitation to the World Club party tomorrow. Previously we have been receiving a half bottle of Pol Acker in our fridge instead of the party, so I was pleased that we were back to parties again. The party is in the Queens Room at 11:15 AM. I would prefer an evening party – it is rather annoying having to get all dressed up in our “smart attire” during the day, but hey, I’m in favor of any party in a storm.  I am yet to see Captain Hall, so this will be a great opportunity t meet him.