Tuesday January 10, 2023
I feel I must start this posting with the information we were given by the Navigator – “After passing Bishop’s Rock, Queen Mary 2 will steer rhumb line courses past Start Point, Lizard Point, The Bill of Portland and Anvil Point. In the early hours of tomorrow morning we will sail around the east coast of the Isle of Wight and pick up the Southampton Pilot at Nab Tower. After making the turns around Brambles Bank and Calshot Spit, we will make our final approach to the Port of Southampton.” I was fascinated by the description, which we get each day, but this seemed to stand out as it talks about the clergy, animals, ironsmith’s, plants etc!!
Today, however, after a bit of a rough night at sea once again, the seas seemed to settle a bit, perhaps as we were getting closer to the land. Seth Gopin, the Art Historian, gave a very interesting talk on the architecture of English Stately Homes and the influence of European Architects, although called “English Style” there was a lot of Greek, French and other elements that form the basis of the architecture.
Next the Royal Butler returned in an interview and Q & A mode. Again some fascinating stories about all the Royal Family but told relating his experiences, never divulging any negative or private information about the Royal Family. For example one story was that he had been invited as a guest by Prince Charles & Camilla to a small garden party given by the Queen. His brother was one of the Queen’s butlers and was serving drinks, so he took full advantage of pulling his young brother’s leg as he was waiting on him. The entertainment Director Neil Kelly (today he seemed to give us the appearance of a horse jockey) did the interviewing. A lot of fun.
We skipped the “Hindenburg” and “Cruising History” talks for more mundane activities, like laundry, haircuts, tour changes, resolution of items on the bill, computer stuff and formal English Tea.
After a light dinner in the Royal Court (Cafeteria) the show was the brilliant pianist and guitar playing singer – Ben Mills who played many known songs (Moody Blues Neil Diamond, etc) together with the orchestra. Early to bed was in order as tomorrow, we will be in the port of Southampton where we hope to have lunch with some of the family who are kindly making the effort to meet us in Southampton.
Roger & Anne Travels 