Black Friday at Sea

Began today with cold winds from the North Pole blowing hard against the ship, very little rolling though. I guess the wind was keep the swells down. The captain announced the decks were closed not because of the force of the wind but because the temperature (30 degrees) was creating icy patches on the decks. More hail today on my balcony. Welcome to the North Atlantic.

While reading my disembarkation paperwork, I made a discovery that I had to go down to Purser’s Office to verify - as a US citizen, I no longer have to complete an immigration declaration form. I could not believe our government is reducing paperwork! But, apparently that is the now the case. Perhaps it’s because the ship has only gone from NYC to Southampton and back, so has not put in at any questionable ports. Who knows the rational, less paperwork is always a bonus.

On a whim, I attended a Women’s Institute seminar. I wish we had something like this is America, but on reflection it wouldn’t work for us. Our towns are too spread out and too populated. The WI appears to function best in the small villages and towns that populate the UK. The ladies were amused when my response to “How did you hear about us?” was, “I watched the film Calendar Girls.” I was immediately assured that most WI groups did not pose even partially nude but still managed to do good works for their communities. 

I was bummed because I missed Dr. Schroder’s final lecture due to a mis-print in the program, which gave the title as a repeat of her previous Neanderthal lecture. I really wanted to hear the story of the Mary Rose wreck, now I’ll have to find out on line. 

In honor of Sheila, I watched the tango demonstration by Sasha and Maya, who moved like watered silk across the floor. I wish I could have seen Sheila dance. she is so graceful and purposeful in her movements now that I can only imagine how she moved in her more limber younger years.

The Officers’ Cocktail party was interesting. I didn’t expect hard liquor at 11:15 AM, but a Mimosa appeared when I asked. Sheldon is a wonderful waiter! I chatted with the Captain’s secretary and the Comptroller. Neither job would I wish to hold. I also chatted with Barbara, Martha and Bess who’re traveling to NYC, boarding NCL ship for Caribbean cruise, return to NYC for two days, then re-boarding QM2 for return to Southampton. They explained this was the best of all worlds as they didn’t have to pay Cunard prices for the extended holiday AND got two full days in NYC to shop before Christmas. They’re on their way to India and the Golden Triangle in late Spring next year. 

I used my Diamond Chit to lunch at Verandah. Lemon sole was excellent. The onion rings were huge. A very nice experience. Chatted with George and Helene at the next table. He was a London Metropolitan policeman for many years. In fact, his first barracks butted up against the Vincent Square dorm I stayed in while doing my term at Kings in London. Small world!!! 

I really wanted to sneak into the “Sailors and Yacht Owners Get Together” but chickened out at the last minute. I couldn’t even peek in the room as the Boardroom is off Commodore and kind of hidden.

RADA performed The Importance of Being Earnest and I enjoyed it all over again. What this six member troop can do is astounding. 

Knitting was not well attended, too many options. Karen came down to show me her finished sheep and she tried knitting again from the bin of extra supplies offered by Claire. In all the years I’ve been participating in this activity, Claire is the only Social Host who has ever brought out such a bin and offered its contents to anyone who needed something. I’m writing her boss to applaud her.

The Masquerade Ball was its usually visually stimulating self. I continue to be flabbergasted by the costumes people bring solely for one evening!!! I wish my camera worked better in low-light. 

Back in my cabin, I began the process of preparing to pack for the flight home.