As
expected we awoke a little earlier than usual due to the clock change but this
also meant we did not need to rush to get to breakfast. We are on what they
call freedom dining which means you can eat when you like and either sit alone
or share a table. We have both shared and had a single table depending on our
mood but this morning for breakfast we shared a table, however it was only four
of us on the table which was quite ok. The couple came from Chislehurst in Kent
and were about 80 but very with it and having fun spending inheritance money
and in the process of downsizing as the need less space but more capital.
We
discussed the Panama Canal experience which they have experienced it before and
it was mentioned that it cost P & O almost $250,000 for the ship to transit
the canal, seems like a lot but then I have no idea of the upkeep costs etc.
Apparently it is so tight for this particular vessel that at certain times you
cannot go on walkabouts on certain decks, let’s see what happen.
After
breakfast Jennifer worked on her evening dress to get it ready for tomorrow
night, yes another Black Tie Jobby, whilst Noel played on the computer trying
to sort out why it is slow and certain functions are not working or only partly
working.
Midday
came round and the Captain did his daily update speech and confirmed we were
roughly halfway between The Azores and our next destination and we are on time
and the weather should remain good. We then left the cabin for a two mile walk
around the promenade deck with occasional stops and then went for lunch and
chatted to a couple form Adelaide who had flown with friends to UK to join the
cruise back to OZ.
We
also discussed knee operations as his wife had one year ago for two replacement
knees, one week apart, and is now fully recovered and she has several other
friends with the same good experience, which gives me hope if I eventually one
or two. Noel then visited the Spa to set up an appointment with the Dutch
Physio for tomorrow lunchtime and hoping that it does not hurt too much.
We
started watching a good humorous French film called ‘A girl on a bicycle’ which
was a pleasant film which we watched most of and about, we guess, ten minutes
from the end when all will be revealed, the film stopped with a with a P &
O advert followed by the start of the same film again which they had terminated
early, B…..y brilliant.
Then
a peaceful afternoon spent partly on the balcony in the shaded area and then
back inside for a cuppa. Tonight is smart night, jackets for men and NO JEANS.
Dinner
tonight was in the main restaurant with a shared table with a mixed boring
bunch and one chap hardly said a word except upon his departure someone said enjoy
the racing tonight as there was a race day on??. It also turned out that this
chap was a jockey call Bob Champion who had making speeches for the past week
but our knowledge of horse racing is next to nil and we did not recognise him.
Afterwards we went to see the Frank Sinatra, or his pretend persona, in the
theatre and he was not to bad really and
sang the songs as they should be and without asking for audience participation.
I often think these acts believe themselves to really be who they are impersonating
and not joe blogs from down the street. I don’t mind going to say an Elton John
concert or any other very well-known artist who has earned his status and you
can join in but when you get these copycats who think they are Elvis or Frank
and look for crowd support they will not receive from us.
Tomorrow
is another Black Tie night and so we have booked to go the Grill Room which we
tried when we first joined the ship and enjoyed very much, you have to pay more
but the food was excellent so will go on a diet tomorrow lunchtime.
Time
for bed.
