Monday, 26th January, a sea day 23 degrees

Another beautiful day in paradise! We woke up early as usual and after the abortive attempt at the washing last night, decided to do it first thing and were at the launderette just after 7.00. Only to find that it doesn’t open until 8. Change of plan – a couple of circles of the promenade deck and then breakfast. Keith went promptly to the laundrette just before 8, only to find that it had opened early and there was only one washing machine free……. I am sure this is really boring to those not involved, but it is big business here. Oh yes! You would not believe the tensions!

In the event, we had to interrupt the whole procedure to go and walk the deck for Teenage Cancer. There were a lot of people doing it in various stages of disrepair. We were given a sheet with 9 laps marked on it and you could stop at any lap to get your certificate. We both agreed to do 10 laps which is about 3 miles. Keith did his in an hour which was very good. I took a little longer walking with another Lynn. This one I met in the launderette earlier – a woman after my own heart, she was ironing her t-shirt. I did not have time to iron mine!

I am afraid Mr. Gregory had the only ‘phone between us so there aren’t any of him…….

Then it was back to the launderette and finishing the washing and ironing process – but at the end it was all clean and processed for a few weeks.

Nothing much to report of this afternoon except that suddenly the ship stopped. For some reason I did not hear the announcement by the Captain to say that they were testing some vital piece of equipment. Anyway it happily restarted. Although you are not conscious of engines or anything, it becomes eerily quiet when the ship stops. I guess it is when the sea stops rushing past.

Supper was the usual social affair and we learnt from Penny and Michael (they are always first with any news!) that the Trek the Deck activity made £3,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust which was a nice healthy sum.

News flash: the yellow and black ‘’danger” tape has been removed from along the corridor. Its disappearance has happened as stealthily as its appearance. Who knows why?

Huskvanas – no progress I am afraid. I did wear them up to the launderette on one occasion, but progress was very slow….

And so for tomorrow. We reach Montevideo at about 7.00 a.m. and we lose a Captain here and another one joins us. We also lose Aran our room steward. He goes home for a holiday. Richly deserved in my view.

Looking forward to our adventures in Uruguay!