Monday, 16th March, at sea, dulling heavily, rolling swell 14 degrees

It was back to a sea day and we set out to walk the promenade deck before 07:00. It was dark and chilly. Definitely winter draw(er)s on!!

I walked until just after 7.30, then was caught by the friend I made when ‘Walking the Deck’ for charity what seems light years ago. Lovely to chat, but I had to dash to ensure I was ready for 9,00. Our last ukulele rehearsal (ridiculous!) as the concert is tomorrow and we cannot have our practice room then as it’s being used as a duty free alcohol collection point.

Ukulele today was a run through of all of the programme for tomorrow – a couple of the numbers I have never played as I am not there for the end of the sessions. There will definitely be some ‘Hilda Action’ as John my teacher at home calls it. Hilda is another one of his students who plays the ‘c’ chord throughout every song and just smiles at the audience. That will be me during the tricky bits tomorrow. And we have been told to wear something bright – so it is wear something bright in the front row when you don’t know all the tunes and are required to smile. Sounds like my kind of activity all round.

Next step Bridge – and there was no actual ‘lesson’ – very exciting! We were actually allowed to play and put what we have learnt into practice. I was very chuffed when ‘Miss’ approved of a couple of my bids, but disappointingly let Maria down on my handling of a couple of hands. Not good news. However, we did not have to leave the area at 11.00 like we usually do when the more experienced players come in. We just kept on playing which was nice.

We then had a bit of a mystery over disembarkation instructions and how to find our car to get back to Buxton. You will be happy to learn that these have now been overcome. We will definitely be going home on Thursday.

After lunch we had the usual down time before I went to the theatre as I thought I would go to the crew talent show. It was a mistake. I had avoided the guest talent show because I tend to get embarrassed at these things, but felt I should go to this one. When I arrived at 3.00 – it was to start at 3.15 – the place was what I can only describe as ‘rammed’. All seats taken and people standing all the way down the sides of the theatre and at the back. I managed to find a spot against a wall towards the back and watched new people tussling for a space, only to be told they were blocking someone’s view.

Then the proceedings started, I heard one song and then heard the opening remarks of a magician from Halifax and left. My problem not his. He was probably great, but I could not wait to find out. I then did some reading. Did a couple of circuits around a very noisy deck – the sea is definitely noisier. The day had brightened although it was cooler than this morning at 13 degrees, but still pretty cloudy.

There is actually a bit of a rainbow in this following photograph but I am not sure if you will spot it…

Returning to the cabin, we decided to do a bit of packing – always a daunting task, but even more so after such a prolonged time away. Anyway, I bag down! Several more to go!!

The ship was still rolling a bit as I tottered to supper in my heeled shoes. We caught up with the rest of the table with their activities over the last couple of days – Gareth and Sian have at last seen whales and dolphins! Great stuff.

There was much made of the Catering and Waiting staff over dinner., with them all parading around the dining room. Regrettably our favourite – Sandhiya – was not there as she is apparently unwell.

So with time fast running out, we had our last but two supper. Tomorrow is our last dressing up night, but before that I have the Ukulele Concert. The last hurdle before home.