Liner Lady

QE2 – Rio – LA, 1993 Part 2

 Thursday, 28 January – Valparaiso, Chile – for Santiago

I awoke at eight o’clock, turned on the television and saw we were already docked facing Valparaiso.  Had breakfast with Margaret then sat briefly with Christine.  Seeing the sun was right for pictures, I went up and clicked on several scenes up the slopes of the city from stern to bow.

I joined Christine on bus 2 – tour 36.  We toured Valparaiso then headed up to Santiago via mountains, two tunnels, valleys of grapes, corn fields, irrigated fields, low cost housing, short suburbs and into a modern city with an equestrian statue, tidy squares, classic buildings and so forth.

We had lunch at La Estancia with rather amateurish dancing and loud singing.  I dozed a bit on the way back – forest fire – Viña del Mar and back to the ship after six o’clock.  C. was preparing to go out with Ardyth and Robert.  I joined them at the gangway, and we took a taxi to a finicular, went up the hill, then enjoyed a lovely dinner at Café Turri.  This was a three storey private home with wood-beamed ceilings and staircase, chandelier and very good food.  I had salmon and sopas.  Since time to return was fast approaching, we paid and taxied down a steep alley slope and on to the docks.  They wouldn’t let the taxi go through the gate, so we had to get out and walk through.  Another taxi picked us up for $2.00 and took us to the ship.  We four freshened up and met in the Lido.  From there we watched the ship try to leave the dock, but she must have been stuck a while because she didn’t move for quite a while, although the tugs were pulling hard.  Finally we moved slowly along the quay and we waved at the spectators, and horns honked.  Further out the tugs whistled and QE2 answered back with her three blasts and one lone one.  The lights of Valparaiso sparkled like diamonds in a huge semicircle effect.  [This is also where the tug cable broke with a mighty snap, and the stern tug nearly flew to the stern and quickly became a potential bumper should the stern swing back to the dock.  I was most impressed with the skill demonstrated, and so quick!]  My log states:  “Tug line snapped and QE2 nearly hit the Nassau ship ahead of her.  Bow tug whipped back to wedge between the stern and the dock.  Bow thrusters pushed bow out.”

We crawled to the Theatre Bar, then Grand Lounge; danced one with C.  He left us all of a sudden and never came back.  He phoned to tell us he felt ill.

Celebrities on board:  Lee Iococa

Rosenberg who has the expensive suites $1,500,000 so I hear.

Charles Ira Sachs

Former Captains:  Doug Ridley and Peter Jackson

 Friday, 29 January

Clocks were retarded one hour last night, so I awoke early and showered and washed my hair.  I emerged after nine o’clock to see C. who is all right today.  The sun shines and cool ocean winds are very pleasant.  I ate breakfast with Ken ? and left as Jim and Zuilmah were about to join us.  While sitting near C’s spot with my Cunard date transfer project, Christine found me and I joined her on Hele-deck for a prolonged bask in the warm sunshine, she facing the sun and I back to it!  We never stopped talking and before we knew it, it was lunchtime.  I chose the table by the fire extinguisher starboard side in the Lido.  Harry was there too.  I had my usual gathered salad followed by two pieces of lime pie!  Yum!

I spent more time under the eaves on One Deck Lido, gathering sales slip information.  C. showed me a memo regarding new rules on death – your own or another – leave illness – all very humorous.  We had a good laugh.

Trafalgar House had merged Cunard with Crown Cruises.  They are happy that QE2 is safe for a while!   I joined Christine Joyce on Heledeck for the remainder of the afternoon till teatime.  Terry Waite (yes, same name) joined us for a while and we three all went to Queen’s Room for tea.  I returned to Lido One Deck to ascertain our evening plans, but C. has a Captain’s party and wants to sleep early.  I talked with Harry a while, then moseyed back to my cabin via the shops.  I caught the video about Great Liners.  Dinner with only Harry Cohen.  The others were at the Captain’s dinner.  I had lamb.  Back at the cabin I watched the “Taming of the Shrew.”  Was in bed by eleven thirty.

 Saturday, 30 January

I met Charlie Sachs on One Deck as I was going to leave his questionnaire at his cabin, and we went to breakfast together.  We sat at Christine’s table.  Charles is both interesting and gross!  I found C. on his deck, chatted a bit, felt the pleasant air, and then eventually headed for the Costa Rica lecture followed by Captain James’ lecture on Cadiz-Torente and Pearl Harbor.  By that time it was lunchtime so I met Christine and we ate together.  Great salads, cheese and pie!

I sat down on deck with Jim, Ken and Zuilmah and they showed me the 1994 World Cruise itinerary.  Zuilmah is a lyric soprano.

I then went to the Theatre to see “License to Kill” the Timothy Dalton 007 movie.  I checked on C. who later took me to the Pig for the usual.  Had dinner while the ship came into Callao, Peru Harbor.  They turned her around and tied up to a very large dock with isolated containers piled up.  A Doberman and master checked the pier, a band played and dancers did one or two.  Few passengers got off and on, but we weren’t allowed off, because of political dangers.  The “Shining Path” terrorists were taking pot shots at foreigners I hear!  It was dark anyway.  C. was watching all this with me.  We attended a good song show by Dolores Park in the Grand Lounge.  Sat with Jay and met his mom.  To the cabin at eleven, watched our departure on television monitor.  So much for Peru!

Clocks retarded one hour tonight.

 Sunday, 31 January

I had breakfast with Christine and Shelly joined us, and we cooked up ideas for a skit.  Later I joined Shelly and two new gals, Mary and Mavis for further plans.

I attended the Sunday service with Christine and we sang four hymns.  Captain Woodall conducted the service with very fast readings! 

The heat and humidity are high, being so close to the Equator.  I sat a while on the Lido under the eaves and C. continued his usual attending rounds.  I had lunch with Christine and Margaret Yehuda plus the bridge instructors. – no pie – just vanilla ice cream!

I tried the Computer class, trying to learn about spread- sheets, then I went to the Theatre to hear the lecture on Buckingham Palace.  This was followed by tea with Christine and Terry, in Queen’s Room, then I went to One Deck Lido and sat with Harry Cohen, chatted with Helen Jones (the deck girl) and tore myself away after six- thirty from the pleasant tempered air.  Have seen dolphins and maybe a whale aft.  I don’t know where the days go.  Only one more week, so I must knuckle down and enjoy intensely!

For dinner I had rack of lamb, meringue bombe and chocolate sauce.  C. met me at the Theatre Bar and we attended the Gala concert in Grand Lounge by Bettine and Co.  two harps and strings as well as her flute.  It was fabulous.!

I met Ardyth and Robert in Yacht Club; we changed clothes and all met at the top of A stairway for the loud, crowded Ward Room (under the Bridge).  What an experience!  C. is a loose, uninhibited dancer.  Mexican food.  I was back in the cabin at two in the morning.  Ardyth and Robert left the noise way before we did!

 Monday, 1 February

We crossed the Equator at 6:45 AM.  I was up late, in time to meet Shelly at nine o’clock after only juice with Harry and later my other tablemates (210).  Mavis, Mary, Shelly and I hashed out the script for our skit.  At eleven thirty I went to the Tea lecture by Glynn Christian, followed by lunch with Christine and Margaret.

C. is busy at work, looking no worse for the late party.  At noon the ceremonies for crossing the Equator took place, but I saw only a silly number game before lunch.  At two o’clock I went to the Computer Center to type up the script.  Stayed till 3:30 and was able to help a French man play Tetris.  When I left I realized I had missed the “Titanic” Lecture, alas.  Consequently I watched some of the movie.  When feeling a bit out of sorts, I went to talk with C.  To my surprise he wants to go to the piano concert tonight!

I had my pre-ordered salmon at dinner with mushroom soup, spinach, salad and hot fudge sundae.  I met C. in the Theatre Bar where we sat till time for the piano concert by a  Peruvian musician playing his own compositions.  We sat in the balcony, and he looked great in his black silk coat with grey and black upturned sleeves, Ritz trousers and waistcoat.  We also heard a ventriloquist in the Grand Lounge.  Ho hum.  Afterward, at the Yacht Club bar, Ardyth and Robert joined us. I returned to my cabin near midnight.   Clocks retarded one hour tonight.

 Tuesday, 2 February – Porto Caldera, Costa Rica.

I took the tender at 7:40 to the dock at Porto Caldera.  The new “Staatendam” was tied up in the small harbor, apparently broken down!  C. was already ashore, assigned to one of the half day tours.  I took the all day tour to San Jose with Steven (Estaban.).  Great.

Back on board I brought my two hammocks, wooden toys and Ocarinas to my cabin then went to see C.  He was starting to clean up for closing the deck. While I waited for him I noticed the deck cover astern, that holds several rubber raft containers and cranes on each side.  C. says they were installed during the refit in accordance with new laws.  We went to the Pig where Cate, Gary, Paul and others were present.  Then we separated to dress for the Ward Room cocktail party.  I  enjoyed chats with various people, especially Mavis, Mary and husbands.  C. joined in re: my “Lorelei” song.    I then went to dinner late and had green fettuccini Alfredo and cod, and banana split cake.  I went on my own to the variety show, which wasn’t much to brag about.  There were marionettes, dancers and the singer, Dolores Park.  At eleven, back in my cabin, I saw the “Meaning of Life” the Monty Python movie.

 Wednesday, 3 February

Hot, humid and sunny!  Again I got away with only juice at breakfast.  I met Mavis, Mary and Shelly at Midships bar at 9:30 for our Golden Girls run-through.  At eleven thirty I heard Charles Sachs’ lecture on post-cards of ships.  Catharine Lim is aboard again and we had fun meeting again.  Her daughter Jean is with her.

I had lunch with Margaret, and later found Christine and Terry at a table for two near G Stairway.  Romance is blooming I think!  Anyway, at 2:30 was the Talent Show rehearsal.  At 3:30 Glyn Christian lectured on royal titles and peerage. 

Lido Deck was quite comfortable in the afternoon.  Getty, Sigie and Jay were playing Conasta.  Deck workers have to wear white- billed hats now.  C. looks out of character and says they are hotter.   I had drinks with Ardyth and Robert in 4176 right next to my 4174 cabin of the past.  Then C. and I had dinner in my cabin.  He wore his kilt and we watched “To Sir with Love” and Michael Palin in “Far Out Tales.”

We went up to the Theatre Bar to meet a young Mexican couple and Robert and Ardyth.  I went to Grand Lounge to do my act, which had very good response!  Then I stood in back with C. and all got an umbrella and a set of coasters.  I gave the umbrella to Robert.  Yacht Club Bar and to bed at midnight.  C. tired again but not far gone!

 Thursday, 4 February – Acapulco, Mexico

I greeted C. on One Deck Lido in the early, warm humidity, promising a very hot day at anchor.  Since Magrodome-Lido was closed, I had to eat in the Columbia Restaurant.  I sat in Harry’s chair, then everyone arrived too.  Have had many good comments about last night’s performance.

I met Terry and Christine for the day’s trip to the city.  Ruth Joyce from Falmouth, Cape Cod joined us in the suburban taxi.  Silver bracelets.

We were back at the ship by tender near one o’clock.  I had lunch with Catharine Lim in the Lido, next to Terry and Christine.  Catherine talks a lot enthusiastically.  I put on my bathing suit and finally went for a swim in the One Deck pool.  I noticed the Magrodome was open to the sky the first time I have seen this.  I returned to the cabin for a shower and returned to Hele- Deck for the sail-away party.  Colorful clothes, dancing, rum punch.  I sat with Christine and Terry plus Margaret.  C. was busily doing his job.  I went to the bow to see us haul up the anchor.  The “Fair Princess” (a former Cunarder) leaving the harbor.  Exchanges of whistle toots.  Tom stood with me as we turned with starboard thrusters, and proceeded out to sea.  I caught C. atop and went with him to his deck, where we parted.  He is really tired.

Tonight was the Baked Alaska parade, with sparklers and flags and marching to “Auld Lang Syne.”  C. was asleep in his cabin when I went inside; glasses on book aside, TV going.  I returned to my cabin to see “Out of Africa.”

 Friday, 5 February

This is another beautiful, sunny and pleasantly bearable day!  Had breakfast with Christine who confirmed my suspicions that she and Terry are romantically involved.  We had a lovely talk and a hug, and we are mutually supportive. 

With no lectures to attend, I checked out a book, Mauritania, from the Library to read on stern deck. I had lunch with Margaret consisting of two pieces of lime pie, and sat briefly with Christine and Terry.  More reading and puttering in the cabin, then by four o’clock I went to immigration at Midships Lobby – 2 Deck.

I discovered a magnificent tea set up in Queen’s Room, with white chocolate sculptures, sandwiches, smorgasbord type open sandwiches, éclairs and fruits as well as regular tea cakes.  I sat with Terry and Christine, then later Shelly joined us.

When I returned to One Deck Lido, C. had already left for his next function, so I read a bit and joined Cate at the kiddie pool with Jordan.  I returned to my cabin and saw a long QE2 video.

Harry and I were on our own for dinner until the other three came in with a woman officer.  She told us about when QE2 ran on the rock off Cuttyhunk, and immigration troubles.  I attended the Debbie Reynolds show.  Great!

 Saturday, 6 February – Off Baja, Mexico

Clocks were retarded again this morning at four o’clock.  I woke at seven, saw C. early and he asked if I had gotten his message – no.  He wanted me to meet him at 9:15 at the Theatre Bar, but I had passed through at 9:10.  Later Terry said he was frantically trying to find me.   – Had breakfast with Margaret and found Terry and Christine inside the dark part of the Lido.

I read my Mauretania book on deck, catching glimpses and chats with C. and Helen till eleven, when I head Glyn Christian’s talk on food.  I also had a long talk earlier with Catherine Lim.  We laughed a lot, and she is writing a book about her QE2 experiences.

I had lunch at the Lido with Jay and his mother, then dessert upstairs consisting of fudge cake.  I talked with Connie Sillen, a travel agent, and she gave me her card.  I went back to the deck for more glimpses and reading till 3:15 when I attended the Debbie Reynolds informal talk.  I got her autograph.  Tea with Terry and Christine in the Queen’s Room.

I started my packing.

I met C. at nine o’clock in the Theatre Bar and we attended the show.  He fell asleep. Afterward we went to one Deck Lido to see the full moon on the water and sat in chairs together.

 Sunday, 7 February – San Pedro, CA

The end of the voyage for me has come.  I gave Christine three magazines, hugs by Harrods, then joined Terry and Christine at her table.  Maureen the Australian gave me her card and I mine to her.  I did the customs in Queen’s Room, wandered a bit then spent time with C. alone on the stern.  At ten thirty I had to get off, so C. helped me with my bags.

All the kids met me and we went to Ports O’Call for lunch before heading back to their home.