Liner Lady

           I awoke and arose around 9:00 o’clock  Aunt Audrey went to breakfast without me, while I explored some more, heading directly to the shopping area aft – above the Grand Lounge, which I hear referred to as the Double Down Room..  I bought only a key chain for my cabin key, then wandered around going down as many decks as I could.  The further down I went, the warmer the corridors were, so I’m grateful we are where we are on One Deck in the First Class category.

            At 10:15 we had the Boat Drill, donned our life preservers and proceeded to Boat Station 6 following the red arrows (red for port, and green for starboard).  Our station is in the Casino.  After standing there a while, we were given instructions then allowed to leave.  I returned our life jackets to the cabin, then we went aft to the shops via the lift.  In the lift we met the Nanny, Pat.  She is from Penzance and had several suggestions for me to do and see while there.  I told her of my forthcoming bicycle trip from Bristol to Cornwall, and we will talk further.  The lecture on Cunard had started in the Grand Lounge so I detoured to hear it while Aunt Audrey went on..   

            I bought a logbook and four key chains and a mug at the souvenir shop.  I further explored and walked through the Theatre and aft to start writing in my book by the indoor pool.  As I strolled forward, I checked out the buffet area and Queens Room, where I was greeted by a waitress with Snappy Tom juice.  Found Aunt Audrey so we could go to lunch together.  I had poached swordfish, salad and broccoli soup.  Ice cream with raspberry sauce topped it all off.  Matthew and Mark are our waiters.

            We stopped briefly at the Purser’s Office to ask about ordering deck chairs, which we found were only available at the Sun Deck. We went up there to find it all exposed to sun and hot, so we left quickly without asking questions.  We then hurried to the Grand Lounge to see the video about Harrod’s.  I then walked all the outside decks, taking pictures on the way.  Boat Deck, Sun Deck, aft pool areas, bow area etc.  Just at 4:00 I met Aunt Audrey again and we are now on port side of Queen’s Room, enjoying tea, sandwiches and cakes.  Outside it is quite humid and glaringly cloudy.  Tea consisted of finger sandwiches and a luscious raspberry jelly mold cake.  I went to see the movie in the Theatre,  “The Lorraine” with Maureen Stapleton.

            A few more rounds on various decks including trips down stairways C and F to the 2 different spas, rounded out my travels for the day, and now I am back in the cabin watching the Grundig TV. Channel 1 is music and a bow picture showing our seaward progress.  I just noticed a nice basket of dried flowers sitting on top of the TV. 

            I find I am far from “laid back” so far.  In fact, I have a sense of urgency and want to get every moment of the experience with no time wasted in one spot. Maybe I will tone down tomorrow.

            Aunt Audrey and I dressed up in our gala formal outfits, complete with jewelry, for the Captain’s cocktail party. We were introduced to Captain Portat and ushered into the Queen’s Room where champagne was served.  We spotted Betty and Frank, who beckoned us to sit with them.  When ginger ale was delivered to us, we enjoyed talking at length with them.  Decided more about the talent night, which turns out to be a sort of contest, by applause.  (I later was relieved to learn that was wrong.)  Frank dropped the hint that it should be something familiar to gain the popular applause – so – here I go with the ‘”Queen of the Night.”

            At 8 we went to the gala dinner.  When I was going in, C…… stopped me to say he was looking for me last night.  I wonder.   I told him I would like to talk, but hinted no more.

            Aunt Audrey had lobster, and I had shrimp cocktail, roast beef with potato and broccoli, followed by strawberries and ice cream.  As we were uncomfortable in our formal stuff, we changed clothes and walked a bit.  I showed her cabin 1116, which we would have had, and agreed it would have had more vibration compared to the smooth sailing of the forward cabin.

            As we await the start of the 10 pm movie, we are in the card room, sitting at a booth for two.  Only a lone couple is playing cards now.  Saw the movie “Secret of My Success”.  I then walked back to the fantail and found I was the only one around, except two couples looking down on me.  As I walked forward on Boat Deck I noticed the fog horn sounding and sure enough it is foggy out.  Picked my way back via  “A” Stairway.  On my bed was my nightie nicely laid out with waistline gathered in.  Under it was a Cunard vanity kit with all sorts of cosmetic goodies inside.  Also, on the dresser was a lovely plate of fruit.  We were in bed by 12:30.  I am so reluctant to let a single day go by.  I am having such a wonderful time!