Liner Lady

            Awoke early and it was broad daylight, naturally, since we have traveled East three days with no time change.  Ate breakfast in the Magrodome dining-room.  Then we strolled a bit, taking pictures.  I paid Aunt Audrey’s bill, then talked to my steward John, about music.  He heard Marian Anderson way back in Albert Hall and was enthralled.  Mozart debate.

                        As I ambled around, I met C…    by the Queen’s Room next to Midships Bar and was able to get a picture of him.  He spoke of the upcoming boat drill at 10 and how one time he got trapped between two watertight doors and felt claustrophobic.  He had to leave for drill, and I turned to the lady playing the piano by the puzzle table, and asked her if she would playing in the talent show.  She offered to accompany the Mendelssohn duet, and while we sang it, Betty showed up so we did it several times.  We blend well and feel it similarly.  People passing by responded favorably.  I then sang half the Mozart and she thinks she shouldn’t do it.  Anyway it was enough to attract much attention and a ship’s officer expressed his appreciation.  Boat drill ended, and I am now on my way to rehearse for real.

            Did a quick run through of both pieces and then departed with Betty to find a folder.  Checked two out at the Social Center.

            At lunch C. came over to find out the time I was on in the show and mentioned a crew talent show rehearsal.  I am invited to attend late tonight.  Mark talked with us about his nephew and family of which he is very proud. 

            The talent show went well.  Betty and I did our duet at a slow tempo, because Lyn was too slow.  Oh well, it sounded good anyway.  My aria, “Die Hölle Räche” from Mozart’s “Magic Flute went off well and was well received.  However, the country singer was more enthusiastically received.  That being over, Aunt Audrey and I returned to the cabin to finish packing since all bags should be out by six in the evening.

            I met Mark in the dining-room at five.  We spread out the map of Devon and he pointed out places to see.  He also proudly showed me a picture of Joshua, his nephew and Godchild.  I gave him a note and tip ahead of time so it wouldn’t be noticed at dinner when I give the others.

            At present I am sitting adjacent to Queen’s Room. Almost no one is here because of the packing deadline in fifteen minutes.  Spent a long time in the cabin waiting for 7:30 and dinner.  Matthew served us our soup and suggested we do the whole bit tonight so I told him to surprise us.  He did – with sole and sherbet, then came the Beef Wellington served on a large oval silver platter with a ring of potatoes decorating the edges.  The beef was wrapped in a lovely pastry, which for lack of space in my tummy, I peeled off.  Mark was offended that we left it, so I obliged by eating most of it.  The slices were close to an inch thick and rare.  Had asparagus in hollandaise sauce too.  Dessert was a lucious chocolate soufflé with chocolate.  Coffee and petits fours ended it all.  Mark again took time to chat with us.  Matt seemed aloof. 

            C. came over to say he heard me sing and liked it very much.  Mark asked him about it and told him it was very good or something like that. I observed C … doing something strange at his waiter station.  He had taken a small bouquet of carnations from a table, and I caught him standing with the vase atop his head.  He returned to my table and left fast, after having left these carnations wrapped in foil by my place, so I put them in the center bow holder of my pink blouse, later to pin on the shoulder.  Mark again mentioned how much they like him and feel he is more a father figure than a friend.  As I write this, I am waiting for 11:30 so I can see C. and visit the Pig.  Played cards with Aunt Audrey in the card room for an hour or so after dinner.

            Near 11:30 C.  came to get me and he led me down to 2 Deck (I think) and way forward. He opened a door marked private, and in we went to an entirely different world of metal bulkheads and allleways, which opened into an area full of people smoking, drinking and chatting at high volume.  He had prepared me with news that Mark’s dad had just passed on, so when I saw him looking red-eyed I went to him and took his head in my arms and declared words of comfort and care.  His answer was that he believed in reincarnation to which I replied that whatever he believed, life is eternal and God loved everyone of his family.  He stated he wanted to be alone and left.  Meanwhile C. got me a ginger ale and a napkin, which I had requested because I needed to wipe my eyes.  Another friend of Mark’s was sitting there on the crowded bench so we talked a bit about the guys being supportive and caring, so I am glad to see Mark can be sustained from all sides.  He will have compassionate leave and goes home when we disembark in Southampton.

            C. then walked me carefully up to and through the galleys, which were empty and cleaned for the ensuing day of culinary preparations.  The floors had been hosed down so it was very slippery as we picked our way through dishwashing areas, fruit preparation area and others.  He had me take his arm for safety, and when we emerged into the back of the Columbia dining-room a startled superior officer saw us.  We three chatted a bit before going on up to the Theatre balcony to watch a crew rehearsal for a talent show next week.  There was good dancing, very dirty humor and one good impressionist.  We two talked off and on all through, enjoying each other’s company.  Then he walked me to my cabin and we parted.  Got to bed after 2 AM.  It became light by 2:40 and I couldn’t sleep till nearly four. I looked out the portholes occasionally and saw some ships.

            I slept well and only awoke at 9:15 after Aunt Audrey had long gone to breakfast.  It was high foggy, but now (10:15) it is burning off to partly cloudy.  At present both A.A. and I are on starboard, Queens Room reading.  Queens Room is decorated in brown.

            After a deck walk, I finally settled at a table on the Fantail by the pool to write a letter.  While there a steward breezed by and mentioned a bomb scare, but nothing to worry about.  Later at lunch I mentioned it to Matthew who explained they have bomb drill occasionally, hiding three objects for the crew to find.  He wasn’t around very long to serve us, but Mark was available and we chatted about Devon his home (Torquay). We were surprised to be served a super special surprise dish.  The Head Waiter for our area, Gunther, took Aunt Audrey’s special order for Lobster Thermadore this evening and soon after, in he came with two fabulous gourmet desserts consisting of a molded raspberry and blackberry layer inside sponge cake lining.  Summer Pudding.  Along the side were triple berry garnish and whipped cream mold with mint leaf.  It made a gorgeous picture and tasted out of this world.  Gunther is Assistant Restaurant Manager and is probably making his bid for recognition when it comes to tips.  Mark said he is the best of the managers.  Mark will meet me some time to discuss places in Devon to see.

            At 2:30 I watched the fashion show, then thought I would buy a QE2 beach towel.  Since I had not enough to charge and no money with me, I put it back and may have been saved some space!  It has clouded up again.  Since I didn’t feel very well I decided to just stay in, wash my hair, putter and read the lesson till supper.  A.A. saw “The Red Shoes.” 

            We dressed formally again for dinner.  I wore my black long skirt and pink blouse with blue jewelry.  With my new hair do I mentioned that if I didn’t attract attention tonight I never would, and sure enough, C. came over as I was sitting down and kidded me about not finding me and I came back with “Where were you?”  I was out jogging on the helicopter deck between 12 and 1.”  He said he was there,  Ha!  Anyway, later he came over with a small battery torch, and showed me his signal that I’m supposed to look for.

            A.A. had her special order of Lobster Newburg and I had turkey, gazpacho and ice cream.  Mark told me more about Devon – try Cornish pasties (pab) and Devon Creams.  Matthew had a good rest this afternoon so he was full of it.  Changed my clothes and am now sitting by the Library.  At 10:30 we returned to the cabin so I could change clothes for my late night deck run.  I walked up and around the rear decks quite a while and finally C.  arrived as I was standing on starboard, one level above fantail.  He was in jogging suit but we didn’t jog, since the deck was still wet from hosing down and waxing.  Instead we sat on sun deck in cushioned chairs.  He is from Fife, Scotland, separated, and has a son and daughter.  He himself was at sea as a teenager, then went into catering business on his own with wife.  Then he taught in a Technical College in Kirkcauldy, and just left in July to try QE2.  He first applied to work as a Manager, but is taking waiter position in hopes of working up. 

            At midnight I suggested he needed to get to bed so he walked me right to my cabin.  A nice guy and fun to talk to.

            I awoke at 8:00 o’clock and lingered in bed till nine, when I set out to find the Cruise Office on Upper Deck, Stairway “E.”  First I checked out the pictures taken yesterday at the Captain’s party. I will get the one of us shaking hands.  I signed up for the Talent Show, and the rehearsal is Thursday at 11:00 am, with the show a little later in the afternoon.  I then gathered my trip information and set out to find the Crèche.  It is up on Sports Deck in a large area surrounded by officers’  cabins.  There are all sorts of children’s art works along the walls, a little auditorium of colored plastic seats, then further on a play area with cribs scattered around.  Patty sat with me and gave me information on who to contact and what to see in Penzance.  Back in the cabin, I got hooked on a Pink Panther movie on television, so am relaxing in the stateroom.

            Near noon I set out to buy the three photos taken of me at the Captain’s Party, and found Betty.  We did the musical quiz together and decided what we will sing on Thursday.  Aunt Audrey and I met for lunch and Matthew greeted us, Mark sat us down and served us mostly.  I had cantaloni, orange and tapioca soup and ice cream with gateau roulade. 

We bought our boat train tickets.  Then I tried my stamina on the Boat Deck facing the high, mild winds as I walked forward.  The bow observation deck is closed so I couldn’t walk forward alas, but after a few ups and backs I went to the Grand Lounge to hear the Chief Navigator tell us about the ship.  I then headed aft to the Lido and fantail, where I lay for a while as far aft as possible, looking over the bright blue ocean and foam, plus up to the upper decks.  The sun has burst forth and the sky is as clear as you can get.  In short, it is all magnificent!  At 4:30 I decided to have tea, and since I was sure Aunt Audrey was at the movie, I joined Betty and Frank for tea, cakes and sandwiches.  They told me we were supposed to have done our passport control immigration yesterday, so I went to the Midships Lobby to do mine.  A.A. will be able to do hers tomorrow, thank heavens.

            At present I am back in the cabin (5:30) watching a travel film about the Stafford Hotel in St. James Place.  The view from the portholes is bright and beautiful.  Channel 1 is still the bow camera picture and good music.

            At 6:00 Aunt Audrey and I went off to the Lido Deck to watch the wake and sunshine path shimmer on the water.  While there two men alerted us to a school of porpoises off the starboard stern.  We also saw cartons of garbage or trash that have been dumped overboard – Alas!!!  At seven we took a look off the far stern then ambled up the length of One Deck to prepare for formal dinner.  Arrived at dinner and were greet by our waiters complimenting us on our good looks.  Then commenced the best and busiest dinner yet with soup de tomate, rack of lamb, and a dividend of sherbet, which I suspect belonged to some one else, then a wonderful work of art for desert.  Marinated raspberries, apple slice, fig, plum with vanilla ice cream, topped by a light egg sauce beaten so fluffy.  Matthew and Mark posed with us when the photographer came along.

            A word about these two: They are in their early twenties and seem destined for a seagoing career as waiters.  They are going on the world cruise after a two week stay in Boston when Digital Corp has it chartered at dockside.  Mark will be in Auckland for his Birthday. (Feb 10).[This was the first I had heard about the famous World Cruise tradition and I was intrigued with the idea.]

            Attended a piano concert in the Theatre then a show in the Grand Lounge by soprano Lorna Dallas.  She was okay but flat occasionally.  We were back in the cabin by 11:30.  ——-Before going to bed, I bundled up and went to Boat Deck, eventually ending up on sun or sports deck.  There I did some jogging and saw two distant lights on the invisible horizon.  The air was humidly pleasant and commensurate wind to the speed was rushing through the rigging.  I inspected the lifeboats, some of which are uncovered and thereby gathering water when it rains or high seas scatter spray.  Each one has a green hose attached to a hole in the bottom to drain.  139 persons can sit in them, and I think the best place to be would be amidships on a thwart, because bodies would keep each other warm.  There were very few people up where I was and for a time I was actually alone – to jog and investigate.  As I left top deck two women were coming up top so I didn’t feel too badly about going in.  By this time it must have been one o’clock, at least.  

           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!

TRANS-ATLANTIC VOYAGE
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2
AUGUST 16 – 21, 1987 

             Greg and Karen, my niece and husband, delivered Aunt Audrey and me to the docks in New York City around 1:00 pm and the Queen Elizabeth 2 had not even docked yet. She had skirted a large storm and consequently was delayed.  We walked in the waiting area a long time, then checked in at our respective alphabet letters and co-ordinated our embarkation group (2), then returned to Karen and Greg for another hour or so of visiting.

            Meanwhile the QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 docked and managed a turn around in a very short time.  We boarded around 4:00 pm, found our cabin 1012, dropped our carry-on bags and headed to the forward Boat Deck area to meet Karen and Greg on the roof of the  pier.  We leaned over for the next two hours, watching the baggage and food loading process. Had long chats with a brother and sister, Frank and Betty from Southampton.  Betty is a singer and may do a duet with me at the talent show.  We set our clocks forward two hours at 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm so we kidded about being two hours different from the dock.  At our 8:30 the Queen Elizabeth 2 backed away from the pier and turned downstream, and since Aunt Audrey was very hungry, we headed for the Columbia Restaurant where we were seated at table 217 on the starboard side.  I spotted the Statue of Liberty passing by to Starboard, so missed getting a picture of it.  I ordered Victoria potage, roast lamb and salad.  The vegetables were snow peas, carrots, and celery.  The mint jelly was in a hollowed out mushroom cap!  For dessert we both had a vanilla souflée with chocolate sauce, followed by coffee.

            When we were done, we walked around to see what we could find.  Oh yes – during dinner, my waiter asked “Where’s hubby?” and I told him………..He then joked about me needing a “joy boy” (which I later found to have been “toy boy”), and I quipped about not wanting to rob the cradle! “Just a minute” said he, and he then brought over an older waiter named C……..  He stayed only momentarily saying something to the effect that he wouldn’t be a joy boy but we could meet.  We’ll see.  Mark, our other waiter talked with me about Torquay where he is from, so I’ll ask him further about it.

            On our walk around, we found the Lido deck, two pools aft, one enclosed and one outside with two Jacuzzis and a kiddie pool.  Also we saw the tennis and shuffleboard areas.  Eventually we returned to the cabin to unpack (my suit case hadn’t arrived earlier) and we settled in for the night.  I bathed, in our large bathtub, sporting the old-fashioned taps, washed clothes and read the information sheets till midnight. I then tried in vain for a long time to get to sleep.

When a child my interest in ships was kindled and nurtured by my father’s enthusiasm as we would pass by the numerous piers on New York’s Westside drive. In 1941 or so I remember seeing the QUEEN MARY, ACQUATANIA and NORMANDIE lying on her side after the disastrous fire. In my college years during the 1950s I traveled Trans-Atlantic ships many times through the Council on Student Travel, and experienced great times aboard the NEPTUNIA, COLUMBIA, AROSA SUN, AROSA KULM and others I don’t remember. From 1959 on, after my marriage to a landlubber, and raising a family, plus 31 years living in the Arizona desert, there wasn’t much reference or cause to keep up with that youthful experience. Not until 1987, when I found myself divorced and the two boys old enough to be completely on their own, married and in college, I decided to reward myself with my first Crossing on the Queen Elizabeth 2. This was after a mature return to university life for a second Bachelor’s degree followed immediately by the Master’s Degree in vocal performance: an adult pursuit along with my two sons who were also in college at that time. Ever since that wonderful, fateful year, I have never let a year go by without some time cruising the world on my favorite ship of all time!

My first log is posted here, and I hope you will find it and all subsequent postings of some interest. For me, it is the next best thing to sailing on her, which has now become an impossibility. Long live the magic and spirit of QUEEN ELIZABETH 2, all her officers and crew! This whole work is dedicated to my dear Father who always has figured in my memories of past nautical times together.

Enjoy!

Martha Martin Hufford