En Route to New York

We are now on our way to New York and have passed the "Procupine Abyssal Plain" (for the geographers among you!). The sea is already quite rough with high waves. When you look out the window, it's impressive, even though they say we only have moderate sea conditions. But the ship is very stable, it's not rocking at all. The captain says we are only skirting the deep that flows towards Great Britain, so the weather is still good at 14 degrees Celsius, better than where you are, I believe. We still have 2518 nautical miles to go to New York, so quite a distance.

The sea days are relaxed but not boring because there are many events offered and people can simply relax in the beautiful common areas, read. You can do all sorts of things and you already need to have a schedule. Today, for example, a beginner fencing course starts, if you're interested, then there's a lot of sports like yoga, pilates, croquet, short mat bowls, and paddle tennis, which are located in a covered and enclosed area. If you're in the mood for music, you can join the line dance or take dancing lessons with the professional dance couple on board. The spa area is very elegant with all the treatments available. If you like creative activities, you can paint with watercolors this morning under instruction or, like I did, take a digital photography course. I'm learning a lot, I also have help, and that's why I'm now part of the Camera Club for the entire trip. I already noticed that the conversation with the experts helps a lot. All of this is free of charge, only individual lessons with one of the 5 professional photographers or a photo tour with them cost extra.

It's also nice that there is a lot of music offered for listening. The band plays Dixieland Jazz in the pub, there's a piano concert after lunch, classical and modern music, so a mix. At the same time, there are lectures as part of the "Insights Lectures". Many people play various games in the card room or puzzle a few pieces at the puzzle tables. Or you can enjoy the sea air outside.

I'm gradually getting used to the ongoing time change. Every evening before going to bed, I have to set the clock back one hour, two hours the day before yesterday, in total there's a 5-hour time difference to New York.

Yesterday was a calm sea day, almost smooth sea and mild air when walking outside. I'm gradually getting into the daily routine and especially finding everything in the cabin in the many drawers and cupboards. Despite the amount of luggage, it can still be kept organized.

Yesterday, I attended a lecture with a short film about the awarding of knighthoods etc. at the English royal court. The speaker was a well-known expert on royalty and has already written 28 books about the royal family, so something like our British Seelmann-Eggebrecht. It was quite funny, especially the film that showed a ceremony from the arrival of the people to the awards ceremony. Formula 1 driver Hamilton was also there.

They are drilled one hour prior to the ceremony by a master of ceremonies, showing them what to do, how, and where. Even the number of steps is specified, and kneeling is practiced, as well as the timing for starting. It is demonstrated several times, but it leads to people getting more and more nervous, their faces show great tension and sometimes even pure fear, until nothing works anymore. They have to memorize commands, such as the moment when the Queen offers them her hand, not reacting beforehand is forbidden. The saying at the handshake was: "Take it, shake it, and let it go!" I found that very amusing. Men are not allowed to bend their upper body when greeting, they can only make an intense nod, which looked very funny when they practiced it. The ladies and future "Dames" make a small curtsy. For those who are very nervous, there is an escort who links arms with them, takes them to the adjacent rooms, and distracts them with conversations to reduce stress. I never thought that everything is so tightly timed and rehearsed. No wonder that people feel overwhelmed if they are not familiar with such ceremonies. The palace is also entrepreneurial, if you want a personalized video recording of the moment, of course, it costs a hefty £140.

So I'm learning new things about British customs and traditions. I also had an interesting conversation when we were in the port of Southampton and a veteran military band in red uniforms with white pith helmets was belting out military music in the ballroom. The end of the performance was like a mini version of the "Last Night of the Proms" with "Pomp and Circumstance". Everyone belted out "Land of Hope and Glory" and "Rule Britannia", and we, of course, waved our Union Jack. That's when my neighbor mentioned that they would probably have to design a new flag soon if Scotland leaves the UK. Until that moment, I hadn't realized that the blue in the flag would have to go, as it stands for England and Wales alongside the other two colors for Scotland. This led to an interesting conversation about the Scottish President, whom the English naturally do not view positively. So I'm really learning something here!

A particularly British custom is the afternoon tea in the ballroom, where waiters in white, short jackets and white gloves serve sandwiches, scones, and small pastries in three courses. There's a string quartet playing, which creates a lovely ambiance. I already ignore the calories and skip lunch. I notice that everyone here pays very close attention to the amount of food and consciously skips meals, so they don't eat just because they paid for it or because it's tempting. That's reasonable too. I also brought my scale for control.

Today, the day is still festive, with a captain's reception in the late afternoon, formal attire, i.e. tuxedo or dark suit, and the first Cunard Ball. I will report back!

See you soon!

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