This day, this past week, where did it go?  My pocket note of today’s events to partake in gleaned from the massive two page programme brought me all too quickly to 5PM on my last day aboard QM2.  There is still a variety show at 7, dinner at 8:30, and I have to pack – but that is easy since it all goes with me.  And I want to get this last post up having 35 minutes of internet time left.  Checking this morning I found my record number of visits to “Shunpiking with Ray” was broken the second day in a row yesterday with 78 page views of which 63 were Queen Mary blog posts – thank you.

Today’s list included: the final fabulous ocean liner lecture at 10, and afterwards I took the tour of the main galley.  RADA’s adaptation of The Merchant of Venice followed lunch and concluded at 3:30 which was the time our table planned to meet for High Tea in the Queen’s Room.  Paul, from Ireland, then sat with me and my map giving me some great hints of must-dos in his area, hints which are so good I will have to share them with Rick Steves.

I gave you a teaser last evening.  Janet and I have not cruised enough to get invited to the special pre-dinner parties, but the rest of the table had invitations, so Janet and I both got to go as guests for cocktails, champagne, wine and shrimp and various finger foods.  Of the various parties Mark said this is the best for the elite group and with the best food.  It was enjoyable and extra special to be included.

Reflection of Grand Court Wall Sculpture

I am in a quandary for tomorrow.  Cunard’s three queens arrive for the first time ever together in Southampton in celebration of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee between 5:30 and 6 AM.  There will be a three bow formation between 6 and 6:15 (still AM) with fancy maneuvers into position prior to docking.  Of course, I have to be topside to view this, but how early?  I probably will head out by 6 AM.  Then it is time to disembark at 8:30 AM.

So this is it, I had better pack (bag has to be out by midnight), and of course I have to tour the decks again.  Thank you for crossing the Atlantic with me, next stop is Northern Ireland.  As always, yours, RAY

My Tablemates: Paul (Ireland), Mark (Connecticut), Janet (UK); Norma (Michigan), Val, (UK), Steve (Atlanta); absent is Rosemary

Part of an onboard carpet