25/4/2016 Final sea day to Southampton

Well the Bay of Biscay came and went without swell, nausea, or anything unpleasant. We are now in the English Channel, and it is predicted we'll be near the south of the Isle of Wight at around 3 a.m., I expect the phone will come back on then, which will be delightful. So today, instead of typical BOB behaviour of groaning and lying down, our last day was a good one. It was all about finishing off our time away, saying goodbyes especially to our cabin steward Austan and our most favourite waiter, Shakti. We have also been attending final concerts, final art exhibition and of course packing and getting ready for the grand disembarkation in the morning. We both put two of our paintings in the art exhibition - mine were Woman Carrying Fish on Head and Arch 22, Khachik's were Humming Bird and Monk Seal. The following are Khachik's gorgeous creatures.

EVERYONE on the ship was wearing jumpers today, including all the restaurant staff, who have long sleeved navy jumpers for when the weather is in single figures like today.

So we have enjoyed our last rounds of haute cuisine looking out to sea, enjoying the endless sea in its many states, the blue, grey, red and orange skies, sun rises and sunsets, iced drinks, the balcony, our lovely cabin and of course these amazing countries: Singapore, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Mauritius, Reunion Island, South Africa, Namibia, Cape Verde, Canaries and Madeira.

Tonight after the final dinner we went to the final concert in the Curzon Theatre - it was a bit like a Royal Variety performance. By the way we were sitting behind the 5 young men in Collabro, and that felt really funny having been sitting where they were when they were performing on stage yesterday.  Then there were 5 separate performances, The Headliners, the Opera Boys, Clare Bonsu and Brian Conley. So we have been well and truly light-entertained.

Khachik made use of the gym for the last time, walking on the treadmill for an hour. He must have the healthiest heart and circulation of a 70 year old on the ship, he hasn't missed a day. I on the other hand have been resting more than ever! I engage in the most gentle restorative mobility and stretch now. I do think about cardio and strength, and how long it will be before I can do something else, but for now they are on hold.

Just a quick word about hips - I honestly didn't know how this cruise would pan out, or if hip pain would detract from my enjoyment. In brief I can honestly say that it has been much better to be here doing this, with the many distractions I have had, than in the cold. Next up are the two hip replacements but I can't say exactly when. I hope it is soon because intractable pain can be very tiring and it will be such a good thing when it has gone. I have had a very good time, in spite of it, and feel very lucky and very grateful to have this kind of a distraction in my life :)

Now for the next chapter, and whatever that may hold. Maybe I will add a little bit on here tomorrow about the morning once we arrive home, let's see, but I will say bye for now. xx

23/4/2016 First of three days to Southampton

We're at sea again!  Our coordinates are 37 degrees north and 13 degrees west, so we are still level with the Moroccan coast heading towards the coast of Portugal. All is flat and smooth, no swell no rain, and as expected the temperature has dropped to 16, so the roof is on the pool and the sunbathers on the sun deck above have all been driven indoors. It's ok though, an indoor swimming pool instead.  There is an air of coming to an end on the ship. People are exchanging contact details, starting to say goodbyes to staff, planning and booking next year's cruise and all that kind of thing.

So today we have done an art class, where we painted a misty Mount Teide in the clouds, using a number of our newly acquired water colour skills.










Our p.m. highlight was been to the Theatre for a ticket only concert with Collabro, 5 young men who sing songs form shows like Les Mis, Chess, Lion King, and were winners of BGT in 2014.  I didn't know, and today was the first time I had ever heard them. Not sure quite how they got the Aurora gig, but very glad they did.  They have lovely voices, and because they sang Circle of Life (links to a performance in Manchester's Bridgwater Hall) had me crying with the first high note, and then of course I couldn't stop and had to use my scarf to get rid of the snot and tears! Really wasn't expecting that.


But tonight we didn't get involved in any theatre entertainment, only our own.  Comedians can be so annoying! Anyway Brian Conley thankfully not just a comedian,  is on board and we spent so much time talking to our table mates tonight that we missed him. We will catch him next time, and before we do we can listen to what people said about him tonight.  Instead we have watched a bit of telly - an old episode of Ambassadors, done a crossword and a quick blog.

Until tomorrow, good night all xx