User: rebecca94

Hi Emily

Now back on board and on our way south to Portugal. I thought I ought to post while I had a spare few minutes.

The ship had a thorough clean and some of the areas were redecorated. New fitments in the buffet area etc. My counter had a new top but not too much chaos with the brochures and other paperwork.

Andrew enjoyed what will probably be his one match of the season. I went to church with my parents - it was harvest festival so a good rendition of "We plough the fields and scatter!" and a nice home roast afterwards.

Andrew did buy some short sleeved shirts but I will have to persuade him to buy some more clothes at the markets in the Caribbean. He tends to wear garments until they fall apart.

Our cabins are across the corridor from each other. I soon put my clothes in the units - no tights! It is about 20C in Portugal but a little windy so some movement but not too bad at the moment. I have a port talk in about an hour so I hope that the movement does not get worse!

It is great that you and Joel have settled into your routines. I hope that Covid does not cause disruption this winter. My parents were grumbling about the cost of electricity and were trying to avoid putting the heating on for as long as possible.

Today, white shirt, black tie, black knee length shirt, opaque stockings, black flats. Blazer to be added shortly. I don't think I have many purple clothes but I liked the sound of your outfit.

Take care

Rebecca

Hi Emily

I have had a few days relaxing at home and Andrew has enjoyed some time with his mother. He is going to see West Ham play Wolves in the late afternoon/early evening match today - so hopefully he will bring them some much needed luck!

I phoned Fiona but we couldn't fit in a shopping trip before the end of my leave. We caught up with each other's news and put the world to rights for an hour. She has a new boyfriend - a fellow teacher!

I went shopping on my own this morning and stocked up on my lingerie. Mainly white (boring I know) knickers/bras etc but one black set. I found an offer which equated to buy 2 get one free. I also bought some cotton tops and blouses in an end of summer sale - just right for the Caribbean. Mainly plain colours - white/pale blue/cream and dark blue all short sleeves.

One cotton skirt above knee - pale blue/white very small check pattern - looks pale blue from a distance and a pair of trousers - pale grey wide leg - OK for warmer climes but probably won't be on Andrew's favourite list. Finally two pairs of cream sandals.

Bit of a hit on my bank balance but I might not get another opportunity for a while.

I hope to be able to go to Church tomorrow with my parents - the first time for ages - and then enjoy Sunday lunch together.

I will be picking Andrew up on Tuesday morning and then travelling down to the ship from here by coach on Tuesday afternoon. We then have two days to get things ready on board before the next "clients" come on board. Hopefully there will not be too much chaos to sort out.

I am pleased that school continues to go well for you. You are no doubt used to the new students by now. I hope that Joel is also doing well. You are still putting me to shame with your outfits. Nothing glamorous for me - comfy mid blue jumper over white t-shirt, black trousers and trainers.

Take care

Rebecca

Hi Emily

I am back at home again for a few days. We had a great time in Somerset. We actually travelled down on the Monday afternoon arriving early evening. Andrew stayed over at my house (guest bedroom) on the Sunday evening and we watched the funeral before setting off during the afternoon. A very moving service and so expertly carried out.

We were all surprised to hear that the Queen was involved in the design of the hearse. I think we all had a moment during the service.

The mobile home we rented was near the coast and we had a trip out each day. A steam train ride, a long walk along the beach, a walk along the Quantock Hills, Wells Cathedral and Glastonbury etc etc. We had visited a couple of the places before but thoroughly enjoyed the time on our own together.

We had mainly takeaways so - sorry - I didn't dress up for the evenings. There was a Garden Centre near our base which did really good meals which saved me from preparing too much on several days. No tights but yes - Andrew's favourite trousers were worn on a couple of days. Plenty of opportunities for you know what!

The ship is having a deep clean of the interior and no doubt some redecoration where necessary and the engines were due some maintenance. We will be getting the same cabins. There are only a few doubles for married couples.

Off next week due south to Spain, Portugal etc. I have heard of some rough weather in the Caribbean so I am glad that we are not heading there at the moment!

It does seem strange for Charles to be King and for the words of the National Anthem to be changed. It will take some getting used to - and a TV presenter stumbled over the changes last night.

I am pleased that school is going well and it was a good opportunity to vary the syllabus to discuss all the changes during the Queen's long reign while the topic was fresh in everyone's mind.

I expect Joel appreciated your clingy black dress! For me - nothing special - black trousers, grey jumper, trainers.

Might do some shopping for myself later this week. I thought about a trip to see Fiona but then remembered that she would be teaching - unless Saturday might be a possibility. An e-mail will take place shortly.

Take care

Rebecca

Hi Emily

Yes it has been a strange few days. We were in Iceland for two days and the mood changed to sombre when the news came in. It was rather unexpected having sworn in the new Prime Minister two days before. I found it lowered my mood and I just could not concentrate the same for a few days.

The entertainment schedule changed to songs of her reign and the various ceremonial procedures were beamed in. It was noticeable that there was less laughter and merriment even in the bars. We had a retired priest on board who conducted several services to remember the Queen and pray for the Royal Family. They were well attended. Most people could only remember the Queen on the throne.

It is difficult to remember to refer to Charles as King and not Prince - and William is now Prince of Wales!

We disembark tomorrow and Andrew and I will travel to our respective homes for a few days. We were going to travel south-west on Monday but have delayed it for a day so that we can both view the funeral service. The owners of the chalet have agreed that we can stay until the following Tuesday as it was not booked.

We re-join the refurbished and deep cleaned ship on 1st October with some cruises south to Spain and Portugal before crossing the Atlantic. Kate is looking forward to the warmth after the last cruise which was cooler and blustery with some rain!

I am sure that you look very smart in your mainly black outfit and very respectable in the circumstances. I have worn my black skirt and trousers instead of my more colourful dresses - and yes stockings with the skirts!

Andrew and I are looking forward to spending time in our respective homes and then our break.

Take care

Rebecca

Hi Emily

A quick update before two days at sea when the signal is likely to be poor.

As expected it has been a bit bumpy during the last few days in the Irish Sea and around the Hebrides. Some of the tendering had to be changed due to high winds and rough seas so Kate and I have some refunding on cost of excursions to do. The first for some time.

The forecast for Iceland and the Faroes is quite reasonable at the moment. When I rang home yesterday there have been heavy thunder storms and torrential rain. The rain in the Hebrides was lighter but persistent with a strong breeze.

I hope that the new term is going well for you and the new student are appreciating their teacher. Being able to do tweaks to previous versions of course work must save you a lot of preparation time.

Kate does not have a serious boyfriend at the moment. She is really looking forward to the Caribbean. The ship is in dry dock for two weeks - mainly servicing, deep clean and some refurbishment work. Nothing major.

Not too long for our break now - Andrew is looking forward to it as well. We will have a couple of days at home to have a change of clothes etc and see our folks before travelling south west. We have hired a mobile home near the coast which will be our base and then work out some day trips.

Good to see smarter professional outfits again now that you are back at school. I am sure no one else was worried about clipping white suspenders to black stockings!

For me today - slightly more casual - white shirt, black trousers, black flats

Take care

Rebecca