“The usual sir?” – Day Four on the QM2

I am a creature of habit.  I must go to the gym first thing in the morning, though “first thing” may be 11 o’clock. I must have the official cocktail of the day before dinner and I must end my day with my laptop and a Gibson in the Commodore Club (deck 9, fore).  The bartenders know me. 

I was put out a little earlier, as prior to leaving round one at the Commodore Club to retrieve my laptop, I noticed that there were a couple sitting at my designated table.  Fortunately, when I returned ten minutes later, it was open.  All is well.

I took it easy today.  I don’t believe there are any pictures of note.  There’s a video of them serving our Grand Marnier Soufflés, which was quite the production, but I’m leaving the videos for later, when I have less expensive internet.

Dad and I went to a wonderful lecture on the history of the great Atlantic ocean liners.  Today’s topic was on the last great liners of the 40s and 50s.  It was sad to learn how quickly they met their demise. 

The first scheduled transatlantic jet flight took place in 1957 (or 8).  The president of Cunard Lines at the time declared that flying was simply a fad.  Within 18 months the transatlantic liners had lost two thirds of their passengers.  Within a few years, they’d lost 98%.

We had afternoon tea with Pat and Melissa again.  This time I was educated on the crew position of “Dance Host”.  Apparently, there are older gentlemen on the ship whose sole job is to be a friendly dance partner to the older single ladies.  Within weeks, I half expect dad to announce he’s taken up dancing lessons!

Today, afternoon tea was a dance tea and several dance hosts stopped by to say hi to Pat and ask if she wished to dance.  She declined.  Too early in the day.  I believe that Pat’s favorite is Bruce.

Melissa is quite the character.  She’s purebred Texas cheerleader with an attitude, and smile, to match.  Not having fun is not an option.

Pat and Melissa were celebrating Melissa’s birthday at Todd English’s tonight, so it was John, Amy, dad and I at the dinner table.  After dinner we all retired to the Commodore Club for a martini.  John and Amy got cold feet about participating in The Marriage Quiz at The Golden Lion.

John and Amy befriended the American Idol karaoke singer, Hannah, last night after I left The Golden Lion.  Apparently, she writes country western songs in Nashville and there was something about her parents not flying so she’s spent 80 days of the last year on the QM2.  Life is hard.

It’s been a little odd not having cell phones.  We actually have to coordinate on where to meet at specific times.  Yesterday, we arranged to meet at the planetarium but didn’t specify which door, port or starboard, and ended up at different doors.  All worked out in the end but it does remind you of the work required before instant anywhere communications.

Point to note, however, I just saw a woman walk quickly out of the club answering her phone.  I can’t imagine how much that must be costing her.  Hope it’s important.

Well, since I’ve finished my post for the night, I think I’ll break habit and move from my chair to the bar and chat up the wait staff.