Back again and now seem to have been at sea for ages after visiting Mauritius. The weather since Mauritius has been pretty awful considering we are in the Indian Ocean and in my head it wasn’t going to be like this – varying between grey, darker grey, bits of blue (but not very much), drizzle, pouring rain and blowing a gale!!! Hmmmph – tan will be fading. When we arrived in Mauritius there were huge queues to get off the boat – beginning to see where the queue comes from in Cunard! Apparently it was down to Mauritian immigration people or lack of them that held everything up. But I have now decided to keep smiley face plastered on and not become flustered and grumpy like many of the passengers so spent time chatting gayley to ... read more

21st and 22nd spent at sea chilling out – very pleasant way to pass a winter that’s for sure. BUT a blot on the landscape!!!! Elderly men passed their peak by many a decade – strutting their stuff around the poolside in speedos and thongs!!!! Not a good look at all!!!! Especially when they climb out of the water and said speedos/thongs have become transparent ….. Yeeeeeeurk! Also there are those whose stomachs are so big you can’t even see their speedos! 23rd January arrived in Salvador where we had decided to do our own thing as it’s not very big. Caught a “free” shuttle bus (organized by the largest jewelry chain in Brazil. This took us up to the old town passing through the new (?) town en route. The driver took is up many ... read more

12th January – Spent all day packing resulting in our first small disagreement – cant believe that can you?!? Also the sea was the roughest it had been 13th January – After a very disturbed night’s sleep due to the turbulent waters and knowing that we would be sailing into New York harbour and past Statue of Liberty at around 4.00am and me not wanting to miss anything, it was time to disembark at 6.30am!! Also I did miss sailing past the Statue!! Got into Starbucks before 8.00am to link to free internet. New York was freezing (in fact below freezing) and covered in snow, but thankfully they deal with snow in a much more efficient way than we do!!! So walking was not a problem. Went to Apple store where I had my laptop tweaked ... read more

Arrived in Southampton after ferry overnight from Caens - all went well except we had an early morning call at 5.30am. Hotel in Southampton very kindly gave us our room at 7.30am this morning so day seems to have gone on forever. Have re-packed yet again to try and ditch some stuff - and now some of its going back to Toulouse in the car!!! Am going to try and attach photos this time. One is of Scott getting what he likes best (well almost) before he has to dine properly. Now in room with a bottle of screw top red from M&S and wondering if I have the energy to go down and mix with rather a lot of elderly folk waiting to go on a cruise!!!!! Am sure it wont be the same one ... read more

Hey there, Just trying this blog for the first time. Not sure if it will work but I hope so. The car is all packed up and ready to go although it's now a lot nearer the ground than usual. 10 bags - is that excessive ... and will they fit in the cabin?? Going to set off for Caen tomorrow morning and cross to Portsmouth overnight. Then will be staying in Southampton til the big day - 5th January. Well that's it for now except I am getting a little bit sad as the dogs are letting us know they don't like suitcases. Excitement is overtaking sadness tho. Will get back on here soon with updates. And Happy New Year to all!!... read more