Mareblu

Exactly. Taste is indeed subjective.

Yes, on that we agree. It’s rather garish, and it seems to overpower the ambience. The “banquettes” as you refer to them, are actually quite comfortable. Rather a change from mundane tables and chairs. I do not, however, approve at all of the long “wall tables” in the QG restaurant. They afford no privacy at all. We’re very grateful we have a delightful window table with an ever-changing view.

Sorry, I duplicated a photo of the lounge, then was too slow to edit.

@Megabear2 thank you for the truly beautiful photos. You’ve really captured the spirit of this haunting land. we’ve discussed and debated the Grills Lounge many times, so for those who are interested, here are a couple of images

Enjoy your tropical holiday, and the peaceful break from the tech ties that often bind us too much.

Yes, then it was V. She absolutely loved it. I so admire her determination to carry on with her life after losing her beloved husband. She is dignified, but warm and friendly.

Did you do the lochs tour?

At this very moment we are seated under the expansive skylight which lights the huge tree in the lounge. It most certainly is not dark, anything but. There are more secluded, atmospheric seating arrangements, should one choose. We agree with this lovely lady. A little light in our lives is a positive attribute.

I know who you’re referring to. She is delightful.

Oops, correction. I misread your post where you already noted he has an MBE. @Megabear2

I thought I read somewhere, “MBE” after his name. I may be mistaken. I’m devastated that was his only conversation piece. He just told me, in that wonderfully rich voice, that he and his small entourage are leaving tomorrow. Our surrounding luncheon tables were raving (the people, not the tables) about this morning’s performance. Standing room only, apparently. Our loss, sadly.

Phew!😅

From her direction on the nav screen, I suspect Anne is taking us to Boston🫣

Healing wishes to you, too🙏🏻

So good to hear from you, Les. You have to make the decision that’s right for you, but you also deserve to live your life as comfortably as possible, without restriction of movement, if modern medicine can deliver those desired outcomes. Your call. We’re thinking if you, and sending our very best wishes.

@Megabear2 Here I risk your wrath. Since embarkation in Southampton until last night because they left QA today, we’ve had the delightful company of dining companions at the next table in our vicinity. We’ve swapped tales, shared a few laughs, and generally enjoyed the ambience. Here’s a highly intelligent and convivial Scot, she’s an elegant English woman with the cultured voice of one who’s trod the boards. Not once, till the end of our shared dining, did either of them announce who they actually were. It would have made no difference to me, my musical tastes are classical or 60s popular. I’m so sorry, until now I’d never heard of Midge Ure, and maybe they relaxed with us because they sensed that and felt they could just be themselves. Unassuming, delightful couple. Marvellous company. When I read bis bio, I was beyond impressed. Next table from tonight? Frank Bruno. My husband knew immediately. What an imposing presence, with a deep, infectious, musical chuckle.

Our walk-in robe on Queen Anne is spacious, more than adequate for our copious amount of clothing, which we deemed necessary for two months of travel.

Oh goodness! I thought I’d solved it for you. Where on earth, then, is your tissue dispenser?

I couldn’t agree more. West Highlands, my spiritual home, is absolutely stunning, almost ethereal. We’ve just spent a week in Oban, followed by a few days in Fort William, and finally, a week in Pitlochry. I weep every time I leave.

The forecast is indeed ominous, and the skies as we glide into Invergordon are dark and threatening. It’s rare for us to cancel a tour, but we’ve done just that a few minutes ago. Before driving south and boarding in Southampton, we spent a few weeks in the Highlands, and we’ve done that frequently over the years, as I have ancestral ties to this beautiful, haunting land. We made an executive decision to skip the deluge today.

Unlike all you bright and bushy-tailed in Oz, we’re toddling off to bed now. I’ll check your decision in the morning, Mic.

So excited. But don’t ask me exactly where in Iceland.

It reminds me of Iceland.

I’m delighted we’ve found a common source of agreement 😉

I’m really sorry you had that experience, but Kirkwall is lovely, with a truly interesting museum where the rich archeological and cultural history is revealed to interested souls, and the independent shops are treasure troves of exquisite jewellery, artwork and many other crafts, all created and produced locally.