lincslady

mysty - they would not mention the (previous) Lord Montagu. It was a big scandal in the UK, let's just say it was before homosexuality was considered acceptable. You in the US do also have some funny pronunciations - not sure about Canada, probably more pure because of the French influence. We have some humdingers - Cholmondely is Chumley; Featherstonehaugh is Fanshawe. We only do it to annoy foreigners. And Loughborough is Luffburrer. I feel sure you won't have any problems in your trip around our islands, mysty. Lola

I wonder if you saw anything of Beaulieu Abbey (pronounced bewly, as you probably know). The National Motor Museum is there, also the seat of Lord Montagu. Many years ago my DH had lunch there with the then Lord Montagu (the infamous one) - I can't remember the business connection - and was given roast goose, shot on the estate. He loved the goose, not so much Lord M (I think he was a bit suspicious of him, unsurprisingly). Anyone interested can look up the reason for the suspicions online. Lola

Yes, that is one thing Saga usually manage better than any other line we have travelled on. Usually runs really smoothly, and in normal times embarkation tends to work pretty well also. Obviously the chauffeur driven transport helps to give you a better experience too.

I didn't mind hearing it now and again, but nearly all day, and with wife singing along?? No thanks.

It is certainly good to be detached and not too near the neighbours. When my children were tiny we lived in a liitle semi with nice but retired neighbours, sitting and main bedrooms next to each other. One day, weeks after it had started annoying them, they mentioned that my hoovering the bedroom carpet at 8 a.m. or even earlier was a bit of a nuisance to them. Hadn't dawned on me that not everyone was up at 6 or earlier each morning! I didn't like to say that their listening to Tommy Steele records played loudly later in the day bothered me, however. They were Londoners, and just adored Tommy. (It was a long time ago).

Great to get away on a changeover day, and it is a lovely part of the world. It is going to be sunny and warm round here; hoping it will be similar in Hampshire. And maybe a good lunch somewhere? Lola

Welcome to the (not entirely) United Kingdom, mysty and myster. You may have fairly good weather, with luck. I do hope you will have interesting things to see; friendly people to chat to, and happy memories when you leave us. Looking forward to hearing about your visit. Lola

Sorry to hear that, wowzz. Hope you can find something interesting to replace it.

Glad to see, however, that from your remarks on another thread you have realised that what is worn in your top suite for dinner is possibly not very suitable for formal night in public!

And on a purely personal level, it was nice to see HM making an unexpected visit to he opening of Crossrail this morning, in a lovely sunshine yellow outfit.

indiana - I don't walk too brilliantly, so for me a smaller ship and being near a lift from your cabin with not too far to get to anywhere on the ship is important. I would imagine on one of these huge ships length of some of the corridors would be too much to cope with? Or you would be using a scooter all the time; perhaps this is OK for you. One reason I liked the old Saga ships (Pearl and Sapphire) so much.

I too would like to see an end to this, but surely it has been blown up a bit - talking about the Author of the posts and videos being 'distressed' seems bit over the top, after watching some of their video footage. I think you have a fairly robust personality there who can cope with whatever slings and arrows might come their way.

jp - I think you would like it - it is on the BBC, but being completely untechnical I have no idea how you could get the series. I imagine you are able to get BBC programmes? Just watched him in Port Vendres, almost on the Spanish border, and have some lovely memories of being there, actually on a small cruise ship. Some lovely varieties of fish in the market there. Lola

kalos- see above. It is a good job we ladies have a sense of humour.

Ooh you are awful - but I like you! (Remember him?)

I'd love to, Lois - but a bit too far away from your TV stations! I wonder if in the States you get programmes featuring Rick Stein, a British chef, who does similar programmes travelling through France and visiting out of the way and often inexpensive restaurants. Having holidayed a lot in all parts of France over the years, I am finding them especially nostalgic. It sounds as if mysty is having a busy time on Silver Moon - currently still docked in Rouen, but probably sailing this evening when the tide is right. I really wish I were on board with them all. Are you cruising again soon? Lola

The Giverny trip sounds great - and the gardens look lovely - one place I have not been to so far. I imagine you may be leaving Rouen today, when the tide is right. Another look at the bucolic scenes on the way. Did you have people waving at you from the banks on the way in? We did, on Seabourn, but it was early evening when they were at home, and standing in their gardens. The Church in Honfleur is lovely, if you are not going on a long trip there, and some delightful little shops round the picturesque harbour area. Hope the storm has passed - we have had a bit of it here too. Lola

Your excursion sounds lovely - I hope you are currently sitting somewhere with a nice glass of something and a great view of the passing scene.

I didn't watch it, but was pleased that the UK entry was apparently the real winner, for a change - though I am sure he didn't mind coming second to the Ukrainians last night. Saw bits on the news, and it is all too over the top for me - watched an oldish film of Far from the Madding Crowd instead. Something of a contrast!

You are right in that I should not have said anything which might be hurtful about John Barron, or indeed anyone. However, I was a member of a trivia team on Seabourn some years ago, when his innuendos and jokes were too near the knuckle, so I do not apologise for that - and I am by no means a prude. I felt this looking for cheap laughs was unsuited to being a Cruise Director, and in direct contrast to, for instance, Handre, a much loved Seabourn Cruise Director.

I have to agree with Mr. L. Maybe not as many dinner jackets as there used to be, but quite a few lounge suits - sometimes called business suits - with ties, and the least formal I can remember is a sports coat with shirt and tie. And fairly smart trousers ,not chinos for instance. I suppose it might be a touch more relaxed in the Caribbean, haven't been there on Seabourn.

Lovely photos, mysty, and well done for the climb. You might have stiff legs in the morning? At least you have earned more than your share of drinking and eating lovely things this evening. Lola

That must have been a pretty early lunch, mysty. I pride myself on being fairly good on food and drink terms, but have just had to look up topinambur - to discover it is Jerusalem artichoke. Did everyone else know what it was? (Probably jp, if no one else). Lola

Yes, at least they did on the older ships, and it was pretty competitive.

Some lovely ports coming up, mysty - St.Malo, Rouen with the river sail, and Honfleur. All deliciously French and picturesque. Enjoy!!! I don't know if Cornish Chef Rick Stein's TV travelogues make it to the US. A lovely repeated series on France at present, with recommendations of great restaurants - not all smart joints either. Not unlike Stanley Tucci's programmes. And thanks for the reports and pictures so far. Lola