Diary - somewhere in the Med

Tuesday 9th September

A sea day, very warm but with some cloud so it's been pleasant to sit out on the balcony.  The usual sea day activities filled the day.  But Hold the front page... We both got through to Round 2 of the shuffleboard before being eliminated. In Art Class we painted a giraffe's head. Easa the art teacher certainly doesn't make things easy.

The dress code this evening was formal - Black & White - so the Viyella white sequinned jacket got another airing.  Whilst most ladies were dressed in black and/or white, I thought that many of the outfits were by no means as dressy as they used to be. I was at the glitzy end of the spectrum tonight!

Traditionally, P&O dinners have been a form of "silver service" - the main elements of the main course are plated up, usually with a small portion of potato and garnish, but additional, different, potatoes and vegetables are dished out by the waiters.  There's been a lot of anxiety on cruise forums recently as the company has decided to ditch this and follow other major cruise lines by going to a ready-plated service.  I personally think this is far better, as it should mean that more appropriate veg is provided with each dish.  Two days ago, I chose a veggie main course - grilled halloumi with roasted peppers and aubergines, tzatziki and flatbreads.  The waiter came round and tried to add mashed potato and carrots to my plate!  Similarly, with a plate of fish, chips and mushy peas - would madam like some roast potatoes, green beans and ratatouille?  Crazy!

We didn't fancy any of the entertainment on offer tonight - yet another singer -so after dinner we headed back to the cabin to read and watch TV.  I don't know if this cruise was marketed as a Music cruise, but there have been a lot of classical performances during the evening.  And, Julie, you could have joined in with the Choir at Sea again.  I'm not sure what they're going to perform, but no doubt we'll be invited to listen to them all at some point.

Rhodes tomorrow.  The Captain has told us it's going to be hot hot hot.

Xx
Janet