international Matters

 Leaving Liverpool, during the Beatles tribute concert, Diva chatted to a woman from the USA and asked her where she was from. 'Washington DC. I am so sorry.' TSH and Diva had agreed before embarkation that they would not be drawn into any discussion of world affairs, especially not with US citizens. There have been two such discussions, both initiated by the US people and both expressing horror at the current situation. 

Another US woman consulted Diva about shopping - 'Will the shapping in Edinboro be good?' Diva had no idea what to say. Designer? Discount? British brands? Is there not a wide range of shops in Seattle?

The after dinner concert featured the MacDonald Brothers - a versatile pair of young Scotsmen who once came 4th on X factor. It was probably the best show TSH and Diva have seen on Silversea ships - Celtic reels, Simon and Garfunkel, Elton John and an excellent rendering of the Proclaimers' '500 miles'.

In the suite, TSH played 'Ferry cross the Mersey'.

Photoblog

 

With the Beatles

Three Graces, Liverpool

Italian Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel

Tynemouth

Getting there

The Virgin Atlantic flight was excellent. It travelled safely and smoothly and the staff were charming. But 8 hours 40 minutes is a long time in Diva boredom terms. She decided to try out the entertainment system – something she hasn’t done for many years because of long forgotten issues. So … the headphones were Ok- nothing to go into the ear, which she hates. The first movie Diva and TSH tried was ‘Jersey Boys’, supposed to be excellent. But neither could understand the thick accents, so that didn’t last long. An old re-released Beatles tape was better, followed by a bit of Dolly Parton. But puzzles had been done and books briefly read and Diva needed to party. I know, this is like a bored toddler.

And then she found the games. But the touch screen was not great and needed a lot of prodding to spring into action. And then the Grumpy Old Man in front turned round and issued an instruction to stop banging his seat. No ‘please’ or ‘would  you mind?’ So Diva glared back, stopped playing games and festered. Now she couldn’t check the time or how long to landing. This GOM and partner had their seats pushed right back into TSH and Diva’s laps. Its like always getting to sit next to the crazy person on the bus.

But there was a control unit which Diva worked out could be removed from the seat back. But it didn’t work for all the functions. And she couldn’t get it docked again for fear of the GOM. And the top came off her pen, the spring sprang out and the bits rolled in all directions. Diva’s work station was littered with the debris of abandoned technology.

The beef stew came with mashed potato, which Diva does not like. The ‘butter’ was not real. The mid-flight snack was ice-cream, which Diva does not like.

Good bits of the day: A sole snowdrop in flower in the garden before departure. Excellent news in text from Techie Nerd.