24 hours and counting

[Michele Monro]

Can't believe the work has gone by so quickly and I have just waved my son off, with a mountain of luggage, to Warwick. It was bad enough saying goodbye in September but this time it was with the knowledge that I won't see him for nearly six months. The only good thing is that I have so much to do today that I won't have time to sit and reflect on the sanity of what I am about to embark on. I've already done 3 loads of washing and it isn't 8.00am yet but I need to get Max's linen on and his room cleaned ready for when he comes back in April. He says going today is no biggie but when he comes back on half term that is when it will hit him, because it will be the first time I am not here waiting for him.

Tomorrow is D Day and I have to say I am still in panic mode but I am hoping that once I board the vessel I will feel the first stirrings of excitement. Certainly I will feel relief once all my luggage is on board. I have one last box to seal and then I'm officially done. I wish I could have travelled lighter but it was impossible. I need winter clothes for the first 10 days of the trip and not just because of the weather, I have to say all the ships I have ever been on insist of having their air conditioning systems running at full blast. I thought it was only the American ships at first because everyone in the States has units in their homes but no, it is all of the lines. There are 17 formal nights on this ship, haven't counted them up for the Sea Princess and then I have to have a stack of books with me, both hardback, paperback and the special edition, especially as it is only available on line. Then there is all the computer and technical equipment for my 8 presentations and of course a healthy supply of Matt Monro CDs.

I am looking forward to checking in once every 2/3 days and I will probably coincide the blog to port days, so until then... stay well and may your lives always be filled with music.

[mariana44]

I am sure that once you are on board, it will all be so exciting and you will have a wondeful time--try to get chance to relax too. Luckily these days it is so easy to keep in touch, even from the other side of the world, so Max will be able to tell you what he has been up to-and vice versa.

BON VOYAGE !

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Wow Michele, !!! I reckon even Carter Patterson would have had a shock at this lot.
Anyway Max will be fine, and there are ways to keep in touch now.
Have a wonderful time

[Don Cooper]

Michele.
Just remember the lyrics to Pet Clark's 'Sailor'.
Have the Best of Times,not forgetting to "...come straight home to We."

Don

[Sandra]

Phew Michele what an adventure you are about to embark on.
The stories you will have to tell might even lead to another book!

Have a super time

[karl]

Is anyone seeing Michele off at the quayside?

[cyp21]

Im sure it will go well Michelle and not like "Keeping Up Appearances" Mrs Bucket's trip aboard the QE2 that was funny which was on the TV BBC at Christmas Eve. Enjoy it and take a deep breath and RELAX stressing won't do u any good as i gathered your a worrier.

Take Care Michelle!
Bon Voyage

[john]

Have a super time Michele.

[hpooch]

Bon Voyage, Michele.........Instead of all those books, the forum members should have chipped in & bought you a "Kindle" !!
i'm sure all will be resolved when you board the ship today (The 9th)....God Speed to You.

[ROBERT M.]

Henry, the books are going with Michele for her to sell along the way during her trip

[mariana44]

That is right-I do not think she will have much time for reading anyway-she has a busy schedule.