It's a wild, wet, windy, and all round rough old day day out there today. The deck has been closed off due to high winds, so everybody has had to make the best of the on-board entertainment. And what a full day's entertainment it has been.

This morning, I actually managed to sit in on one of Peter Roach's lectures, about his crossing of the Atlantic in a small boat, which was really quite compelling and very personal, from a bloke who has had a passion for boats and sailing all his life; very entertaining!

Then came The Boudicca's version of 'Can't Cook. Won't Cook', with the head chef putting our resident comedian, Barnaby and one of the singers, Kate, through their paces. This was a huge draw for many passengers, just before lunch: very funny to watch, and all very entertaining!

After lunch, I gave a workshop in which I had them painting a serene boat picture, which they all seemed to enjoy. Our exhibition looms (Sunday) and I think they're all getting a bit nervous - not too nervous to give up their paintings, though, I hope!

After my workshop, I dashed up to the Neptune Lounge to catch the last half of a classical piano recital, given by our resident classical pianist for this cruise; Mina. As she rattled her way dexterously through some gregarious Grieg and rivetting Rachmaninov, the only sound you could here in the room was the occasional coughing and spluttering of the our gradually deteriorating passenegers.

The captain's midday report from the bridge today gave us an update on the virus situation. He confessed that the story had managed to find its way out into the wild world, but eagerly dispelled the myth that had been perpetuated by the over-eager press that we'd had to beg and grovel our way into the ports of Dubrovnik and Tunis (see all the main daily papers for the full story apparently...). All I know is that there are now approximately 30 cabins (how I know this is classified) with confined guests in them, and a little bird has told me that two of those guests are dance hosts. Now; I hope that they're not too ill or uncomfortable, and wish them a speedy recovery, but on a purely personal, and slightly selfish note; both said hosts have been top of Madam Shore Excursion's A-list for escort duty throughout the cruise, with them and the photographer getting the prime pick of the tours on offer at more or less every port we've been to; maybe this means I'll get a tour in Lisbon....

Tonight it's British Night, where everyone dresses up in Red, White & Blue (or is that Red, White OR Blue - I'm not sure since I've seen slightly conflicting information). Either way, I'll be sporting my bright red Madeira T-shirt and enjoying the evening's entertainment (Barnaraby, the comedian is doing another show tonight) in as British a way as possible.

We have another Sea-day coming up tomorrow as we sail towards Lisbon, where we are due to arrive on Friday morning. The Captain has told us that we can expect to be passing through the Straits of Gibraltar at about 2pm in the afternoon, which is quite useful because it shouldn't clash with my class at 3pm. Hopefully it'll be a bit more impressive than the last time....

Dear Peter, Do you think its our friend Mr R who is the "little bird" telling stories to the papers???????
Pip
PS I managed not to mention cups of tea this time.....

Maybe....

Maybe he got off at Catania cos he was feeling a little light-headed and queasy.