We can hardly believe, the day has finally come. Malcolm, our friendly chauffeur has arrived to take us to Southampton, to board the beautiful Cunard Ship, 'The Queen Elizabeth'.

As I leave our beautiful little home, I must admit a slight feeling of apprehension came across me, the thought of sailing around the world for 107 days......being on a ship for that long, would I adjust to it or would I be wanting to come home sooner?? And oh! How much I am going to miss my wonderful family.

I think Malcolm could read my thoughts and kept us in fits of laughter all the way to Southampton. Just as we were entering the port, Stephen and Claire phoned to wish us Bon Voyage, and Anthony and Jan, Matthew and Melissa text us wishing us the same. From the afternoon onwards the messages, wishing us well, kept coming in from friends as well as my dear sister. We were completely overwhelmed.

However, just as we were going on deck to enjoy the sail away my mobile bleeped, it was a message from our grandson Joshua, asking us all about the ship and telling us to enjoy ourselves. Need I say anymore, I was overcome with emotion, and at the same time filled with excitement.

What would I feel like in 107 days time after circumnavigating the world ???

Then right on schedule we started to move away from the quayside with the band playing. We had just tucked in behind our sister ship Queen Mary 2, which was also leaving for her World Voyage, when there were loud explosions and the sky lit up. A fantastic firework display had been put on for the departure of the two Queens.