Our last day at sea and although briskly windy, roughing up the sea, the sun was lovely and warm. We managed to sit out for a good amount of time just in our t shirts.

We went to the cinema again this morning to see 100 Step Journey which we've seen before. Such a lovely film,, very feel good. It marries together India, France and Food, so really….. What's not to like? Excellent cast including Helen Mirren. Very enjoyable.

Had lunch upstairs and a sit in the sun afterwards. Then, we could put it off no longer. Down to the cabin to begin the packing……. It all went pretty speedily, probably took about 90 minutes to strip down all our "artworks" , retrieve the cases from their hiding places under the bed and couch and get them packed. We stacked all 7 outside in the corridor where they were collected for unloading in the morning. We have kept one cabin luggage sized case for our overnight bag and we'll wheel that off tomorrow. Our little home is looking very bare again.

The last art exhibition this afternoon. We each put 5 pieces in which represented the last 2 paintings with James Grey, 2 of our latest ones with Jack Grey and a favourite from earlier in the cruise. As I said yesterday, it has been a great pleasure of our sea days.

Later on, I sorted out my hair ready for home and sheared Bob so his hair is looking all spiffy too.

We went up to M&M's suite about 630 for pre-drinks. Finished off all the gin and tonics and watched the sea raging past their window. Cornwall must be off to the north of us as we are already in the Channel.

Daisy gave us a slight rise in blood pressure by asking if we might be able to pick her up on Monday or Tuesday rather than Thursday. We've already booked the Shuttle so probably can't change it, but we'll try tomorrow….

Anyway, down to dinner with the last of our mutual red wines and a most enjoyable meal with a very nice farewell to all our waiters and head waiters. Such a sweet crew, mostly all from Goa or Mumbai but originally Goan.

Had a late brandy in the bar intending to see the Headliner's late show. Very sadly one of the vocalists had gone off ill and so it was cancelled. We were utterly gutted as we'd been so counting on that to round our whole entertainment cruise off. It was not to be. Off to bed. Up early tomorrow as we have to quit our cabin by 8am. Disembarking by about 1030 as scheduled. Our bags have disappeared from the corridor so hopefully they will be waiting for us in the shed when we get off tomorrow.

Not entirely real to me that we will be home tomorrow. This bubble has been our world for 15 weeks. We actually know many people aboard better than we know our immediate neighbours in Hawkinge. That's odd.

So looking forward to seeing the girls. Quite happy about seeing our house again. Very much NOT looking forward to anything to do with the damn election or all the hideous political implications of living in Europe where everyone in Africa and the Middle East seems to dream of ending up. Increasingly I feel I live in a different reality than many commentator I view on tv or online. If 400 odd people set off from Africa to reach the UK and live off our benefits and on the way they capsize…. How should I feel? Obviously on the human level… a tragedy. But I don't want them to reach our shores…. Does that make me monstrous???? Listening to the commentators, the answer is yes…. What is the answer? Please let's do something to stop them wanting to leave. But also let's differentiate between political refugees and economic refugees. Both no doubt equally desperate but….. we have a moral requirement or at least SOME moral requirement to accept genuine political refugees. It's not the same for economic refugees. We have our own poor. If people want to come and have the qualifications to work in the UK and contribute and their contribution helps the UK and also helps them economically, well then, double win… If they cannot contribute to the - undoubtedly vulnerable - economy of the UK, then, we should not accept them as another drain on the economy. Frankly, we have enough of our own layabouts and nonworking underclass. Harsh? Yes but true…..

Having seen the Australian and NZ systems in effect, I return to the UK and see all too clearly the weird OZ world of political crazy correctness in which we live. Oh, I beg you, step outside for just a minute and you will see how MAD our situation is. I say this as one of the most liberal, easy going people you will meet. Just have had the chance to view where we are from a bit of a distance….. things are not right…..

And, it's no secret to those who know me that I was utterly not in favour of a dissolution of the Union last year when Scotland had the referendum. However, no doubt as designed by those who design, I now cannot IMAGINE a UK where the SNP (who are pledged to dissolve the UK and the UK Parliament) may control the balance of power within the next month. I do apologise dear Freddie who now doubt feels diametricaly opposite to me. No disrespect to your strongly held beliefs.... but.... Clearly the SNP have a policy designed to make themselves so disgusting to the rest of the UK that we will do anything to get rid of them and their extreme left wing separatism. Yeah…. You've convinced me…. Go! Take your worthless North Sea Oil and please please - please balance your ridiculous budgets and promises on that dwindling resource. It's the biggest lie in modern politics and I'm so sorry for those who truly believe and want a modern independant Scotland. I wish you well but I no longer wish to subsidise your dream.

Ah….. the lights of Southampton and the Channel lie ahead. Who will ride with me over the gates of Sebastopol? Bob….

Thanks for reading this. Knowing you are there has made all the difference. Will finish off tomorrow when we get home. Hopefully Bob can get the boiler working.