Sunday 11th November 2012
There was a remembrance service on the sun deck this morning. The ship's officers took the front row, and the captain led, from a proper wooden lecturn brought on to deck for the purpose. We sang along to some very traditional hymn tunes which were played at slow speed over the speaker system, a passage from John 15 was read, a very warbly, off key bugle tune was relayed while the ship's standard was lowered. A very simple prayer of remembrance for those who have fought and died, for those who are still in conflict, for peace among nations and wisdom among leaders. Incredibly simple, but the setting made it very poignant, a large number of the ships passengers were there to share the moment. I thought of Louise, and prayed for Luke and his regiment to stay safe.
The girls are venturing more out of the cabin now. Phoebe is showing her competitive streak, she has twice won the on board quiz of the day, delighted that she gets to choose her prize, a bar of chocolate, from the on board shop. Yesterday she was prompted by the purser to choose a bigger bar. She didn't need the same prompting today! She is generously sharing out the chocolate. Last night the girls sat with our team as we battled not to lose face in a quiz. Thankfully the last round was Disney questions. The girls were so chuffed to be useful! Our 6/6 score put us in second place! To be resumed this evening.
Today's activity of choice for the girls is cards. They have played for hours, occasionally disrupting the tranquility of the sun lounge with shrieks of "snap!" They can get away with it, as 2 of only 4 children on board they are the darlings of the voyage.