Capnpugwash is going to the Canaries again

[garigoun]

Yikes, aren't all teachers in England English teachers? Oh I'm so confused :eek: Can we agree that 'never more' works?

 

And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor

Shall be lifted - nevermore! -Edgar Allan Poe:)

 

I think the multitude of Scots, Welsh, Irish, Continental and Asians who teach in England might disagree with your first statement.

 

'Nevermore', I think the cavil was directed at the phrase 'Never ever' which as 'Never' means 'Not ever' is tautology i.e. 'not ever ever'.

Or something along those lines.

Gari

[Salacia]

I think the multitude of Scots, Welsh, Irish, Continental and Asians who teach in England might disagree with your first statement.

 

'Nevermore', I think the cavil was directed at the phrase 'Never ever' which as 'Never' means 'Not ever' is tautology i.e. 'not ever ever'.

Or something along those lines.

Gari

 

But if you teach you in England (whatever your Nationality), are you not an English teacher? Just as those who teach in Canada, for example, are Canadian teachers?

 

Nothing do I know about double negatives, except they make a postive :confused:

 

We're just killing time until Pugwashes next post are we not? :)

[Ray66]

But if you teach you in England (whatever your Nationality), are you not an English teacher? Just as those who teach in Canada, for example, are Canadian teachers?

 

An English teacher is someone who teaches English Grammar, or were you just being ironic? :)

[Slow Foxtrot]

An English teacher is someone who teaches English Grammar, or were you just being ironic? :)

 

It could well be argued that an 'English teacher' denotes the teacher's nationality. Perhaps a 'teacher of English' would be a more accurate description.

[missfrankiecat]

Update No 7

 

 

We have covered 1220 miles since leaving Southampton and according to the chart are about level with Casablanca on the west coast of the African continent. That town was immortalised in the eponymous film with Mr Bogart and his café. Apparently this film was shot in Rabat, further along from Casablanca but truth and accuracy should never be allowed to interfere with a good story. The current air temperature is 66/19 degrees with 71% humidity, the barometer is steady and we have a 14 knot headwind.

 

I am off to the gym and spa shortly although I don’t think that I will be expending too much energy today.

 

More later.

 

Much enjoying your travelogue as usual Captain Pug but, in the interests of furthering knowledge, must add the film Casablanca wasn't filmed in Africa at all but entirely in the studio save for the airport scene on location in ... California!

[capnpugwash]

Oops, I shouldn't listen to the stories of Arabian Nights.

 

Update No 10

 

I woke this morning and because we are moored the movement of the ship that I have become accustomed to was absent, it felt really strange. As today is a port day, they have brought the breakfast service forward by 30 minutes to facilitate those passengers who are on the various tours of the island.

 

After a very tasty bowl of porridge and Eggs Benedict, I went ashore with Janette and Richard and met up with our driver for the day Sr Rodrigues. I knew him from New Year when Mrs P and I hired his cab and did a tour with him. Well today he excelled himself, we arranged that we would do a six hour tour of the north of Madeira; he would drop us at Reid’s Hotel at 3pm for tea and then at 4 or 4.30 would take us back to the ship. We agreed a price of 160 Euros for the whole thing. He took us around Funchal, to Camera de Lobos where Churchill painted and then north. The two sides of the island are separated by a range of large hills, up to 2000 metres and there are two distinct climates. Funchal was showery and the north was dry and sunny. It was so warm that when we stopped for a coffee it was too hot to sit in the sun. The north is very hilly with steep slopes which are mostly terraced and used for farming. The soil is very fertile and because of the weather, the farmers get three crops each year. Having looked around we returned to Funchal for a seafood lunch in a restaurant called O Barqueiro. As we sat down they brought a bowl of fish soup each, and a huge plate of garlic bread between us. We had the seafood platter and it contained so much fish that we could only eat two thirds of it, lobsters, shrimps, mussels, swordfish, sole, squid, octopus and other unidentified morsels. We washed this down with a litre of local white wine and a coupleof brandies, very civilised. By this time we were so full that we decided to cancel our afternoon tea as we couldn’t eat another morsel. We got Rodrigues to bring us back, having advised the hotel that we would not be attending and are now back on board. It is time to go to the spa and perhaps have a little nap.

 

More later

[garigoun]

 

Nothing do I know about double negatives, except they make a postive :confused:

 

Yeah Right!

 

We're just killing time until Pugwashes next post are we not? :)

 

That we are, that we are.

Gari

[capnpugwash]

entered as a glitch

[capnpugwash]

Update No 11

 

I went to the spa and had a great laze in the heated hydro pool and then a lay down on a lounger, it may be me but I could neither settle nor get really comfortable on it so searching for somewhere comfortable to sit, I ended up in the steam room. After 15 minutes, I was done and had a nice cool shower and returned my locker key to obtain my room card, which they retain for security I suppose. Well I have hot news and a spa rumour, there are 12 cases of Norovirus on board which in reality means 24 if you include their partners. That doesn’t seem very many but it is probably too many for comfort. The ship is on red level of awareness for this virus, this means no nibbles, crisps or nuts in any bars, and all food is handled by waiters in all locations including the buffet and people constantly wiping any surface in all corridors. I even saw a lady pressing the lift button with a tissue last night, I assume that it was unused but who knows! I don’t know if spa rumours have more or less validity than those emanating in the laundrette.

 

The Captain has just announced through the tannoy, that the number of cases of the virus has reduced; no numbers were given as they never are. We are ready to sail.

 

We have had a lovely stay in Funchal and we are due to leave in 45 minutes for the short overnight trip to Tenerife, the journey is only 275 miles which we will complete at an average speed of 21 knots. The dress code for dinner tonight is Semi Formal.

 

I hesitate to consider this but today is Monday and we are due in Southampton on Sunday morning, which is only in six days time. That is not a good thought!

 

More later.

[LadyL1]

We were on the previous cruise, and not not aware of any problem with Norovirus; not even a rumour! Sorry your visits to the bar will be inconvenienced by having a lack nibbles, and missing the delicious canapes they had been serving in the Commodore Club.

I do hope the situation on the QV improves before next Sunday, we would hate you to be suffering any type of withdrawal symptons from missing certain little luxuries.

[Salacia]

Hi Cap. Thanks for your comments regarding Funchal; sounds like a very interesting port, made all the more enjoyable by pleasant company and a good tour guide.

 

Does QV have a pool that compares with the Pavilion Pool on QM2? (I'm not big on interior spa facilities as I favour fresh air and shady spots when the sun is shining so I really enjoy the Pavillion Pool.)

 

Any scuttlebutt about QM2 re-fit or changes in policy regarding Churchills/smoking?

 

Happy to hear the situation regarding Norvo is under control. Kudos to the crew and the passengers for following protocol.

 

Looking forward to your next post and thanks again for taking the time to share your experiences.

 

Best regards,

Salacia

[capnpugwash]

S, there are pools but not covered, quite exposed to the sea breezes.

 

Update No 12

 

As we left the shelter of the lee of Madeira the sea state altered so that we now have waves of about 3 metres, and this combined with a 25 knot following wind makes it seem that the small white horses are chasing us along through the sea, it really looks strange. The sky has cleared and there are a few white clouds on the port horizon. Perfect sailing weather really!

 

Dinner passed fairly peacefully although one of the ladies did mention to me that she was very happy not to be sitting near either of our unlucky lady tablemates which was quite heartening to hear. To be fair to them, they seem to have bonded very well and sit together and basically only speak to each other at the table. This may be because they are kindred spirits or there may be some altogether more innocent explanation.

 

The sea was a little boisterous over night as Captain Nick Bates used to say, which resulted in quite a degree of pitching fore and aft, an a slight rolling motion from side to side. It was a little like a gentle corkscrew and actually rocked me to sleep in bed. I actually had an early night and was back in the cabin by 11pm. The sea has now settled back to be quite calm, we are 1611 miles from Southampton and it is 7.15am, the current temperature is 18/65 degrees and the barometer is steady. We are due to moor at Santa Cruz de Tenerife at 8am. The sun is just rising but is still below the horizon, so there is a milky half light spreading across the sky for the east. It looks to be free of clouds at the moment but the forecast calls for partial cloud cover and a temperature on only 19/66 degrees.

 

I am looking forward to not eating a big lunch today and I will probably remain on board as Tenerife is not one of my favourite ports, so more gym and spa I imagine.

We are just heading into port and I can see that there are already two fairly large white ships there, I think that they are probably ferries which regularly sail between the islands that comprise the Canaries, Madeira and mainland Europe.

 

Recommendations are always subjective but I would offer you the details of the driver that I have used a couple of times in Madeira, his name is Eleutério Rodrigues, his mobile/home phone numbers are 00351 917 273 730 and 00351 291 766 562. I have absolutely no reservations in advising you to use his services. His English is excellent; he is very passionate and knowledgeable about Madeira and is a very nice person. He is so superior to the Cunard tours and if there are 3 or 4 of you, his services are relatively inexpensive.

 

It is time to head to breakfast and start the day properly.

 

More later.

[phoebecat]

Oops! Bed at 3.15 am last night (this morning) after a late night snack (not curry I hasten to add) in the Lido - all served to us - very civilised at 3 am, although probably a crush when the place is full. Madeira was a bit of a wash out with the frequent showers, so Mr PC and myself had a brief sojourn round Funchal, bought the requisite bottles of Madeira from a fabulous little 'hole in the wall' shop where the lady was selling salted cod next to sponge cakes with a huge sack of almonds on the floor! Elf 'n' Safety would have had a field day if it was in the UK!

 

We came back for a light lunch (ahem) in the pub - very enjoyable and then fell asleep on deck in the sunshine. The resultant tan marks/burn and bikini tattoos were clear for all to see at dinner, but I wasn't the only one, so it didn't really matter. Dinner was as ever excellent, but one of our table companions is palling a little, in terms of 'spikiness' and it appears she knew Mr Phoebecat in another life - professionally of course - where they were on opposite sides of a project/meeting - with the result being that she really doesn't seem to like us and contradicts much we say. Oh well - it all adds up to an interesting scenario each night.

 

Having socialised with the Magician on board over the past few days, we felt honour bound to see his show last night which was first class, and an absolute scream. But I'm feeling my age - he was a mere whippersnapper at 24 years old! His act was superb, and our little crowd sat on the front row and wooped accordingly, applause and cheers. Sadly, the Miserable Old Sod sitting next to Mr PC never ONCE cracked a smile, let alone put his hands together, and the looks he gave us were so dagger-like I feared I might be impaled on his annoyance at people having a good time.

 

We finished the evg in Hemispheres, dancing, drinking and generally cavorting until very late. The DJ found Boney M's 'Rasputin' to transport us back to our misspent youths (or mine at least listening to such rubbish on Radio 2 in my Mum's kitchen) and it was, as they say, a good night. Sadly, the ship moored next to us in Madeira - Island Magic or some such - had obviously moved some of its passengers onto our estimed vessel, the result being that the clientele in the club last night were ... well .... interesting in their dance moves and demeanour, not to mention ear-splitting noise. It takes all sorts, I guess, but it really wasn't Cunard (miaow!!)

 

As the good Cap'n says, norovirus alert has made us all rather jittery, but Im a believer in the maxim that alcohol kills most things. The only downside with that is that after two martinis before dinner, with no nibbles to soak it all up, I'm rather ... wobbly as we negotiate the lifts down to Britannia for our repast. Im sure my tolerance will 'up' before the journey's end, but in the meantime, Im taking heart from the fact that most of my dresses still fit me - although removing the boning from last night's little number helped with the digestion no end - and nearly made the Magician's night as I sat basically flashing at him from the theatre front row, as my now un-structured corset headed South!

 

Tenerife today - having missed breakfast - it's onto lunch and then some reading and relaxing. More updates to follow, should the onboard internet credit hold out - doubtful at this rate!

[capnpugwash]

Update No 13

 

I have just returned from the Britannia restaurant and I had a great table at the stern by the window. The sun was shining through the window and it was quite delightful, the people at the adjacent table obviously have problems with the sun so they thought that it was better to have the curtains pulled across to block the sun out. I have to wonder why they come to a sunny location for a holiday if they are creatures of the night. I shouldn’t be nasty but I specifically sat there to get the sun and their wishes took no notice of mine, it was a small thing, but it wasn’t the best start to my day. I think that it can only improve.

 

And improve it did. I had the spa entirely to myself and was able to do precisely what I wished to do. I realised that I could make the loungers much more comfortable by laying the back rest lower. So I was able to rest there whilst listening to the final chapters of Rumpole, truly wonderful humour. I also got an update from a different spa person who tells me that there are now 7 infected cabins. She is from the Philippines and transferred onto QV in April 2010 from QM2 where she had started her 3rd contract in November 2009, to save you the mathematics, which means that she has been on board ship for 14 months solid. Now that is hard labour by any measure. We had a 10 minute chat as she was wiping around all the surfaces as part of the special deep cleansing that is currently occurring on board and she was saying that she really misses the transatlantic crossings on QM2 as every seven days she would be able to earn extra money assisting one of the cabin stewards clean, change and prepare the cabins for the new passengers. The steward will then give her some cash from the tips that he received from the departing passengers. It is a great example of private enterprise in action, but it is also quite heartbreaking to hear things like that when so many people don’t want to work at all.

 

We are moored with the port side to the dock which is great as it means that my cabin and the balcony are facing south and better still, are facing out to sea away from the overbuilt town. The balcony is in full sun and it is very warm indeed. There are 6 oil tankers, container ships and bulk carriers waiting out in the roads to be unloaded and the high speed catamaran ferries come and go regularly. There are also 8 dinghies sailing out in the flat calm water which looks so very attractive in the sunlight.

 

More later.

[rgaudet]

Capn, I enjoy your updates. Ever thought of starting a blog? I'm sure you'd get many followers.

 

I've never blogged, or cruised for that matter, but because people I know have been so interested in me taking a transatlantic crossing, I decided to start a blog. I can post updates about the trip, upload photos etc. Now what remains to be seen is if I will actually update it on my trip. I could be far too busy (in the gym, sampling beverages, eating, napping...!)

 

http://transatlanticcrossing.blogspot.com for those anyone interested. I have no followers yet!

[BigMac1953]

I had quickly scrolled down the thread after noticing the good Cap'n had posted an update. Without thinking, I got to #88 and read it.

 

A wee bit strange I thought. The Cap'n's not his usual self today. Then it got to the bit about dresses. Eh? What's happened to the Cap'n. Then I realised that it wasn't his post.

 

No disrespect to all concerned, but the thought of the Cap,n sitting in the front row of the theatre in a dress????

 

Never mind, all's well that ends well.

 

Keep 'em coming

Stewart

[capnpugwash]

Stewart, don't be concerned although I do appreciate it. When I read it, I was worried as well.

[lord of the seas]

Having socialised with the Magician on board over the past few days,

 

You found out where he hides his wand?

[capnpugwash]

Update No 14

 

It is now 4pm and the forecasted cloud has stayed away, some of the waiting ships have been dealt with and departed, only to be replaced by others who are anchored awaiting their turns. I don’t know whether Tenerife actually manufactures any products. If not, everything must be imported and as it is an island, it has to come by ship or air, so the reason that there are waiting ships becomes more apparent. I manage to work it out in the end!

 

The all aboard time of 5.30 has just passed and the gangways and secure zones have been dismantled and taken aboard, we are still secured to the dock by lines fore and aft and are due to sail within 30 minutes, we have a very short trip of less than 250 miles to Lanzarote and we should arrive there first thing in the morning. I want to watch the preparations for departure, but I also want to listen to the Captain’s update on the Norovirus situation. I will have to find some way to jam the balcony door open. I hope that he might prove as or more reliable than the spa staff. He may not, of course, be so forthcoming. He has just announced that nothing has changed, so the red alert continues. We have let go the lines fore and aft and are currently only being held by four springs which will be the final lines to release. It has just started to rain but other than this blip the weather today has been pretty perfect and I do hope that it continues for a while.

 

Lines have just been let go and we are sailing very slowly out of the harbour, we have just given three blasts on the whistle as a farewell to Tenerife, it is strange really, no matter how many times I leave port, it is still a quite emotional experience. It is reminiscent to me of how I used to feel at airports with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. I sincerely hope that I don’t learn to loathe sailing as I do flying now.

 

Tonight is an elegant casual dress code evening, and although I did have some soup and a sandwich for lunch earlier, I am quite ready to eat, or at least I will be in 2½ hours time.

 

More later.

[conniedoug]

I am looking forward to not eating a big lunch today and I will probably remain on board as Tenerife is not one of my favourite ports, so more gym and spa I imagine.

 

Now Jim! You are no spring chicken, so do take it easy in the gym. Imagine the repercussions for your forthcoming trips away if you end up doing yourself a mischief of sorts... Horror of Horrors :eek:

 

As you know, l am an avid follower of your blog and boy does it make me smile! A quick look at it in the morning & that's me set up for the day. Thankyou Sir.

 

I have also loved Phoebecat's contributions, especially the really humorous one that she posted today. I feel very jealous indeed!

[capnpugwash]

Update No 15

 

The dinner table was almost split into two camps this evening, when I arrived there were the two unlucky ladies seated at one end with another lady passenger, leaving 7 empty seats. I sat at the other end of the table and was joined either side of me by my two friends. One further lady arrived and she sat adjacent to the three ladies. This meant that there were three unoccupied seats. Marilyn was dining on a hosted table this evening and Doreen didn’t turn up. So we were separated from them all by one empty chair on one side and two on the other. We tried some conversation but it was quite difficult. I don’t want to drone on about these two but last night I asked one of them if she was going to see the magician’s show and she said that she didn’t really like them and that she wouldn’t in case she liked it, this didn’t make too much sense to me so I let it go. Tonight she was clicking her fingers at the waiters which I think is a truly offensive and unnecessary thing to do. She was saying that she hates the Canaries and only really came for the sun, so I said that she must have enjoyed today as it was sunny and warm for most of the day. With a very serious face she replied, no. when I enquired why she told me that the wind yesterday had burned her so she couldn’t go out in the sun today. She didn’t have an ounce of colour on her so I found this almost unbelievable. I said to her that it is a real shame when the wind afflicts you so badly, but the humour was wasted on her and it went straight over her head. I think that I am done with her now and I will give up any attempts at conversation. Normally at dinner most people have redeeming aspects or features but this woman is miserable, rude and unpleasant.

 

After dinner I went for a couple of liveners to the Commodore Club where I met up with the usual suspects, it was a very pleasant interlude and we will probably repeat it during the remaining evenings of the cruise. I am off to bed now as we head to Arrecife in Lanzarote, arriving at 8am.

 

More later.

[DKNYC]

"I said to her that it is a real shame when the wind afflicts you so badly,"

 

Thanks Capn for providing my laugh of the day. I feel for you with the tablemate thing. I have had some "interesting" ones as well. A martini or two should help with this and the Noro threat.:D

 

BTW one of your "usual suspects" at CC is on our RCI roll call and said you sent regards...

 

Denise

[DKNYC]

I am looking forward to not eating a big lunch today and I will probably remain on board as Tenerife is not one of my favourite ports, so more gym and spa I imagine.

 

Now Jim! You are no spring chicken, so do take it easy in the gym. Imagine the repercussions for your forthcoming trips away if you end up doing yourself a mischief of sorts... Horror of Horrors :eek:

 

As you know, l am an avid follower of your blog and boy does it make me smile! A quick look at it in the morning & that's me set up for the day. Thankyou Sir.

 

I have also loved Phoebecat's contributions, especially the really humorous one that she posted today. I feel very jealous indeed!

 

Hey Conniedoug

How you doin? I am loving this too. :)

Regards

Denise

[capnpugwash]

Update No 16

 

Our short journey overnight between the islands is about to conclude, we are just approaching the harbour at Arrecife, the town has the look of a Spanish hill village with small white painted houses so it seems quite alien to me as the coastal towns in Spain and its possessions are normally a sprawling area full of high rise office and apartment blocks with all the charm of an overcrowded building site. The sea is like glass with just a few ripples on the surface where the very light breeze disturbs the surface tension. The sky is baby blue with no visible clouds, beautiful weather for April. The forecast is for the temperature to rise to a comfortable 24/75 degrees, with no rain in the offing.

 

We have just backed onto our berth and are mooring with our portside to the dock, I am lucky again as my cabin is facing east so I should have the benefit of the full sun for most of the day, or at least until around 1pm. Black Watch has just arrived and moored in what looks like the commercial area of the port, for its age it looks in very good condition, sparkling white and a really sharp pointed bow, it is a proper ship.

 

More later.

[heywood]

Thanks again Cap'n.

I always wonder what would happen if, for example, one of the ladies were to read these posts and recognise herself :eek:

Or an even worse scenario could be that I was a tablemate and read about me :rolleyes:

I have to say though that I am very easy to get on with, am adaptable and enthusiastic and would not complain so I hope I get the job :D