We say farewell to Troy

9th May

So far we’ve had 3 go down with a tummy bug; 1 hospitalised and 2 confined to quarters. All fine now.

Day 3 and conversation has segued to medical complaints, current illnesses and joint replacements. Our team won because Buddy (not his real name but he’s American so why not) was able to dislocate his titanium thumb and relocate it. Double points because Fergie (not her real name either but she has red hair) used to be a medical parts supplier and she was able to identify the titanium joint by description and model number. Go team!

Yes, we’re a wild and crazy bunch.

I mentioned to Glenys that it felt like we were on one of those All In Holiday Camps where every minute was accounted for and there was no actual down time. We are currently hiding in our cabin to avoid the dinner crush.

Forgot to mention that we located the laundry which was a blessing and I made a new friend. Jenni from Atlanta and I swapped stories about possums, rats, raccoons, wolves, cane toads and other species brought in to control rodents, etc. I almost made a crack about guns and hunters but decided against that, just in case. I also haven’t mentioned Donald Trump although I have made regular cracks about Meghan Markle and her flower sprinkles. She seems fair game the world over.

The current game is called “Guess Where I’m from, y’all” (that bit was added due to the high proportion of Americans on the ship). So far no one has guessed Wales for Glenys and I keep changing my accent so they have no idea. My new friend Jenni can speak a bit of Klingon 🤷🏻‍♀️ so others have trouble with this too.

BTW, these stories are mostly true or at least based on fact.

Anyway, we are leaving Troy and, to end on a somber note, the following picture is of the Gallipoli Memorial. Quite spectacular in its simplicity, guarding the coast and acting as a reminder to us all of the tragedy of war and the affects it has on all of us, both immediate and for future generations.