Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Going, Going, Gone


That's it. Don't tell Amy, but the bags are almost packed and our passports have been dusted off. The packing has been slow and difficult as we have had to do it in secret because as soon as Amy sees the cases, she sinks into canine depression. So, each evening we have waited for her to fall asleep in front of the fire and then tip-toed out of the room to sneak upstairs and undertake some surreptitious case-packing. She will discover the full depths of our subterfuge on Thursday morning when we take her to the K.E.N.N.E.L.S. but at least then we will be able to make a swift getaway and allow our guilt to evaporate slowly in the sub-tropical sun. 

My Kindle is loaded up with nigh-on 100 books and I have my iPad primed with an endless supply of virtual paper. I have downloaded my music and backed-up my documents. I am ready for the trans-Atlantic digital winter.

We sail from Southampton on Friday and head, via the Azores, to the Caribbean. There we island-hop and sit in the sun and drink rum. Hopefully I will also get the opportunity to meet up with a batch of my West Indian relatives. And then the boat turns around and sails east, calling in at Madeira and then back to Southampton. The whole trip will take almost four weeks, which is time enough for any man to work his way through 100 or so books.

WiFi is as transient and expensive as an honest journalist on the high seas so don't expect to hear from me during the holiday. But I will be back in November, well-read and well-watered, and ready once again to bring you more News From Nowhere.

23 comments:

  1. Cruise liners do have internet (I know, because I supply the satellite antennas), but it might not be cheap.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Were your West Indian relatives the result of the slavery movement and the public's sweet tooth? (I watch a good deal of "Who Do You Think You Are", "Heir Hunters" and "BBC Cold Case". Can you tell?

    Hope your trip is all that you anticipate and more! Don't worry, SS is in good hands (I hope).

    Kat

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds absolutely wonderful! I so understand the need for subterfuge. I actually have to spell words if I'm on the phone or Buddy immediately starts planning for a big adventure.

    Have a great time. Sip some rum for me.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Bon voyage! We'll be eagerly awaiting your lushly illustrated reports when you get back home.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Have a great holiday! Your choice of reading looks pretty good too :o)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tanned and rested. Enjoy, Alan.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Now I know why I couldn't spot you in the photo, you haven't quite left yet! Ha! Ha! Poor Amy, she'll be so happy once you return home again! So hurry up already she's probably thinking. I know our dogs know somethings up the minute one suitcase hits the floor! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. How about some "before tan and trip," and "after tan and trip" photos? Seems like that would be a good challenge for you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Too bad there are no canine holidays, but I know that you and Isobel will have a grand time. This sounds so much more relaxing than travel by airplane.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm not envious, not IN THE LEAST envious... Have a really great trip and a relaxing time reading and playing on your iPad. Remember to pack a vest to put on the minute you arrive back in England. You'll need one by then!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Have a great cruise. Now I know what the picture was for.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Have a fabulous time, Alan.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Have a great time Alan and Isobel (I know you will).

    ReplyDelete
  15. This sounds and reads like a wonderful trip, Alan, and you are certainly (as always) well prepared. Hope you and Isobel have a wonderful cruise with many memories made and that Amy does forgive you when you return. W are off on several road trips ourselves and recently renewed our passports so one day we may do some puddle jumping ourselves again.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Well you are brave to hit the high seas. Will you be visiting any Cuban ports? Yo speak of rum hence the idea.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Poor Amy she will miss you so..too bad there are no cruise ships that allow dogs. Have a wonderful time!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a wonderful adventure, I'll look forward to reading all the wonderful stories here, and in the interim, I'm thinking about Amy. Our dog used to sulk and pout when the suitcases came out, she simply hated the site of them. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete

  19. Well, I missed the Bon Voyage ... so Happy Landing!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Bon Voyage. Hope all goes well. Take loads of photos.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I look forward to hearing of your adventures upon your return. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hope you're having fun! Hope the hurricanes stayed away!

    ReplyDelete

11 March 2024 : Paper Hanging

  Some people read the paper, some try and understand the meaning of life, George II and Elvis Presley both died there .... and photographer...