Sunday 8 March, Homeward Bound

I was up a little later, we had the usual breakfast in the Lido and then I went to the church service – a traditional Anglican service conducted by the Captain. It was a lovely service, even if the hymns were staid; lots of beautiful prayers and readings and a lovely message from the officer who was in charge of entertainment – both ladies are obviously Christians.

I had arranged to meet Maria (my friend from school) and her companion, Carol, a widow, on Deck 10 for coffee after the service and we had a wonderful time chatting about our lives and memories. I took my pictures of school days with me and they enjoyed these, even though they were really from my year, not the next year which Maria was in with Hilda. The nice thing is that they want to keep in contact and they both love close by – Miranda and Gymea. Carol is even interested in Monday night's Rock n'Roll classes in Sutherland!

Next was a Rhumba lesson, which was fun, especially since Alison and Simmo and Becky joined in. We had lunch and then it was time for the Coulette challenge so I was with Becky keeping her company in the bar where Alison and Simmo would join us for the Bingo final game. Alison came second in the roulette! Bingo was fun, especially because Yuki, the caller had engaged Becky and spent a lot of time "including" her; they were playing for the final jackpot of $800! Even better, Simmo won that last game, tied with another lady, so they got to split the jackpot! Soon it was time for afternoon tea, then getting ready for dinner. 

More dancing after dinner and then I sat with Becky while Simmo and Alison went out for a last play in the casino. Before they got back Grandma was ready for sleep, while Becky was still wide awake! I did the last bit of packing and put my suitcase out for collection, then off to bed because it would be an early start in the morning.