So tomorrow I am saying good-bye to this lovely vessel I have grown to like so much.

Yes, Oceana,soon the time will come for us to part. The morning was leisurely,couldn't get out of bed. The plan was to have breakfast in The Ligurian, where waiters serve scrambled eggs with salmon on a hot bagel, and I think even cream cheese.But I got up at 8, and then fell asleep again,so missed the breakfast and went to the gym instead.There were only two people on their last leg,barely moving, and I knew they would leave soon and I would have the whole gym to myself. And so it was for good 15 minutes and I was running on the treadmill feeling very happy. And then a man walked in and even though none of the other machines was being used, he came and plonked himself next to me. Next to me! My blood came to the boil but he was bigger than me, and I was not tackling a man mountain,so I left.Then there was lunch,and a splendid affair it was, too,served by a handsome waiter, who was proud to demonstrate to me his knowledge of several Russian words (Yes,I speak Russian fluently),he is always pleasant and charming. Tabuleh salad was aromatic and a good choice,but I could have equally enjoyed any other starter on the menu, even though I do not order soups anymore, they are my least favourite food on Oceana, too SHINY, and no thickness to them, as if made from the same stock. But I do understand the ship must cut corners one way or another to feed the masses. Then I had macaroni cheese, I love macaroni cheese and buy it ready made from Marks, they also have cauliflower cheese I adore,these ready made meals are delicious and a good stand by.With the macaroni cheese I had a really well put together side salad with gribiche dressing. Why did I choose macaroni cheese of all the things I could have had,and believe me, the menu was excellent, and I could have been happy with any other dish. Well, I just fancied macaroni cheese. And to finish the lunch,I chose an upside down spicy plum cake,must be upside down,wouldn't have it any other way, I said jokingly to the waiter. Or is it you who is going to serve it to me standing upside down? He burst out laughing and could not stop. You are always so funny,he said. The couple opposite looked at me... some people do not have a sense of humour. Tea with milk to end the meal...The afternoon will be spent packing.