My birthday

Friday 27th June

The clocks had gone back during the night, which meant an extra hour of sleep. This meant I had gone to bed about midnight (new time) and was woken at 11.15 by a phone call. I had been awake several times before that but had chosen to stay in bed and try to sleep, to catch up after the last couple of early mornings.

The phone call was from Housekeeping to say that they had a sleeping room for me, and I could call down to Reception later to get the key. This was a real relief. My sleeping room is on the same floor as my proper room and over 50 doors down, so I'll have to decide if I'm happy to walk the corridor in my night clothes or if I'll put on some easy clothes for walking along. I think it might be the latter.

I am always amazed at where the days go when we're at sea. I went to the dance lesson and learnt some new rumba steps. I spent time working out what to do in Iceland from all my options, and went to the Internet Centre for help with the laptop (and was shown how to use WordPad until I get home), and then managed afternoon tea. After working on the computer it was time to get ready for dinner. My table mates were very pleased to see me again, after 2 days' absence. I treated myself to a glass of wine to celebrate my birthday.

That evening was the Masquerade Ball. 

Paul and Peter, two of the Dance Hosts, kept joking about dancing with the birthday girl. Paul had alerted Jessica, the social hostess, to my birthday, and a balloon and card (signed by the captain, Jessica and the social director) had been delivered to my room while I was at dinner. Jessica also announced my birthday to the ballroom.

After the ball, Paul arranged for us to go to the Lido for cake and champagne (he offered his bottle but I took mine along instead). Judith and I were joined by Paul, Peter and David. We arrived just in time to watch the sun set. Despite it having set, the nights stayed light. 

Once again I found I had locked my key in my room, so had to walk back to Reception to inform them. The bursar came and unlocked my door for me. I then changed and sorted myself out and went along to my new sleeping room.