5th - 8th February
At sea on our way to Honolulu.

6th - Remembering and missing my mum today and everyday.

The Pacific Ocean has a total surface area of 169.2 million square kilometres and covers 30% of the Earth's total surface. It was named Mar Pacifico (peaceful sea) by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. It certainly hasn't been peaceful so far!

So looking forward to better weather again. We've had gale force winds and high seas for these four days with so much movement on the ship that it's not particularly pleasant. The outside decks have been closed for most of this time so no outside deck laps.  It hasn't stopped us from doing anything else though. I've been trying to keep up with my yoga but it's not easy. With our room being at the back it is really difficult to balance anyway! We do know of someone who actually rolled out of bed twice last night. A lovely room and balcony when the weather is fine though. Soon please!

Our new dining companions are a very nice couple. Julie, a teacher and Tony, a barrister for British Aerospace. They are English but live in Virginia and are only going as far as New Zealand.

We've done a number of quizzes (only one away on at least four occasions) but we've always been beaten by teams of six and there are generally just the two of us. I've enjoyed going to the shows, practicing my art work and doing a bit of knitting but can't get to grips with any creative writing at the moment. Maybe when the weather improves I will be inspired!

It's HM the Queen's Sapphire Jubilee and as this ship is named after her the Captain sent her good wishes from the crew and passengers. God Save the Queen (that's what the Captain said anyway!)

We both went to the beginner's foil fencing lesson this morning. It was a lot more physical than we'd anticipated but good fun. Looking through the mesh helmet was weird and hot - a bit claustrophobic for me! She said I did really well though so happy enough with that. Intermediate now!