Another fine day, though a bit cool and sound asleep when the alarm went at 7am. Whilst getting ready, there was obviously an announcement, but as it wasn't broadcast in the cabin, we just assumed it was for the usual port clearance, so we didn't hear it. We were berthed on the starboard side again and headed upstairs to deck 14. Time for a breakfast, but once again, they have run out of V8 juice. There must be a witticism there somewhere about V8's guzzling the juice.
We returned to the cabin to grab lightweight jackets, as it was distinctly cooler than of late. Off then to the theatre only to be told that the local authorities had requested that passports be carried – not just photo ID. Oh drat. So I had to leg it up four decks and to the rear of the ship and back again in a rush. Bus #28 and a pleasant ride with the usual history lesson en route, through some very attractive, picture perfect villages, to Honfleur, on the other side of the Seine.
Our guide, Lana, was sensible enough to say that on arrival, if we wanted to wander away from the narration, she was more than happy. After walking through to the small square near the harbour, and a rather long winded static description, we decided to wander off. Wow! As a Saturday, dry weather and market day, this very soon turned out to be one of our favourite spots of the whole trip.
We soon bumped into Cec & Kevin, who had picked up a cab at the dock at for €25 each for about 4 hours with a bit of a tour en route, a fair bit cheaper than our Princess tour.
This small French seaside town is very popular with Parisians, as a weekend holiday resort and the traffic certainly built up during the day.
The small, three sided oblong harbour had a fair few launches moored and on one and half sides, it was wall to wall eating establishments. Elsewhere, there were market stalls in the streets, in smaller squares, just about everywhere in fact and even in some of the narrow streets, shopkeepers had stalls out front. We succumbed to the lure of a couple of almond croissants, but were too hasty, as there were unlimited opportunities to try local produce. What a fantastic range. Back in the main square, there were two stalls with massive pans of paella, another with a large pan of Andouille sausages with onions and apples. (Apples are very much part of this area, as cider and calvados are local specialities.) Had we not been on our last day before the UK and having been warned not to take food in, I certainly would have been loading up. Fortunately, we are back in Le Havre again shortly, so we may well make a return visit to Honfleur.
Walking away from the group was the best thing we could have done as it gave us time to wander around, but next time, I am determined to eat some local produce!
On the way back, what should have taken half an hour, took an hour as the traffic was queuing at the toll gates on the other bridge.
Back at the ship, did we have to show our passports? Of course not… Unfortunately, if you choose to ignore instructions, you can come a cropper. It was only at Venice where we did have to show photo ID – and it was checked quite thoroughly.
Final on board time was supposed to be 7pm, or 7:30, but one coach on a Princess tour overheated and they had to send a replacement, so they were a bit late back.
At least it isn't far from Le Havre to Southampton, so much so that the Captain said they'd meander a wee bit to kill time anyway.
The afternoon aboard was an opportunity to finish all the packing and psyche ourselves up for the end of the first leg of our journey. A final clip on the coffee card and a bit of computer catch up before dinner in the buffet, where I managed a very nice beef curry and a pumpkin and potato curry – a double helping – and we spent a fair bit of time with our farewells.
We meandered past the Vista lounge where Kym had his second show (which we missed) but the audience obviously enjoyed it. We managed a few more farewells as people came out, including Dave and Sandie, who we've really got to like, a lot, then yet another chat with Sascha and then Rob & Anne. Trombonist Dave also joined in so we had a fair discussion about music generally, as Rob explained he was off to Austin, Texas, where there are about 250 music clubs to visit!
Off then to bed, with as usual, mixed emotions. Looking forward to family and friends (and mushy peas…) but sad to be leaving other friends. It is definitely cooler outside than it has been, so we must be nearing the UK and the heatwave has probably gone.
A week ashore now before the next sea adventure, but tomorrow morning is still part of the whole cruise experience, as we have to get off; get to Southampton Airport; pick up a hire car; head north.
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