At the swimming pool on Monday I signalled to a fellow swimmer, younger and faster than I, that he should go ahead. It is the polite thing to do. After a few more lengths we paused and chatted. He thanked me. I said that I was a slow swimmer and old to which he replied, “Yes, but you have experience.” I took that as the compliment he intended and was pleased. 

It was only later I wondered that, while age brings experience, have I learnt from mine?

Over dinner yesterday I was asked about the cruise and in the course of giving my account many much older memories were reawakened. I am looking forward to friends and family visiting and staying in June and July and possibly another cruise in October. However the truly important and enjoyable moment is now. We live the present moment. Now is the time.

The cruise ends, for me, today. I have become aware over these past twenty days that we really are creatures of habit. On this cruise one is entirely free to choose where to go and what to do. However the same people gravitate towards the same tables for breakfast. The same chairs on the pool deck are occupied by the same people day after day. The same people head for the same seats in the Grand Salon on Deck 6 for lectures or entertainment. But why am I surprised? I know this because I too have been following the same routine.

Thankfully we are not all the same. The same table for one is a different table for someone else and a preferred view for one is rejected by another. The difference lies within each and so there is a wonderful variety of expression and a richness of experience. There may be an exception – sun loungers claimed and disputed. When I get home I must not be put out if someone is sitting in ‘my’ seat in church.

On a cruise ship in the Mediterranean between Spain and France where so much of it had happened. We remembered.

It was a short commemoration led by the Cruise Director. It was well attended and included a two-minute silence, ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon read by the ship’s Glaswegian Security Officer, a recording of Vera Lynn singing ‘We’ll Meet Again’, a short reflection by the ship’s Captain, a prayer and the Last Post.

It was important and very moving.

I am on the Seabourn Ovation which is moored off the coast of Gozo, Malta. The sun shines and my cabin (suite) is very comfortable. Those on board, staff and guests, are polite and friendly. They smile and say ‘Good morning,’ when we pass in the passage or on deck.

This is not a time for deep thoughts. However I do have to consider which entertainment to attend, which tour to go on, and at which of the five restaurants I will have my next meal – I am not giving a moment of thought to ‘In Suite Dining’. This is a small cruise ship with only about four hundred guests on board and there are things to think about and decisions to be made.

While having my early morning swim I met a Canadian at the end of his tether. It was a swimming tether which allowed him to swim continuously in the small pool while staying in the same place. He gave me a turn at the tether, a rubber line attached to the belt around my waist at one end and a rail of the pool at the other. Off I swam. Only it was not so much ‘off’ as I stayed in the same place, and swam.

Other people’s generosity which leads to new experiences can be great fun.