October 7-12 - Southampton

Yes! There she is!! We watched Queen Elizabeth make her first entrance into Southampton Water on Friday morning. The newest Queen in the Cunard fleet was welcomed by hovering helicopters and fireboats spraying plumes of water into the air. She is definitely dominating the waterfront and drawing lots of interest. And we've already made friends with Maria and Sergei from the ship's entertainment troupe who were dining at a neighboring table on Friday night!

We've found lots to do during our 5 days in Southampton. The White Star Tavern where we're staying http://www.whitestartavern.co.uk/ is right on Oxford Street, which seems to be where all the action is! I know we all supposedly speak the same language, but the menu here sometimes has us wondering.... "pork scratchings".... "fundamentally fungus tempura".... "frazzled duck egg sarni" .... really!?!

And just what famous person, we wonder, might this little byway be named for??



We're close to the water, the docks and the museums (we now know nearly everything there is to know about the Titanic.) We are also near the old walled part of town, including the world's oldest bowling green ...which has been in use since around 1299! We even cheered on the Southampton Saints at the football/soccer stadium (the home team won 2-0, Go Saints!!) and took a harbor cruise to get up close and personal with our (soon-to-be) floating home.

It is now Monday, and the city is all aflutter because the Queen (the two-legged one!) is arriving to break the champagne bottle on QE's bow at this afternoon's naming ceremony. So...lots of security!



And now.... today's history lesson! Most people think the Mayflower departed from Plymouth when, in fact, she started out from right here in Southampton. The Speedwell joined the Mayflower here in Southampton and together they set out for the New World. After turning back to Dartmouth, and a second time to Plymouth for repairs, the Speedwell was abandoned and the Mayflower sailed alone to Plymouth in New England. We loved this weathervane atop the Pilgrim Fathers Memorial on the waterfront.....






We're looking forward to sprouting our sea legs tomorrow!! Queen Elizabeth sails at 5 PM...we are anticipating some special ceremonies...and maybe some fireworks!