The switchback feeling of the last two weeks has included extreme highs and lows.
We were looking forward cruising again on a trip from Quebec to Boston previously cancelled due to the pandemic. With all the necessary proof of tests and paper- work in order we took a car to Billy Bishop airport on Toronto Island. It seemed sensible to avoid the chaos and crowds at Lester Pearson.
What a great decision; no crowds, easy boarding, and a good direct flight to Quebec. The trip from Quebec to the Gulf of St. Lawrence was fascinating and we encountered the interesting patterns of fog that lasted most of the day. Our first excursion was to the spectacular sight of Montmorency Falls which lived up to
its reputation.
After three days we learned due to the unexpected remnants of Hurricane Earl several of our excursions had to be cancelled and the trip rerouted. This included St. Anthony, Newfoundland, where we were to visit L’Anse aux Meadows, the Viking settlement with 1,000-year-old history and later the town of St. John’s, our two preferred ports and the reason we booked this cruise.
We just had a touch of the friendliness of Newfoundland with brief visit to Corner Brook, but the remainder of our Newfoundland tour was cancelled and replaced with Charlottetown, Prince Edward County and Sydney, Nova Scotia. We appreciated the necessity as even miles away from the Atlantic with strong winds and rough seas, we knew the captain had made the safest decision.
There were some positive and unexpected moments, even though all too often the anticipation of a trip is as good or better than the trip itself, this time it was certainly the case for us. We enjoyed being waited on and having delicious meals served for ten days, and the friendliest of welcomes received in Havre -St.-Pierre, Quebec. For the residents a cruise ship was not a common sight, we docked at 6 a.m. to witness dozens of cars honking horns, waving at passengers. Fiddlers playing in town square easily heard from our verandah.
Several years ago, at CAA-offices in Cambridge we were lucky enough to meet a very efficient and friendly travel advisor. Sadly, when the Cambridge office closed, she moved to CAA Brantford, so we moved our travel business with her. When we booked this cruise, she told us her parents have a woodworking business in Corner Brook, with a market stall in the Main Square selling their wares. We were delighted to meet them and tell them how much we liked working with their daughter.
The shocking announcement of the sudden death of Queen Elizabeth came while were aboard. For some unaccounted reason my husband turned on the TV at the precise moment of the news cast. We were shocked. The cancelled excursions gave us ample free time to watch BBC Word TV News coverage, relive history and hear some wonderful stories of the generosity of spirit among those queuing to see the coffin.
The camaraderie, the new friendships formed, the patience and respectfulness of the crowd was most impressive.
Hundreds of Cambridge citizens, especially those with British heritage who like me are monarchists were glued to the TV coverage of the Queen’s funeral this last Monday. My interest is in all things Royal as It was part of my culture growing up in the U.K. When she was a teenager, my great grandmother worked as a scullery maid for Queen Victoria. This led to my maternal family being staunch monarchists.
At ten years old I was honoured to be chosen to act the appropriately costumed role of “Lady in Waiting” to Queen Elizabeth 1st. in the town’s Coronation procession. As I walked alongside of the coach dressed in traditional Elizabethan costume, I felt very proud.
This past week, millions of people around the world watched the splendid British pageantry. Not all are admirers of Royalty, some are just intrigued by the sense of history, but all understood the late Queen was a symbol of dedicated and long-time service and wisdom.
Witnessing the intricately planned and executed heraldry, the sheer magnificence of the 900-year-old traditions and history, was the most spectacular event in my life. The planning with the timing, the precision and inclusion of smallest details, many of which were at the Queen’s bequest was extraordinary.
Across the U.K, various cities in Canada and other commonwealth countries, there were thousands of viewers. In London the public lined the streets for miles, many waited for hours to walk past the coffin as the Queen lay in state. The crowds were unprecedented. People flew in from Canada, the U.S., Germany, New Zealand, Africa and across the world just to pay their respects and witness the history.
The renowned footballer David Beckman refused to invoke his priority status and queued for 13 hours along with others, reportedly buying them snacks and drinks along the route. New friendships were formed, quiet and respectful camaraderie were apparent as a wish to honour the Queen’s passing brought everyone together with common purpose.
No matter how you feel about Royalty, the events were filled with military precision, impeccable and personal touches, a visually majestic and sumptuous exaltation of ceremony. People of all nations, all faiths, all cultures, all ages from babes in arms to elderly seniors, came together to show their support for a remarkable, highly respected, and dearly loved woman, better known across the world than any other. The event brought out the best of humanity.
Today we watched the full seven-hour coverage, can’t do much else since arriving home we both tested positive for Covid and are “under the weather.”
We never know what is in store for us from one day to the next. My last two weeks are a slice of life, with it’s ups and downs, sadness, and joys that we all experience at some level. Despite planning, things can easily go awry. This trip was certainly such an example. We will continue to travel; we love going new places but right now are very pleased to be safely back in the comfort of our home in Cambridge.
Already our fevers have lowered, and we feel are slowly recovering. Two weeks of highs and lows, all part of life.
