A Champagne Toast to the Contessa.
Sunday, December 28th. It was tea time on the QM2. I proceeded to the Queens Room at the rear of the ship and ordered tea.
The British are known for their tea times. Their ships carry on the tradition. History: Anna Maria, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, is credited with the invention of afternoon tea in 1840. Following in the Duchess of Bedford’s footsteps Afternoon Tea has been a Cunard tradition for over a century and a half. With the introduction of Twinings tea Cunard’s quintessentially British onboard experience is further enhanced and perfectly pared with their renowned White Star Service.
Twining started in 1706 at 216 Strand London and has traded continuously ever since. It is the only tea Cunard serves.
As my tea was served a lady passed offering Champagne. I decided if my Contessa were here she would have ordered a glass. So looking at the list of offerings I chose the best available. Veuve Clicquot ($16.75 per glass). Playing softly in the background was a piano and the music was from Phantom of the Opera. Birgitta would have loved it. The atmosphere was perfect. So I raised my glass and toasted her knowing full well she would have enjoyed every second. I love to believe she is here with me knowing that the toast was exactly what I would have offered if she were.