On Wednesday, we met Pauline and Cameron for lunch at the Neptune Grand Hotel Bistro, a place that felt instantly welcoming the moment we stepped inside, after our many visits in the five weeks we’ve been in Penguin. The staff have come to know us and warmly greet us each time. They have also learned how I like meals to be prepared, specific to my way of eating, which makes it easy to go there.

We arrived a little early, as we often do, giving ourselves a few quiet minutes to settle into our reserved table and take in the atmosphere. Something is calming about those in-between moments, just before new introductions, when anything is possible, and expectations are still unwritten.

A short time later, Pauline and Cameron arrived, smiling and easygoing, immediately putting us at ease. They are another couple we’ve never met before, living in a small town beyond Ulverstone, and as is often the case with these kinds of meetups, we had no idea what to expect. Over the years, we’ve learned that these spontaneous connections can go either way, but more often than not, they turn into something memorable.

They are about twenty years younger than we are, but as we quickly discovered, age has little bearing when shared interests come into play. Their love of travel and cruising mirrored our own, and it didn’t take long before the conversation found its footing. As mentioned, Tom had been communicating with Pauline through a Facebook group for our upcoming cruise, the kind of modern connection that still amazes me when it leads to sitting across from someone in real life, sharing a meal and stories as if we’ve known each other for years.

Coincidentally, they will be on the same cruise as us when we embark next month, sailing aboard Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas. They were on our last 47-night cruise, boarding in Cape Town and disembarking in Singapore, but we never met them while on board. There is something especially comforting about knowing there will be familiar faces on board, this next leg, particularly on a journey that brings together so many strangers from all corners of the world. It adds a layer of anticipation, a sense that the next adventure is already taking shape.

What we assumed might be a simple one-hour lunch turned into a leisurely three-hour experience. Time slipped away almost unnoticed as the conversation flowed with ease, filled with laughter, shared experiences, and the kind of animated storytelling that makes you forget to glance at the clock. These are the moments we treasure most, when connection feels effortless and genuine.

Normally, Tom and I don’t eat lunch, choosing instead to have dinner around 5:00 pm. It’s a routine that has become second nature to us, part of our OMAD (one-meal-a-day) lifestyle. Not wanting to disrupt that routine too much, we enjoyed the meal without concern and continued our fast until the following evening. It resulted in a longer stretch than usual, but we’ve found that this way of eating suits us well. It’s not for everyone, of course, but for us, it has brought a noticeable sense of well-being. I haven’t felt this good in years.

Each day, I continue with my exercise routine, dedicating at least forty-five minutes to movements guided by online apps and videos from physical therapists and specialists. These sessions have become an important part of my day, not just physically but mentally as well. They offer structure, purpose, and a sense of progress, even on days when improvement feels slow.

My walking ability is still not where I’d like it to be. My legs tire after standing or walking for longer distances, and there are moments when I’m reminded of my limitations. Yet, in other ways, I feel stronger than I have in a long time. I don’t feel winded, and my overall endurance seems solid. It’s a curious balance, feeling capable in so many ways while still navigating these ongoing challenges.

After six months of daily effort, I’ve come to accept that my legs may never fully return to what they once were. That realization could easily feel discouraging, but somehow, it doesn’t. Perhaps it’s because I can still do what matters most. I can manage our daily lives, explore new places, and fully participate in the experiences that bring us joy. Walking the long hallways on a cruise ship, for example, is entirely manageable, and that alone feels like a small victory.

We are not discouraged. If anything, we are grateful. Grateful for what we can do, for the progress I’ve made, and for the opportunities that continue to unfold before us.

Now, with just 23 days remaining before we leave Penguin and make our way to the Hobart Airport, there’s a quiet excitement building. We look forward not only to seeing Pauline and Cameron again but also to reconnecting with many of the wonderful people we met on the 47-night cruise, who will be joining us for this next leg of the journey.

Life, as it stands right now, feels full in the best possible way. We have meaningful connections, plans on the horizon, and a deep sense of contentment in our day-to-day lives. Truly, we don’t have a complaint in the world.

Next Friday, our new friend Salli, whom we met on that same 47-night cruise and again, who coincidentally lives in Tasmania, will be coming to stay with us for the weekend. We spent a lot of time with Salli and our other new friends, Di and Peter, who are coming to visit us in Marloth Park in August. Gosh, we are so blessed to meet so many wonderful people in our world travels.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 20, 2016: