DESK jobs not being the most inspiring of ways to pass the time, it is often the simplest of things that help stop us losing the will to live during the working day:
Good-natured colleagues with whom we can share an occasional laugh and a frequent moan; that mid-afternoon, vastly overpriced but very welcome ‘posh’ coffee to keep us awake after 3pm; the unexpected cake or chocolate treat brought in to share; the weekly quiz in which we show our ignorance in the hope of winning a Twirl.
But it is the unusual events which can actually make coming to work worthwhile.
Working as I do from the fifth floor of Echo Towers, on the banks of the River Mersey, those events often consist of what we can see from our window.
A few months ago it was the majestic QE2, on its penultimate visit to the city, sitting regally on the water.
Last week it was witnessing the arrival of the Ark Royal, looking small from our vantage point on high as it stormed towards the Liver Building, guided by two pilot ships.
Yesterday it was the Grand Princess, a huge cruise liner which was so big it peeked over the top of the multi-storey car park which obscures our view of the new terminal. And boy, was it big, with 17 decks holding 2,600 passengers, more than 1,000 crew, 10 restaurants, swimming pools and an outdoor cinema... did I mention it was big?
A quick search on the internet turned up a webcam view from the liner’s bridge – them looking at us, looking at them.
Cruise ships always appeal to me, partly because of their sheer size and sheer luxury, partly because they get to travel round the world, offering a chance to live the nomadic existence without the tent.
If you missed it this time round, don’t despair, because it – and others like it – will be back over the coming months.
At least that’s something to look out for.
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Susan Humphreys wrote...
I think I'll have to move floors - there's no prize offered for our quiz and I feel weepy just remembering what it was like having windows never mind a proper view! Fancy doing a job swap?
Posted by: Susan Humphreys | June 25, 2008 4:23 PM