RMS TITANIC... the adventure begins.

Well, dear readers, the day has arrived, and I am now officially on assignment to cover the maiden voyage of the world's largest luxury liner, the RMS TITANIC. I will be onboard, at 9:30am, to give you my first hand impressions, and talk to some of the passengers as they settle in before the ship leaves at noon. Some of whom were in attendance at a tea given by Mrs. Eulalia Longbotham, of Southampton, yesterday afternoon.

What a hilarious time that was. You'd have thought we were all long-standing friends instead of so many of us just meeting for the first time. Eulalia, who is making her first sea voyage, will be traveling to New York to be present at the arrival of her first grandchild. She has quite the lively personality, and will keep us entertained on more than one occasion, I'm sure. 

This was also my first opportunity to meet our illustrious cruse director, Tessa Bowen. There's a bit of a mystery there, though, as every time I snapped a picture, she managed to turn away. But I'm sure I'll have better luck before the voyage is over. At any rate, the food was superb, and the tea refreshing. Some of it might have been a bit too refreshing, so it's a good thing what few men in attendance were off enjoying their own conversation and refreshments in the library. I did have the high good fortune to run into one of them just before leaving, though. This because he was walking around with a camera, as well, and I thought he might be a fellow news correspondent. 

But, no, just an avid photography enthusiast. Who is in training to be a priest, no less. His name is Francis Browne, and he will just be with us until Ireland, the short overnight voyage being a gift from his uncle. It ought to be an experience, however, as his ticket is first class. He will be staying in cabin number A24 on the Promenade Deck. So, I'm sure we will be seeing more of him, again.

If Eulalia Longbotham's Tea is any indication of how things are going to proceed on this voyage, I can tell you, right now, I have never felt so much excitement over the prospects of the many delights that await us. I have heard it said that there is such luxury aboard the vessel, that the second class cabins are of a standard that is usually reserved for first on most other liners. Not to mention third class passengers will be offered hearty meals as part of their fare, and that is unprecedented, as well. All of which is just hearsay, at the moment, but I will let you know the truth of the matter as soon as I can. I have brought along my Corona typewriter, and two Conley cameras (one magazine loading, and one snap shot), and intend to set up shop in my second class cabin, and get to work as soon as I arrive.

So, be sure and come back tomorrow, dear readers. I've arranged an interview with Edith Russell, the popular fashion writer and consultant for Women's Wear Daily, who will be joining us in Cherbourg. Until then… blessings!

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