The Evolution of Passion

Cruising is one of my favourite ways to travel. I am especially fond of month or more long cruises. You are so far away for so long days that time and space and sensibilities transform. It’s perfect for people watching – I’m endlessly fascinated – or maybe just nosey.

About a year ago we hopped the last leg of an around the world cruise – 30 days, most of them at sea. My husband and I fell in love with this couple. Every afternoon, just after lunch, they came into the main atrium with their books, sat down on the same sofa and started reading. He nodded off within five minutes, she about five minutes later.

I found a wonderful intimacy in this, a sense of familiarity and security and safety and love. Even though they are not even touching, they are far far closer than a couple 50 years younger making mad love every night. (The young couple will have to practice 50 years to get this right. I hope they are up to the job!)

Funny though, as soon as he began to stir, her eyes snapped open and she snatched up her book and pretended she had been reading the whole time.

Yes I know this really was spying, though they were sleeping in a public lounge. It was shot from the other side of the ship with my longest lens – and natural light. Technically, not a good image. Emotionally, there are few I love more.