I was there, you know … waving goodbye to the QE2, trying to get pictures for you, as she ceremoniously departed New York harbor for the last time. The mist was drizzling on my face, hiding my tears.

The stock market has dropped 500 points, hardly the proper bon voyage from your friends in Wall Street. Champagne was not flowing that day, I assure you.

The Queen says: “Be calm, Anne. I have not died, you know. This is a new beginning… . a new berth for my rebirth in Dubai.

Our Passionate Farewell

We sent flowers, if you remember, when she left Southampton for the last time. Wishing her a “bon voyage”, we were a sea of smiling faces … a modern cliche, if you will.

Personally, I was wearing a stiff upper life, under the flower petals. I chose red flowers for us … modern, sexy, red and vibrant. Appearances mean everything, you know. The Brits understand that better than anyone, and the old girl appreciated our gesture.

Online this morning, I hear her foghorn … loud and constant … a reasssuring voice in the blood of Mumbai. That reminds me … we must read Daydream Lily’s email about travel to India…I hope to Zeus that she’s changed her plans, given the slaughter in Mumbai.

I was interviewed as the only American at a major Parisian trade show, during the first Gulf War, but this is different. Paris is not Mumbai, you know… . I mean, I don’t think so.

Let me check in for us. Okay, good.

Daydream may be going to Cambodia instead. We’re as interested in knowing about life in Cambodia as India. Perhaps she could write us a report from Thailand, because the planes will be flying again in Bangkok, now that the sit-in is finally over at the Bangkok airport. Tensions are running high between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan threatening to move all security off the border with Afghanistan, in order to focus on India.

Solid As a Rock

Let me not fuel the flames, dear Queen E2, but the reporting is extensive and growing that as many as seven of the terrorists came from Britain. Rubbish, I’m sure, but your own press is pouring kerosene on the rumour.

Many of us do duck our heads, you know … preferring the psychological release of darkness, anonymity, and unfettered pleasure. That life has its benefits, I assure you -- but eventually we must wake up.

Diwali fireworks, Mumbai, India Earth Day Sound Down

Al Gore cancelled the Earth Day concert in Mumbai, due to this entirely new kind of fireworks. This week’s fanfare was no Diawali celebration.

Do not digress, Anne. My holistic brain is getting us off course this morning and into uncharted water.

Mumbai … Dubai … they rhyme, you know. Mubai would be even more lyrical, if you like regimentation in your poetry. Personally, I could go for a bit or law and order right now.

See, our Anne does have a sense of humor. And you thought I was being winesappy again. Hah!

Arrived on Schedule in Dubai

Carry on, old girl!

Yukie and Michael were waiting for her in Dubai, hoping to go onboard, one last time, reliving the memories of their first meeting. It was 1989 and in the Grand Ballroom, when the QE2 was chartered by a Japanese company.

Michael remembers that Yuke was wearing a red dress. They are older now … grownups.

I wonder if the Queen has plans to write a book? What stories are buried in this woman’s bosom? My instincts suggest that she could topple kingdoms. If the QE2 thinks that we are forgetting about her … well she doesn’t know me very well. Rocks of Gibralter are in short supply these days, and we’re hanging on to her.

The Elusive One Finally Calls

Tribute has weighed in on this subject … ah, he is so damn sneaky! I haven’t heard from him since Nov. 3.

Unfortunately, this all-knowing one does not understand men at all. They adore you but expect you to go weeks without a phone call.

Now I know why he sent me those reassuring text messages … “Don’t worry, Anne. We will be okay.”

Tribute, you scoundrel of a secret agent you! I thought you might be getting ready for Hillary’s first visit, with your dedication to keeping the world safe from terrorists … but instead you are lollygagging in the luxury of Dubai, waving another older woman into her new berth.

Great … so she’s not coming “home” again. She’s letting go … flying fearlessly into a new life, with the wind at her back. It’s the way we must be … not forgetting who we are in our essence, but adapting to this new age where we are blown to bits as innocents in a new religious war. We've had them for centuries, you know, with many led by Christians. Let's not forget that fact in our sorrow over Mumbai.

Fine, fine. I can deal with it … somehow. Smile, Anne. Where’s your backbone? It's a time for leadership as this powder keg world sits ready to blow sky high in a post-911 world.

That’s Better Now

J’Adore you QE2 … we all do. When you’re having a blue mood day, thinking that everyone has forgotten you … we haven’t, my dear QE2. We know all that you stand for — the bad, and the ugly — along with the good and glorious.

No one is perfect, our dear Queen, and you always did your best. At least we could always count on you to make sensible decisions on your way into battle.

Tribute tells me that you still have 4” stilettoes in your closet. We think it’s time you kicked up your heels a bit. Celebrate while you can … take a romp with those adoring crowds in Dubai.

I’m usually not into sharing, dear Queen, but Tribute is a very good dancer. Even Anne can learn a few new tricks … so go ahead, you two.

We’ll be checking in soon. (Dear Queen … would it be OK, if I text you for a bit of advice, now and then … you know … quietly, just the two of us? I would feel so much better.) MWAH!

Love, Anne, Feanne, Ms. Majesty and all your friends around the world.

More reading and videos on QE2:

J’Adore: Ships Passing At Dawn (the QE2’s last day in New York)

J’Adore: Farewell Dear QE2 (the QE2 leaves Britain for Dubai)

Who is Tribute:

Please Stay “Tribute in Light”. The World Needs You.

Message from Tribute to AnneNov. 4, 2008Private Eye