Fran to Bob

January 7, 1964

The letter, transcribed

Wednesday January 7, 1964 Dear Bob - my love, Today we land in Southampton - makes me feel a little safer to know that we're close to shore. Already the English fog is evident - vision is good only about 1/3 of a mile. The sea is extremely calm - hardly a ripple - quite a contrast after yesterday. We went through a storm for almost 20 hours with winds up to 80 mph - it was frightfully beautiful and after a while I wasn't even scared. Now I don't even notice the rolling of the ship. It has been a wonderful voyage but in a way I'll be glad to dock in le Harve tomorrow and then really be on my way to Spain and my Spanish family. We've met some wonderful people and I hate to say good-bye but guess that's all part of travelling. Monday night was a special party night and everyone was quite gay. Had champagne and dancing and much fun. Couldn't help feeling a touch of nostalgia watching the couples on the dance floor - kept wishing that you'd suddenly appear and I feel your arms around me as we danced and swayed to the motion of the ship. It's going to be a long term - already seems like I've been gone a month. Well - short letter for now - more later - All my love, Fran