Mad about Downton??

Along with many people I am a huge fan of Downton Abbey, and 9pm tonight cannot come soon enough for me. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a TV series so much. The characters, the costumes, the setting, everything is wonderful and as for Maggie Smith, she is absolutely brilliant. She doesn’t even have to open her mouth, her facial expressions speak volumes.

Of course, this series we have the wonderful addition of Shirley Maclaines character, Martha Levinson, Lady Crawleys mother who is visiting from the States. The obvious clash of personalities between her and Violet makes for excellent viewing.
As the series is set in the 1920’s it has made me wonder about Marthas mode of transport from the US. There has been no mention but I would be willing to have a fiver on her sailing over on a Cunard Liner, the Mauretania if I have my dates right. I wonder if this will be mentioned as she prepares to leave for her journey home?
Funny how cruising and seems to pop up even in the most unlikely of places however please don’t call me to enquire about a cruise on the Mauretania as she was deemed surplus to requirements by Cunard in 1934 and was withdrawn from service! Plenty of other voyages on more modern ships are available though so just give me a call!