Neptune Day

Neptune Day, 25^th Wedding Anniversary & At Sea Musings

The day after we departed from Ghana, we were to cross the equator! To mark this special occasion, they hold Neptune Day for all the pollywogs ( those who have not crossed the equator before).  The day started at 7:30am with a motley crew banging on doors for people to get up and meet on the 7^th deck at poolside. (It’s a very small pool). George had me so worried the night before, that I slept in my bathing suit!  He made it sound like they were going to yank you out of bed and throw you into the pool. I was up and ready by 7am! 

The King & Queen were flanked by their assistants who helped in the ceremony. A pledge was made to the King and then the baptisms began.  Each pollywog had to have blue liquid poured over them (George had told us it was fish guts), then they had to jump in the larger pool, climb the ladder to kiss the fish (yes, it’s real), bow to the Queen and finally kiss the ring of King Neptune.  If you forgot that part, you were kicked into the water to do it all again.

A few brave souls started the process and then seeing how much fun it really was, we all joined in. Yes, even yours truly!  How bad could it be to kiss a fish??
I’ve had worse experiences before, in my youth.  That’s me on the extreme right side getting the blue water baptism.

 

After everyone was knighted as a “shell-back”, it got really interesting.  For those who wanted to show King Neptune how dedicated they really were, they had their heads shaved; boys & girls and some adults as well.  For those of you who read my friend Maggie’s blog last year, you will find a picture of Liz Inman (80) who did it! Way to go Liz!  I on the other hand, was not so inclined.  I am happy to report that I still have all my hair. 

In the Dean’s Memo the next day there was this report from the Medical Team:  “Sunburned head alert!  The shaved head has taken over as the fashion statement on Semester at Sea. This new hairstyle is ideal for keeping cool in tropical ports, preventing head lice, and getting out quickly in the morning. However, newly shaved heads are highly susceptible to sunburn, especially considering that the equatorial sun is directly overhead. Please use sunscreen or wear a hat whenever you are outdoors for more than 5 minutes, even if it’s cloudy.” Hilarious!  Also, the hair collected went to “Wigs for Kids” for young cancer patients.

Another celebration took place the next day; George & Maggie Thomas’ 25^th Wedding Anniversary. We had a special 6 course dinner in a private room with 16 close friends.  It was also Professor Alfred Hunt’s birthday the day before and his party merged with ours.  The food was delicious and the guests enjoyed themselves wholeheartedly.  We went to the lounge afterward for some late night dancing.

Unfortunately, the sea has decided to turn a bit nasty.  The swells are 10-12ft high and it’s very difficult to walk along the corridors and even sit still in the classrooms. Keeping food down is another issue. Some of the passengers, me included, have caught a cold/flu bug that has been going around. This added to the rolling ship does not make for a pleasant crossing.  I have plied myself with Tylenol, Vitamin C and Gravol for the last two days and am happy to report that I feel myself again.  And not a moment too soon!  We get to Cape Town on Friday morning and I want to be well.

I will sign off for now.  The next stop: Cape Town.