Neptune Day and other things

2/10
19:54

Neptune Day came and went. It was one of the best and longest days of my life.

It began at 7:15 am when the crewmembers ran through the halls banging drums, screaming, and pounding on our doors. Wonderful sounds to wake up to. At 9am, all Pollywogs were told to meet on Deck 7 aft. There we found King Neptune and his wife (the ship’s captain and a woman I don’t know, both painted neon green from head to toe) seated on the throne next to the pool. Those that wished to no longer remain a Pollywog and become a Shellback had to undergo the ancient sea rituals. The rite of passage for becoming a Shellback begins with green liquid that smells strongly of fish poured over one’s head, kissing a large fish, kissing King Neptune’s ring, bowing to the Queen, jumping in the freezing cold pool and then shaving one’s head. I took part in all aspects of said ritual except the head shaving. Shaving these thick, naturally curly golden locks? Never!

After partially becoming a Shellback it was a mad scramble to find a deck chair and begin the sunbathing process. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, sunny and warm. Everyone felt so happy and grateful on this beautiful day in the middle of the ocean. Jill, Alicia, Caroline, Kendra, Lea and I went to the front of the ship to tan. It was extremely windy there but it felt good because it was so hot out. Everything kept blowing away, so we had to weight things down and hold on tight to our towels. Jill’s smoothie was knocked over by the wind. It was messy. I didn’t help clean up. 

I spent about seven hours out in the sun, but I used a fair amount of sunscreen so I don’t look like the lobsters walking around the ship today. The bald lobsters. Lots of shaved heads. An odd sight. I’ve heard tears have been shed.

After the long hours of lying in the sun, there was a barbecue dinner. Cheeseburgers, hotdogs, ribs, corn on the cob, sundaes. It was heavenly. I had a cheeseburger, two hotdogs, two pieces of corn, and two sundaes…one was a double scooper. Mmmm mmmm.

We actually crossed the equator today, but it was a good thing we celebrated Neptune Day yesterday because it was overcast this morning. Did you know that there is a line running through the ocean where the equator is? Pretty cool to see.

 Oh wait, that’s not true at all. 

The captain made an announcement as we crossed the equator. It was 3:23. I was in Economics of Money and Banking. Riveting stuff.

I met my shipboard family tonight. John the photographer is my Ship Dad. I have two sisters and a brother: Allie, Katie, and Steve. Allie and Steve had newly shaven heads. They all seem very nice and I look forward to getting to know them better.

That’s all for now.