Neptune Day!

1st off, a letter from the dean:
"Crossing the Line, or Neptune Day, is an initiation rite celebrated in many navies. It commemorates a sailor's first crossing of the equator. The rite was intended originally as a test of new shipmates by seasoned sailors. The tradition dates back to the 16th century, and in the old days, the ship heaved to (that is, it set its sails so as to remain stationary) and the pollywogs were hoisted on the mainyard and dunked into the ocean 40 feet below; afterwards, shaving and other forms of blood letting took place. We will actually cross the equator tomorrow in the late afternoon."

So 1st of all, they lied to us. I thought we crossed the equator TODAY. But I’m over it. We were abruptly awoken at the wee hours of the morning by pots and pans banging through the halls. Initiation ceremonies started at 9 am on the 7th deck around the pool. This ritual consisted of the following: they poured freezing cold green goo (a fish gut smoothie if you will) on our heads, told us to kiss a fish, jump in the frigid swimming pool, climb out to bow to the ‘queen’ and kiss the ring on the ‘kings’ hand. Everyone was wearing funky attire, including the king being painted from head to toe in lime green body paint. (pictures coming soon) Definitely set the mood. It was SO warm and sunny, everyone was outside, and they were playing the best beats – fabulous morning. Then they started the shaving of the heads. DISCLAIMER: I did not, and I repeat, NOT shave my head. But plenty of others did, including numerous females. Marisa and I even got in on the action, posing as barbers, and created quite the Mohawk for our friend Cole. Then we created a double-mohawk, and as we were going for horizontal stripes on the next victim, the clippers died. It was fun while it lasted. But the rest of the day was spent basking in the glorious rays of the golden sun. But to top off a wonderful day, I’d have to say the best so far spent on the ship: a BBQ! (sundaes included – even rainbow sprinkles, Carter) I’ll retract 3 negative statements about the food, but I just don’t understand why they cannot create such meals on a daily basis. Either way, I’m going to sleep happy tonight =).

Things I’ve learned:
- there’s a christmas island (who knew?) .. and it’s full of crabs