Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Neptune Day
Neptune Day
This a tradition that goes back hundreds of years and celebrated by all mariners today when crossing the equator for the first time. Ken and I have crossed the equator several times on land but never by sea. We were woken up in the early morning hours by the crew who were dressed as sea creatures and clanging cymbals thru out the whole ship. After breakfast we were instructed to go to the top deck where the swimming pool is. At that time we learned we were pollywogs, but thru an initiation we would become shellbacks and worthy to be on a sailing vessel on the sea. We had to stand on the edge of the pool in small groups not larger than six at a time and have fish guts poored on us from head to toe. I'm not sure if they were really fish guts but what ever they were they smelled like something that had been dead a long time and an ugly color of green. We then could jump in the pool to be rid of the nasty stuff. But as we left the pool we had to kiss a large (1 1/2 foot) fish on the mouth. Then we were official shellbacks. But we very special ones because we crossed the equator at the prime meridian which is very rare--so we are actually emerald or I also heard royal diamond shellbacks. This tradition continues today on tankers, navy ships and cargo vessels. If you were so inclined you could also have you head shaved. (Stephanie had hers done on her voyage in the spring). Twenty three young women gave their hair to locks of love and at least 100 guys shaved their heads--one you know well. Pictures to follow! It was a fun day for everyone.
In case I don't e-mail you when I write a blog just at times go on the blog itself which is
martykurica.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 7, 2010
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