We’re in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Yesterday was Neptune Day. While out at sea, Neptune Day’s supposed to be celebrated when a group crosses the equator. I think there’s some mythology behind it or something, but that’s really of no importance in this entry. Even though we formally crossed into the southern hemisphere last week, our ship still celebrated this event yesterday (the 24th).
We were awaken around 8 in the morning by a parade of pounding drums throughout the hallways (we have the day off of classes by the way). I then went straight to breakfast to have some hot tea, and around 9 AM the events began. The King Neptune character was played by Captain Jeremy (naturally) (see picture), and other Deans and members of the staff wore other costumes for this “initiation” event outside on the 7th deck by the pool. Each student had milk poured over his/her head, jumped into the swimming pool, climbed out and kissed a large fish in the face, kiss the Captain’s ring, then exited. Unfortunately I didn’t participate in these activities, for I’ve seem to come down with a case of the plague. Apparently it’s this “stomach cold” that’s been going around, and I definitely got a good case of it the past few days. There’s a few of us that have been really sick, but hopefully I’ll be feeling better before we get to Africa.
We were awaken around 8 in the morning by a parade of pounding drums throughout the hallways (we have the day off of classes by the way). I then went straight to breakfast to have some hot tea, and around 9 AM the events began. The King Neptune character was played by Captain Jeremy (naturally) (see picture), and other Deans and members of the staff wore other costumes for this “initiation” event outside on the 7th deck by the pool. Each student had milk poured over his/her head, jumped into the swimming pool, climbed out and kissed a large fish in the face, kiss the Captain’s ring, then exited. Unfortunately I didn’t participate in these activities, for I’ve seem to come down with a case of the plague. Apparently it’s this “stomach cold” that’s been going around, and I definitely got a good case of it the past few days. There’s a few of us that have been really sick, but hopefully I’ll be feeling better before we get to Africa.
Anyways, another tradition during Neptune Day is the shaving of the head. At least 1/5 of the ship has their heads shaved bald now…including a few girls. Because of these girls’ decisions to get their hair cut REALLY short or (in some cases) completely bald, the ship now looks like it’s infested with A) aliens or B) lesbians (which is totally cool, assuming the girl actually IS a lesbian AND/OR the girl is going for that specific look, which many of them aren’t/weren’t).
I actually spent almost all of Neptune Day sleeping in my room, but luckily woke up later for the barbeque on the 7th deck (seriously the first full meal I’ve eaten in the past two days). It was great; it felt just like a 4th of July barbeque (minus the fireworks). Later on that night, my group of friends had a music exchange where we each made our own iTunes playlist and threw them onto each others’ flash drives. I’m excited to see what music everyone has, and yes, of course I will judge everyone by their musical tastes. I probably have the most odd playlist, but it’s the music that describes me well I guess.
More important than Neptune day though, a few days ago a group of us had the privilege of eating lunch at the Captain’s table in the dining room. For about an hour we enjoyed stories of the Captain's experiences at the seas, and I definitely felt enlightened afterwards in a cool Last Supper-esque sort of way. I was sitting right across from him, and because I really haven't been eating (the ole' "stomach cold"), my main concern was trying not to projectile vomit onto him. Apparently his new wife (his 3rd) is joining us in Capetown for the remainder of the voyage. She's a young, Asian model, and no, I'm not surprised.
Well that’s about it. “The Emperors New Groove” is on the tv loop tonight, which does make me feel slightly better. I still feel like total crap AND am very behind in my schoolwork due to this distracting illness.
Oh, and I’m missing the Academy Awards, but whatever. I honestly thought The Prestige was the best film of the year anyways, but those kind of movies never get nominated. As long as "Children of Men" wins best cinematography, I'll be happy (though a Martin Scorsese win would be great too).
I’ll try to update tomorrow or the next day with my experiences in Brazil (it’ll be pretty long). See ya.
