Report from the South Pacific

We’re on day 6 of 8 days at sea. We’ve moved our clocks back first to Mountain time and then to Pacific time the night before last. This means we are moving west through the longitudes. The seas are relatively calm but the skies have been overcast and surprisingly cool for being this close to the equator. We’ve been spending our time reading and taking part in the various activities onboard. I’ve started taking Tai Chi classes, which I like very much and now attend regularly. We listened to a talk about astronomy by one of the several guest speakers and also a program about Hollywood legends, the first of the series was Elizabeth Taylor. I discovered that napping is also nice. This is something Jim has had no problem with for some time so he has not missed an opportunity to continue his nap routine.
On Jan 13, we had the first “Ball”. It was called the “Black and White Ball” and as you might expect everyone wore black and white and all the decorations were in keeping with the theme. The captain and his wife opened the ball with the first dance and then all the officers joined in with their partners. It was very nautical and in keeping with the grand traditions of cruising.
Another tradition of sea travel is the ceremony for the crossing of the equator. On Jan. 14, we crossed the equator at 10:38am. To ensure our safe passage we had to attend a ceremony to honor King Poseidon, Chief of all the Water Deities. King Poseidon created the horse and upon these powerful animals he drew his chariot over the sea, which became smooth for him. This is why we must honor King Poseidon and in return we will have safe passage and smooth seas. At the ceremony King Poseidon appeared with his mermaid wife and his court. He decreed that in order to honor him any person crossing the equator for the first time, in sea terms called a pollywog, must show respect by kissing a fish!! Yes, there was a huge real (dead) sea bass nestled on a large block of ice ready for all the pollywogs to show their respect. One by one we each took our turn kissing the fish! We have pictures to prove that we did and a certificate that proclaims we are Honorary Members of the Ancient Order of the Shellbacks and we are now free to roam the oceans and seas. As you can imagine, we are very proud of our accomplishment. That evening we were given a special dinner called Neptunus Rex and King Poseidon and his court were in attendance as well. (There was no sea bass on the menu so we’re not sure what happened to the fish) It was a pretty remarkable day.
Now with only 2 more full days at sea, we are getting excited to visit our first stop in the South Pacific, Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas. We have attended port lectures to learn more of the history and island culture. Then it will be off to Tahiti. Can’t wait!!!