Crossing The Equator

Atlantic Ocean, International

All hail King Neptune! The traditional
King Neptune ceremony was held at the Lido Pool midship. Crews
branded as pollywog's were captured and presented to the Captain and
his staff for punishment. But first they have to kiss the fish and
then a decision is made whether they stink (baked in the sun) or
swim after being washed and coated with colored meringue.

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the captain and officers	Capt. Jonathan Mercer	polywogs	washing the polywogs
pirate	facing the Captain	Sink or swim	Barbara
Ita from Lido	stinking in the sun	more polywogs	Laura from the desk
Jennifer and Aaltsje	Joy from the desk	getting a full scrub	Crhris the drummer
King Neptune and Hermes	Gene Young as the judge	Christian kisding the fish	kiss the fish
kiss the fish	Linda kissing the fish	pollywogs being showered

Scenic Cruising, Ascension Island

 Georgetown, Ascension Island, Saint Helena

We arrived in Ascension Island before noon. We were not able to land as intended given the rough sea condition with big swells. From the ship's rail we could see the coast where there are several small settlements. It is said to have at least up to 4,000 people, mostly military families. Since, WW II, Ascension Island has been an important refuelling stop. 

Frigate birds, castrels, and gulls hovered back and forth in long glides, while a few dolphins were sighted jumping along the bow

Ascencion island

.


Our Cruise Director, Gene Young had a contest going for whoever spotted green turtles and donkeys; said to be the most visible animals on the island. To appease passengers
disappointments, it was announced that representatives from the island would come on board the ship and bring souvenir items for
sale.




Shopaholics fidgeted in anticipation of
these souvenir items. They talked in hushed tones, casting glances
toward each other. The others hastened to gather at what they
thought might be the area for the instant market

flock of birds

. Then the people from the island emerged and the area was opened to admit the
shopaholics. Soon, all eyes were fixed on these items as they were laid on the tables at the atrium. Men and women pushed and shoved
in savage ways as if these souvenir items were the last ones on earth! A few women who got hold of some stamps shrieked with
delight. Men and women yelled for the prices of baseball caps; and only those who were gifted with quickness and agility managed to scoop up those precious few fridge magnets, and key chains.




For a few moments, it was madness at
the atrium on deck 5. It was fascinating to watch how some women
jumped with joy as they walked away with handfuls of souvenir items

Ascencion island

.
One woman, had a stack of t-shirts that hung around her arms. There
were men trying on caps and shirts. At one spot I saw a woman who
supposedly was Kardashian rich. She sprang from the crowd, pushing
with her big arms, her big brown eyes fixed upon the fridge magnet
as if it were a piece of jewelry from a shop in Dubai! Her head was
held high with attention and she licked her lips in anticipation of
her find. Apart from yelling and pushing, there were foot thumping
and hand slapping and NO, I wasn't mistaken!



It really happened!

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arid and volcanic land

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