Lots to do (and eat) on our sea days. The kitchen has made many ginger bread houses, there is one large display and some on the bars. They do not appear to be made of ginger bread but all kinds of foods – lady fingers for logs, shreddies for bricks, macaroons for tiles etc.
When we crossed the equator King Neptune and his wife Neptuna came aboard to baptize all the polliwogs (anyone who has not crossed the equator by sea before). Once you are baptized you are a shellback. King Neptune looked a lot like Santa Claus! Polliwogs are not permitted to cross the equator by sea and if a ship has any polliwogs aboard at crossing bad things will happen.
Each polliwogs had to kiss the fish on the lips (it looked like a red snapper) then bow before King Neptune. The king then baptized them with either a white goop or water. The crew had no choice they got the goop, passengers had a choice.
We have a very interesting speaker on board, Robert Schrire. He is a professor at Princton and is speaking about world politics, economics and his view of possible scenarios going forward. He has consulted with world leaders including Nelson Mandela, who he will be speaking about today.
Linda, I have been going to the gym, however, I have also been enjoying the food (there is chocolate everywhere!). There is also team trivia (our group plays every day), various golf games, wine tastings, high teat every day etc.
The captain has told us there is a cyclone in the Indian Ocean, however, it is a long ways from us and he does not expect any problems except maybe a little cloudiness and some swells. So far our weather has been excellent, we had about 1/2 hour of light rain in Male, otherwise clear skies and not too hot.
Nancie and Ross, a couple we met told about the Follies that are on in Palm Desert. Apparently it features retired professional performers, including some big names that live in the area, and is an excellent show. They said we should go while we are there. It runs until April and this will be the last year.