Pre-'Nib

Our journey from Morocco to Namibia has flown by. It's really fascinating how time passes differently on the ship. The days start blurring together and I've find myself wondering...when was that conversation? Last night? Two nights ago? It's probably because I've grown into a very steady daily rhythm and schedule. I'll wake up from a nap, the room is pitch dark as always, and I have to check my watch to see what day it is. Sometimes I worry that I'm letting time pass too quickly, but then I look at the calendar and realize that we're still just getting started.
We reach Walvis Bay, Namibia tomorrow. I have some fantastic things planned for my three days there, and I can't wait to get started. After Namibia, we have one day of sailing before Cape Town, South Africa. Like before, I'll try to blog in between countries.
Happy early Valentine's Day everyone! Share the love!

Neptune Day

We crossed the equator yesterday. The water wasn't quite clear enough for me to see the white line but I did feel a bump when we went over it. The water totally spins the other way down the drain.

It's an old maritime tradition to initiate new sailors (Pollywogs) who are crossing the equator for the first time. So here on the ship they take a day off classes to celebrate Neptune Day. Every student received a summons to appear before King Neptune and his court. We all pledged allegiance to Neptune (painted green, pretty sure he was the captain with a long wig). Then we underwent a baptism of sorts (traditionally sailors are dunked in fish guts...tasted like iced tea to me). Then a rinse in the pool, and I kissed the fish (tasted like fish to me). Then the biggie: volunteers had their heads shave. I volunteered and I'm now a very bald Son of Neptune. It actually an OK look for me, who'da thunk?

Some people at Chapman will be happy to hear that the MoD Squad (mediocre dance squad) had a successful first meet. We definitely got noticed and we're hoping for a much bigger turnout next time.

That's the news. My head is cold so I'm going to go find a hat.