From pollywog to shellback

Sunset in the middle of the Indian Ocean as we cross the Equator 

Today, we welcomed a visit by the Roman god of water and the sea on the ship’s Neptune Day. The event is a take on the line-crossing ceremony of Pollywog to Shellback in the U.S. Navy, when those who cross the equator for the first time, the pollywogs, become shellbacks.  

At least 150 students had their heads shaved. Longer locks were donated to charity

Passengers were asked to show up on deck wearing bathing suits and clothes and warned they may get a bit dirty. Festivities began at 7 a.m. or so when the faculty and the captain (Right: painted in green) performed a Neptune Day ceremony as we crossed the Equator. Kool-aid was poured over students who then jumped into the pool, kissed a dead fish as they climbed out and ran a ring around King Neptune.

Next week we have our own Olympics competition, pitting LLLs, faculty and dependent children against groups of students. I am helping to design a flag for our Lunasea group, competing in building two-storey house of cards, stringing cheerios on a piece of yarn and playing musical chairs.