Crossing the Equator

Today, we have crossed from the Northern to the Southern hemispheres at midmorning, and experienced many of the legendary traditions although I think they are a little overhyped. Otherwise, it was a typical “sea day”. I’ve decided to document my day’s activities but will add some shipboard intrigue and hope it won’t be too boring for those familiar with my routines.

I woke up as usual about 10:30, in time to take my shower, shave, get dressed, have my morning cup of tea, then read and responded to my text messages and emails. At 11:45 I went up to meet my friends for our daily trivia game and bowl of split pea soup. Our trivia game is quite rigorous, with a maximum of 6 players to a team, no cell phones to access google are allowed, and some questions can get quite obscure. Winning prize is 6 free mimosas, but all drinks are free anyway so I guess the real prize is “bragging rights”. Our team generally scores 7-10 correct answers out of 15. Today we had 7, not 6 players, so I volunteered to join another team. Well guess what, my new team scored 13 correct answers out of 15 questions placing us in first place. Needless to say, I’m sticking with the winning team.

Today is our 23^rd day of sailing, and I’ve had  one haircut which cost me $39 + tip, about the same as home and it was a good one even though my hair is tougher to cut & style. I was pleased with the results. It was also time for my second load of laundry. Each deck has a laundry room equipped with 4 washers and dryers and associated ironing boards and automatic soap dispensers. We load our washers and return later to transfer clothes to he dryers. It is rumored that one individual left their clothes in the dryer a little too long, and a “good Samaritan” took the clothes out and FOLDED them neatly. The clothes’ owner returned, an argument flared and the clothes’ owner punched the good Samaritan in the face. We heard the argument related to the good Samaritan touching the other guy’s wife’s underwear and the puncher was required to leave the ship at the next port.

Next came bridge, I am now mentoring Jane, a neat beginning bridge player who has excellent card sense and potential. It should be fun playing with Jane and watching her improve her game. This brings us to 4:30 pm and the next day’s Excursion and Port Talk. The talk focused on French Polynesia, Bora Bora and Moorea and covered the various excursions, special details and last minute changes.

Next came a dilemma. Grilled Lobster tails (all you can eat) were offered for dinner at the World Café from 6-9 pm and I had dinner plans at 8:00 with dear friends from the Life@Sea crowd. I decided to get three lobster tails as an appetizer at 6:00, then joined Gary and Mary at the Chef’s table @ 8:00pm for the rest of an excellent meal. Naturally, I was busted (LOL)

After dinner I picked a Sambuca and sipping it in my cabin as I complete todays post.