Neptune Day

We knew that today was Neptune Day, but we really didn't know what the agenda was.  My understanding of Neptune Day is that it's a historical celebration of sailors who cross the equator for their first time, and you move from being a "pollywog" to being a "shellback" once you have been initiated.  It started out with a parade of Neptune's court (mostly faculty and staff who had crossed the equator previously).  They paraded throughout the halls of the ship beating drums, blowing whistles and yelling to wake everyone up around 800 hrs ship time.

Then participants walked through the pool and then lined up to kiss a fish and be blessed by King Neptune.

Then they walked through another group to get doused with (allegedly) fish guts.  It was some kind of green gook.

Then there was the option to get your head shaved. 

I couldn't believe the number of people who chose to get their hair cut in various degrees--some shaved, some mohawks, some close cut--and how good they actually looked with a shaved head.  Donating hair to "locks of love" was an option for the girls with long hair, and some took advantage.

This before and after shot shows the difference, and some parents are going to be in for a shock.

I'm personally guarding every hair on my head.

Then things settled down after lunch.  I heard a conversation in the middle of the afternoon when one girl asked another.  "Should we be studying?  Everybody else is."  Yes, they should have been because the second global studies exam is tomorrow night.

At 1700 hrs. we got the call for dinner--a cookout-- and lines were out the door.  Mac and Cheese, steaks, and chicken were the menu.  Plates were heaping, but everyone seemed to have room for the ice cream afterwards.

I headed for the Union after dinner to find a place to sit to watch the talent show that didn't start for another 45 min.  It was already starting to fill up, and we wanted good seats.

The opening act was a rendition of "Amazing Grace" done with bagpipes, ukulele, drums and piano.

It was a perfect start to a great evening of entertainment that included a champion rope jumper, comedy, original readings, break dancing, show tunes and lots of good music.