After coffee we went out to Tami's and let the dogs out to go to the bathroom. As soon as they went they wanted back in the house and they marched right back into the bedroom. The dogs cannot stay outside unless there is someone home as we have a lot of coyotes and they like to eat little dogs. the second dog is half the size of the one in the photo.
Where we did not go today.....but the Amsterdam did!
At Sea
Just perfect….. That was today, just perfect. The aft deck was pretty lively as the sun was strong all day with a wonderful breeze. I spent the day with friends and a heavy dose of reading. Making it an early night tonight because tomorrow we dock very early in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. A group of 10 of us, including Allan, Sandra, Aart, Ellen, Corrine, Linda, Del. Joe & Sylvia, are off to the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the 7 New Nature Wonders of the World. Looking forward to a great day!
Postcards from Paradise
Crossing the Equator March 5, 2013 Tuesday
Even though we have already crossed the Equator on this trip way back when we were on the west coast of South America, we did not celebrate the event until today, when we will cross it for the second time. At 10am, Captain Mercer blew the horn once, commencing the beginning of the ceremony. The crazy tradition began centuries ago with the sailors who wished a safe passage and smooth waters. In order to achieve this, sacrifices have to be made, and some crew members made the perfect prisoners. King Neptune or Poseidon with his three-pronged spear is chief of the Water Deities. He can assure safe passage or not. So he reads the decree to start the process of the prisoner initiation. Four crew members at a time are judged, then "slimed" with tinted egg whites. They either get dunked in the pool, or condemned to kiss the fish. Yes, a really big, ugly stinky fish. It's just fun watching them do both. It's also a huge mess to clean up later. It's too bad the rain decided to fall hard by the time the ceremony began. Usually, we can go up on deck nine and photograph the event from a better angle. It wasn't possible today...the retractable roof was closed. Do you know how unbearably hot and humid it was under that closed dome? We only lasted in there 10 minutes, annoyed with the camera lens that kept steaming up. The main thing is that the event worked, because the rain, thunder, and lightening eased up by the afternoon. We were able to spend some time at the aft pool, although did not go swimming. We heard by the gasps of some guests that the pool had been filled with cold water. We swear the temperature of the back pool must have been close to 100 degrees yesterday. Not refreshing at all. This evening was formal with the theme being "Under the Sea" for the crossing of the Equator, of course. Colorful mobiles of shimmering fish hung throughout the dining room. Very large helium balloons of octopus, crabs, clown fish, and tangs livened up the tables. Many guests walked away with the decorations to take home to their rooms. King Neptune under the Sea Ball was held in the Queens Lounge at 10pm. We'll find out how that went tonorrow from our tablemates that may have attended. Bill & Mary Ann    |
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