Neptune Day!

Now as you may already know, I had been attempting to prepare for Neptune Day for awhile. However, the faculty and staff on the ship make that incredibly difficult when they refuse to tell you ANYTHING about what happens that day, including what time the ceremony begins.

It began with a wake-up crew, very similar to that of Mountain Day at JC. There was yelling, banging pots and pans, whistles, and the like. I jumped up immediately and jumped in the shower to wash and then dry my hair for the last time.

Pollywogs (haven’t crossed the equator yet) were about to become shellbacks (have crossed).

Once up on the pool deck, a parade of costumed shellbacks (faculty and staff) marched in followed by two of our deans dressed as King Neptune and Queen Minerva. It was quite the spectacle. Each had specific roles to play in the ceremony.

We began by pairing off to have “fish guts” poured on us. It wasn’t really fish guts, just some green slimy substance. Then to the pool to rise off. Next step was kissing not one, but two fish. I could have done without this. We bowed to the queen and then kissed the king’s ring. After that my drawing professor and other woman sprinkled “salt” (actually raw sugar) onto us while saying some chant.

Then to the hair cutting. The sound of all of the razors going was so creepy. I watched quite a few people get it done before I was pushed into the chair. HOLY COW, it was intense. A rather large crowd gathered, many a photo were taken, and my name was even chanted for a bit. It was the strangest, coolest thing I’ve ever done.

The worst part was walking around with my ponytail in hand. Ew.

I was 1 of 6 women to get their head shaved that day, and I’m still loving it. We’ve all received really great reactions from everybody on the ship. We’re kind of well known. It’s really nice; now everyone says hi to me! J

My showers are so incredibly quick.