As some of you may know, here is an old tradition that when the equator is crossed at sea, there is a e ceremony. Father Neptune himself visits. All those crossing for the first time, kiss the fish, and the rings of Neptune’s servants, are touched by Neptune’s trident, and finally have their head shaved. Everyone was assured the any part of this procedure was optional. Well, the day came, and although I had crossed the equator before, it was during the war on a Japanese ship and there was no ceremony, so I decided to join in this time. So Audrey and I got into our swim-things, walked along the edge of the pool, Audrey got doused with the green ‘fish guts’ (somehow they missed me), we climbed down into the pool, duly kissed this huge fish, kissed the rings, were ‘smote’ with Neptune,s trident and thereby qualified to call ourselves SHELLBACKS and later were given certificates to prove it. You will see them on our return. But I, quite spontaneously, carried away by the spirit of the occasion walked over to one of four chairs, and supported by the cheers of the students, gave myself up to having my head shaved!! Will I ever grow up? (Never, I hope!
I will let the photos take over the narrative. Unfortunately there is no picture of neither Audrey nor I kissing the fish etc as we were in the pool, but as for the rest:- 
Later that day, all us skin-heads were invited up top the top deck to have our photo taken. What follows is not the official photo, but a good friend took it with my camera.
I’m the one in black and green (and the shaved head!)
So there you are, your crazy sister, mother, friend, let loose on the equator. Of course it was done on the spur on, and in the heat of the moment. The consequences will be with me for WEEKS to come. This is the first time I have ever smothered my scalp with suntan lotion AND worn a hot whenever possible outdoors. I have had moments when I have thought ‘oh my god – why, why ever did I do it?’ but by and large I’m happy. After all – it will grow – it has already started, a lovely little fuzz. I should be presentable by the time I get home.
I think my blog about Mauritius will have to wait. Hopefully tomorrow. You can cross your fingers, but don’t hold your breath! This ship just swallows up time!!
As always I miss you, wish I could have you here, and send you ALL MY LOVE .
Liz, Mum, Granny
You have made my day! Yet again!!
ReplyDeleteNot only was it a wonderful gesture to the great god Neptune, everyone on the ship, all your blogging friends back home and the world at large but you look truly magnificent! No, really, I mean it. You have looked increasingly younger with each degree of longitude - did I tell you that before? - but the head-shaving has accelerated this rejuvenation by a major leap and bound. You now look incredibly young and blissfully happy. If that is what hurtling round the world does for you I must remember to try it some time! I hope all those hundreds of young people who are your shipmates realize how lucky they are. The oceans you have traversed thus far must be awash with discarded years; the great whales would know all about it, I'm sure. I await your next youthful revelation with bated breath. Also, it would be nice to hear about Mauritius and what happened there. I have become an addicted blogger, as you may have noticed, and have come close to forgetting that I live on dry(ish) land in Ontario. Even my dog has noticed; she has started making a noise like a sea-lion and has made it clear that fish is her favorite food. Mind you, she doesn't have an un-favorite food. Lots of love. David.