SAS 126 meets King Neptune

Today was Neptune day!! I was awoken by the staff stomping down the halls banging on what sounded like drums and pounding on doors. It was 0730. While I had heard rumors that this would happen, I totally thought everyone was joking. They were not. Thankfully ship life has me waking up around this time anyway so it was not extremely early for me. At 0800, Neptune day officially began with a ceremony and the entrance of King Neptune. We watched as the student life staff (basically the RD’s) went through the ceremony and gave room for staculty and other voyagers. After waiting 15 minutes in the heat surrounded by sticky sweaty students, it was our turn. Kelly and Myla went first and Valeria and I went second. We ran up to the pool holding hands as the ritual began. Green slime was poured over my head before we were told to jump into the pool. We jumped, still holding hands, and swam to the other side of the pool. After climbing out we were told kiss a fish, bow to the Queen (Dean Marti) and kiss King Neptune (the Captain)'s ring. It was an experience for sure. It was also my first time in the pool on the ship - how exciting!!

The other important part of the day happened next. Yes, the razors and scissors came out as four staculty began shaving people’s heads on the 9th deck. Some people did their whole heads, others only shaved a line off the bottom. Everyone shaved their heads - guys and girls, dependents, students, and staculty. Not to worry I still have a head of hair! It was very exciting to watch. Everyone surrounded those getting their hair shaved as we chanted words of support and cheered as the first pieces of hair fell off each person.

This was sadly the end of Neptune day festivities; however, the rest of the day served as a study day for the ship. As I walked through the ship I found students sprawled out in hallways, “classrooms”, and of course, by the pool. While we were all still pumped from the festivities of Neptune day, midterm season is officially upon us. Our global studies midterm - the class which everyone on the ship is required to take - in two days and the ship is buzzing with anticipation to get it over with. Speaking of which, I should probably go study for that now, more later!! xx