CROSSING THE EQUATOR

 Day 11/121 - 

We have left Hawaii and have five Sea Days before reaching French Polynesia.  Our first stop was to be Bora Bora.  I did say “was”!  Unfortunately, there is a medical emergency on board and we are skipping Bora Bora and traveling at full speed to Papeete, Tahiti instead where the medical facilities are better.  Being flexible and taking care of the passengers is a priority for Viking.  That’s fine with me, except that we were going to go on a glass bottom boat in Bora Bora.  I’m disappointed that we’re not doing that.  Oh well……

Tonight we crossed the Equator!  They actually had a Crossing Celebration this afternoon even though we had not crossed yet.  Anyone who has never “crossed over” are called “pollywogs” and did a plunge in the pool followed by a glass of champagne.  Then they became “shellbacks”.  It was fun to watch!  Mark and I are pollywogs, but didn’t take the plunge.  Now that we have “crossed-over” do we become “shellbacks” anyway?  I doubt it, but it’s something to ponder……

There are a ton of things to do on Sea Days!  So far this week I have attended two Photography Workshops, a lecture about “The History, Taboos and Culture of Polynesia”, a lecture called “Matisse & The Polynesian Islands”, A Cooking Demonstration: Sushi, Line Dancing Class and a Lecture called “Unveiling Whale Societies”.  Meanwhile, Mark attends two Bridge programs a day - a class in the morning and Duplicate Play in the afternoon.  He has also attended a couple of the lectures with me, plus a lecture called “The Bushy Tree of Human Evolution”.  He also attended two musical events after dinner this week: Guest Entertainer: Terrell Edwards who is called “the perfect blend between Sinatra and Motown” (He opened for Jay Leno in Vegas) and Viking Vocalist Kyle Mckechnie who sings a variety of music styles while wearing a kilt.  Side Note - while Mark is attending the evening events, I spend time in our state room in my pjs reading or blogging. He has really enjoyed the performances and has encouraged me to go with him.  I definitely plan to get out of my box (be OPEN) and go next time!

Every evening when our room is prepped for “turn-down service” we get this Viking Newsletter full of events for the following day.  There is so much to do!

There have been a lot of food events this week too!  Avocado Toast Day, Sandwich Day, Stir Fry Day and tonight is Surf and Turf! Displays are incredible!

Besides eating, attending lectures, taking classes, playing games and seeing concerts, we do other things on sea days too!

WALKING: there is an outdoor track on level two. (Four laps around equal one mile)

SUNBATHING & SWIMMING: Mark has done this and enjoys it.  (Im avoiding this for now because of my recent facial surgery.  See blog post “Life Isn’t Always Perfect” about that:)

LAUNDRY:  great laundry facilities on every floor.

READING:  I joined a book club!  We have a list of 4 books to read and I started my January book yesterday.  (All the book choices tie in with the areas we are visiting.)

This pretty well sums up what we have been doing this week on our Sea Days.  I actually enjoy the quiet days.  And, life is pretty good on this ship!  I can certainly take the fresh sheets and towels every night, the fabulous cuisine and the views! Four months may not be long enough!  I’m getting use to this!

One more thing……. Apparently, I am a SHELLBACK after all!  I was awarded a certificate!