On September 27th 2010 we crossed the Equator at the prime meridian. This means that for an instant our lattitude and longitude were 0 and 0.
Lots of folks cross the equator but not very many do it at the precise spot where the longitude becomes zero.
The next day was Neptune day. Which means that those who have previously crossed the equator on a ship (they are called SHELLBACKS) get to
initiate the POLYWOGS (those who just crossed for the first time)
Below are pictures of the rite of passage! Mary and I went through our initiation on our first Semester at Sea Voyage in 1990 so you
won't see us.
Click on the Thumb Nail to see the full size picture
The SAS folks sent me this great video about the prime meridian!
With a crashing of cymbols King Neptune's entourage arrives!
King Neptune and Queen Neptune.
Special Guests, Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah!
The ceremony begins with a dousng of green slime.
You must now jump in the pool
As you leave the pool you have to kiss the sacred fish
You kiss King Neptune's ring and bow properly to the Queen!.. or get pushed back into the pool again.
As you submit to the great sword you are pronounced a worthy SHELLBACK
The SAS folks also sent me this great video of the Neptune day events!
With a crashing of cymbols King Neptune's entourage arrives!
King Neptune and Queen Neptune.
Special Guests, Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah!
The ceremony begins with a dousng of green slime.
You must now jump in the pool
As you leave the pool you have to kiss the sacred fish
You kiss King Neptune's ring and bow properly to the Queen!.. or get pushed back into the pool again.
As you submit to the great sword you are pronounced a worthy SHELLBACK