Yesterday was the King Neptune (Crossing the Equator) Ceremony.  Nana and Papa have crossed the equator a lot and each time the cruise ship does a special party.  Every seasoned sailor or cruise traveler knows that crossing the equator is a momentous occasion. This long-standing maritime tradition has been celebrated for centuries, bringing humor, fun, and camaraderie to all aboard. Known as the Line-Crossing Ceremony, this event marks the transformation of pollywogs (those crossing for the first time) into shellbacks (seasoned seafarers) under the watchful eye of King Neptune and his royal court.The origins of the Crossing the Line Ceremony date back to the early days of naval exploration. It was a way to initiate those who had never crossed the equator before, often through a series of entertaining and sometimes messy trials. Over time, the event evolved into a grand spectacle, filled with laughter, challenges, and honorary titles. The event is presided over by King Neptune, the mythical ruler of the sea, accompanied by his Queen and mermaids. Pollywogs must prove their worth through a series of entertaining and often outrageous trials. Kissing the fish, water, foam, or slime was also ceremoniously poured over participants to “baptize” them into the realm of King Neptune.  It was a fabulous party on the Lido Deck. Even the captain (who presided over the ceremony) got into it and jumped in the pool with the other pollywogs.

Today we docked at Seychelles.  We were at the dock so it was an easy on and easy off today.  Though the air was filled with a strong fish smell which we found out was from the local tuna fish factory right by the dock. Seychelles is a fascinating island nation with many unique aspects. Seychelles consists of 115 islands, but only about 33 are inhabited. It is the smallest country in Africa by both population and land area. The world’s largest seed, the Coco de Mer, grows only in Seychelles. It is famous for its suggestive shape and can weigh up to 30 kg (66 lbs). Seychelles had no indigenous population. It was uninhabited until the French settled there in the 18th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Seychelles was a favorite hiding spot for pirates. Rumors persist about hidden pirate treasures, including the famous treasure of Olivier Levasseur (La Buse), which has never been found. Seychelles’ culture is a blend of African, French, British, and Indian influences, reflected in its language, music, and cuisine. The country has three official languages: Seychellois Creole, English, and French. Seychelles does not have a standing army. It relies on a small defense force and international partnerships for security.

We had booked a late afternoon tour but in typical fashion Nana decided that she wanted us to go ashore and explore in the morning before our excursion.  So we got ready for the hot weather that was here in Seychelles and went off the ship.  Nana then proceeds to ask me what the plan is.  Now the idea for exploring was Nana’s but she had no plans for what to do.  I found a map and Nana looks at it and then wants to go the local Catholic church.  Part way there she changes her mind and then wants to goto the Botanical Garden.  Well we have a map but it is not clear on how to get there.  Nana asks some fellow shipmates on where to go and we walk and walk and walk.  We eventually find the garden but we definitely took the long way to get there.  It is hot and muggy but we found some breeze in the Botanical garden.  It is small but they have a great tortoise area with some very large tortoises that you can touch and interact with. Nana learned that there are a lot of difference between a turtle and a tortoise. Tortoises are land-dwelling reptiles with thick shells and strong legs, while turtles are water-adapted reptiles with webbed feet and streamlined shells. Of course Nana found some wood tortises just the right size for her Noah’s ark and to teach you (the grandchildren) about turtles and tortises.

We then walked back to our ship (shorter walk this time) had lunch and took a nap before our sunset sailboat cruise.  Back on the dock but the weather was not looking good.  We boarded the sailboat for a very nice night cruise.  We don’t get to go outside the ship a lot at night as most of the time we leave port around dinner time.  We cruised down the northern side of the island, towards North Island, and saw glimpses of the last rays of the setting sun.  We enjoyed some beer and champagne while sitting on the deck.  After the sunset we enjoyed some traditional Seychellois music by a local musician.

We now have two sea days coming up and then we stop at Port Louis, Mauritius and the next day we are at La Possession, Reunion.  We are heading Southwest torwards the Southern tip of Africa. Internet has been spotty and slow on this segment of our journey. For a while the internet was completely off yesterday and everyone was walking around saying what can they do. I have been unable to get my photos to synch with iCloud so the shared folder is way behind for the family updates. Not sure when this will change.