Thursday 17th January – A brilliant day at sea.

We awoke this morning early, both feeling much better.  Well.... nearly.  Peter was still coughing, I still had a red nose that thought it was a tap, and we both felt a little drained, and washed out.  But still better

So after breakfast we headed out of the Bistro onto the deck to see what was occurring.  As we opened the door, we were almost forced back into the Bistro by the humidity and heat.  Temperatures were due to rise to 30^o C today, and it was already like an oven outside..  The haze caused by the humidity did nothing to ease the burn of the sun.  Hats on, sunglasses on, we headed for the front deck and some fresh air.  We were hoping that time out of the air conditioned environment of the ship might help Peter’s cough.  The sea is, and has been amazingly flat and comfortable, the skies blue and the sun bright and warm, Although I’ve been hiding in me cabin for the last two days, everyone else have been cooking themselves into a glorious shade of chestnut.  Bare brown flesh everywhere!   Nice then, as long as we didn’t stay out too long.

Back indoors, Peter’s classes went well, and once they’d finished, we grabbed a very quick lunch and headed out onto the rear deck for one of the main events of the day, “The Equator Ceremony”.  The heat was intense, but everyone had been reminded re hats, fluids and sunscreen.  Temperatures, parasols and spirits were up, and fluids were going down,  judging by the worn out look on the bar and waiting staff.

 

During the Equator Ceremony, the ship asks permission of King Neptune, the God of the Sea, to cross the Equator.  For us, (and similar to last year), it was an hour of fun along the lines of “I’m An Entertainer, Get Me Out of Here!”  The entertainnment team performed hilarious tasks, got voted off and then pushed into the pool.  I think they were grateful for the last bit, as at least the water was cool.  At the end of the competition, the winner was presented to King Neptune as proof that the ship was worthy to cross the line, and King Neptune very kindly agreed.

One of the contestants on "I'm an Entertainer, Get Me Out of Here"

King Neptune’s fishy seafaring attire is created for him by the handmaidens of the craft clubs.  Last year, they carefully designed a crown of card, lined inside, and out with metal beaten mirror smooth.  (Tin foil).   Unfortunately King Neptune suffers from a common affliction of his sex in that as he has grown older, his hair has grown less, and he now sports the traditional bowling ball shine where his hair used to be.  This, coupled with the cunning design of the crown, the heat from the sun, and an hour waiting for the contestants to complete their tasks resulted in King Neptunes cranium glowing fiery red beneath his crown.  The handmaidens were concerned that the glowing pattern created might be permanent, like a tattoo.  Luckily there was no long term damage. 

Therefore  the design this year did not include the ability to cook popcorn on top the head of the Sea God, (although they did wonder if they should try it), and the Kings glorious headdress was seen once again to be as bright as the sun, but inside was a lot cooler.  So was his “robe” I believe...... I’m sure they hid his knees last time!

King Neptune in his specially designed crown.  Please note his trident is made of the same beaten metal.

 A brilliant afternoon for all, but it didn’t stop there.  We went to the front deck to stare at the sea as it changed from deep blue, to green, to muddy brown.  There was no land on the horizon, and wouldn’t be for several hours, but we were seeing the effects of the millions of gallons of fresh water pouring into the sea from the Amazon.  I’m told sailors have found fresh water a hundred miles out from land (or something like that).  It is amazing to see, as is the fact that water takes on an eerie flatness.  No swell and only little rippling waves.  We also managed to see some odd looking fish.  Fascinating!

After a nap and dinner we went out on deck at 9pm to watch “Rock Your Socks Off”.  I didn’t know what to expect and assumed it would be a music quiz.......  Which it was....... Sort of.......   If by music quiz you include a petulant quiz master, everyone singing, a conga, an assistant cruise director being “knobbled” to prevent her side winning and a dance off.  I don’t think anyone left the deck until the “quiz” was finished, but the audience swelled as passengers  came out to see what all the noise was about.  If you ever sail on the Marco Polo and this quiz is on the entertainment program, I highly recommend that you go take part.  Fantastic fun.

And then, before you know it, it was the “Crossing the Equator Party”.  Everyone was still in high spirits from the “Rock Your Socks” Off quiz, and the mood carried on.  Peter has found a soul mate in the guest comedian Andi Ford.  You should have seen them together dancing to “Greased Lightening”!  An excellent end to a really good day. 

Runny nose?  Drained and washed out?  Did I say that?  Nah, we finished on a high.  (Although maybe a little knackered after dancing in that humidity).  Tomorrow is another “sea day”, although not really, as we’ll be sailing up river to our first port, Santarem.  So it’ll be a “river day”.  I am so looking forward to it.