Land Ho

Morning, 12 January 2013

I find it very hard to believe that a week has gone by.  We have been at sea for almost eight days.  We haven't seen any land; only one container ship yesterday and two birds, one an albatross, the day before.  As I write, the island of Nuku Hiva can be dimly seen in the hazy distance.  We should arrive at this small French Polynesian volcanic rock around noon.

I have spent the days at sea following the rhythm of shipboard life.  Up early.  Sometimes we have breakfast, sometimes just coffee.  I'll attend a few lectures, have lunch, read and attend another lecture.  Tea time is at four PM.  Michael and I try to walk laps for an hour on the upper deck weather permitting.  Then it is time to shower and dress for dinner. We have cocktails in the bar then a leisurely four course dinner.  Sometimes we go up on deck after dinner to view the stars.  Orion is now sideways and Canopus is visible above the horizon.

I actually stayed awake long enough the other day to see the evening performance by the ships resident company of singers and dancers.  They performed a medley of show tunes for an hour or so.

I have managed to read one book and started another.  I learned a bit about how to buy black pearls and Australian opals.  Michael and I have been entertained by a former BBC reporter/anchor and a destination lecturer.  I watched a cooking demonstration and sampled "prawn fritters",  shrimp to us from the U.S.

Yesterday we crossed the equator and the ship's company held the traditional equator crossing ceremony.  The "pollywogs" who are crossing for the first time are embarrassed and the entertainers and cruise director dress up as King Neptune and his court.  Everyone has fun.