So Long at Sea

Life aboard the ship these last 5 or so days has been an adventure. We have met so  many interesting people. Today we dined with an elderly couple who once lived right outside Downton Abbey. Their familes were "Strikers" which I believe means the poor folks who serve the castle in one way or the other.  They once returned to the village after moving to Canada and  promptly drove their rental car  right up to the castle entry way.  See those Canadians can have a wild streak.

The entertainment has really been fun if not on the quirky side.  We had a comedian come on stage that played the bag pipes. What a funny guy and we heard he was even funnier on the next showing due to a few too many well drinks.  Two nights ago we had a harmonica player who reminded us of Marco, if Marco was 70 years old with bottle cap glasses.

There have also been some really good speakers who have discussed outer space, the

islands, and the fish and whales that live out here. Now we're taking this on faith as we have seen little wildlife if you discount the bag pipe player.

Another weird event was when we crossed the equator.  They had an elaborate hazing for newby crew members that involved colored egg white bath, and begging the indulgence of King Neptune and his inner court.  The king offered us kind weather and good food after the new crew kissed the giant fish.

Tomorrow we hit Apia, home of Robert Louis Stevenson.  Gayle and I plan on waliking the town while being very careful with what we put in our mouth.  We were just given the warning sheet about food poisioning and any number of tropical malaise that we could fall victums of.  One item in particular is that the natives will open little markets with fruit and trinkets.  If you touch it, you've bought it and the price will be a mystery of negotiation.