So, does anyone out there know what a shellback is?
We certainly did not. At least not before we attended the Shellback Ceremonies. A Shellback is someone who has crossed the equator in a ship.
On the day we crossed the equator, September 20, 2014, the ship planned some special activities for those who were not yet Shellbacks.
Our social activities director arranged for games out on the bow during the day. The games all involved lines, like limbo and tug-of-war. Unfortunately, I was working in the galley at that time and was unable to participate. However, it sounded like such fun!
In the evening, the ship hosted a Madagascar Mocktail Party. Instead of alcoholic cocktails, there were inspired non-alcoholic "mocktail" beverages available along with snacks. Some people dressed up, including the captain and his family. The captain dressed as a penguin, his wife as a hippo, and his son as a zebra; all characters from the Madagascar movie!
All that was required to receive our official Shellback certificate was one last task: kissing a fish! Yuck! Lucky for us, the fish was a large inflated dolphin. Unfortunately, the dolphins was losing air with every passing minute and was a mere shadow of its former self by the end of the festivities.
In the end, though, we got our certificates!
For those of you who are unable to read what is written, here is a copy:
TO ALL SAILORS WHEREVER YE MAY BE, and to all Mermaids, Whales, Sea Serpents, Porpoises, Sharks, Dolphins, Eels, Skates, Suckers, Crabs, Lobsters, and all other Living Things of the Sea. GREETINGS: Know ye that on this 20th day of September, 2014, at the equator there appeared within Our Royal Domain the M/V Africa Mercy.
BE IT REMEMBERED
That the said Vessel and Officer and Crew thereof have been inspected and passed on by Ourselves and Our Royal Staff
AND BE IT KNOWN By all ye Sailors, Mariners, Land Lubbers and others who may be honored by his presence that
JESSICA DATA
having been found worthy to be numbered one of our Trusty Shellbacks he has been duly initiated into the
SOLEMN MYSTERIES OF THE ANCIENT ORDER F THE DEEP
BE IT FURTHER UNDERSTOOD That by virtue the power invested in me I do hereby command all subjects of creation to
DISOBEY THIS ORDER UNDER PENALTY OF OUR ROYAL DISPLEASURE
Given under our hand and seal this 20th day of September, 2014,
Signed
Jesu Christus Rex
True Ruler of the Raging Main
Overseen by his servant
Joe and I hope to someday become a Diamondback, which is crossing the 0, 0 which is crossing the intersection of the Equator and Prime Meridian. Then, of course, there is the double Diamondback. Lots to look forward to! Though it all depends on where we go country next!
No comments:
Post a Comment