4TH Grade!

Hey Guys! Just left Ghana a few days ago and had some catching up to do. Aaron was saying that he wanted to know more about Ghana especially for it's name. Something that I looked up after leaving was that Ghana means "warrior king." In medieval Ghana the kings of the land were named Ghana and later the name became the title of the land. It is a very interesting sounding name and it has a pretty interesting past. Jasmine also talked about how Ghana would be an interesting place and yes it is. Ghana was by far the most enjoyable country to visit so far. One trip that I wish I could have gone on was a drumming and dancing trip. I was on the Volta Eco Adventure so I didn't get a chance to go but on the trip they learned how to drum and dance in traditional styles. The music in Ghana means a lot to their culture and plays many roles in their lives. That would be something interesting to check out if you get a chance; Ghanaian drum and dance music.

Another exciting thing that has happened since Ghana is Neptune Day. Neptune Day is the day that we cross over the equator. If you have not crossed the equator by water before you have to be properly inducted as a "Shellback." This is a notice we received from King Neptune himself.

To all Pollywogs (otherwise known as persons who have never crossed the equator
by sea): You are hereby requested to appear before the ROYAL COURT OF THE
REALM OF NEPTUNE, in the DISTRICT OF EQUATORIUS. It has been brought to
the attention of HIS HIGHNESS, NEPTUNE REX through his trusty SHELLBACKS,
that the good ship MV EXPLORER is about to cross the equator and enter those
waters accompanied by passengers who have not acknowledged the sovereignty of
the RULER OF THE DEEP. THEREFORE be it known to all Slimy Pollywogs that
The Royal King NEPTUNE REX, Supreme Ruler of all citizens of the deep, will with
his Secretary and Royal Court meet in full session on-board the offending ship M.V.
EXPLORER on the 26th day of September AD 2009 at 0900 on Deck 7 Aft to hear
your defense.
Regards,
King Neptune and His Royal Court

It was a pretty fun event. The day of September 26th we were woken up by the "royal court," our crew dressed in toga-like outfits and other crazy garb. They were banging pots, pans, drums and playing horns. They came by our rooms twice. After everyone was woken up we were called to the seventh deck to begin the ceremony. We were out by the pool and two at a time we presented ourselves in front of King Neptune, the Queen, and their royal quart. King Neptune was actually the captain of the Mv Explorer which was pretty funny. He was painted green and had a triton and a royal crown. As we stood in front of them we were christened with the royal waters (colored water and fish trimmings). Then we had to jump into the pool to wash it away. By the time all 500 students and a few crew members all dove into the pool with the royal water on them the pool water had turned black. After the water we kissed a fish and were knighted as shellbacks of the deep. I get a certificate sometime. As one last show of your gratitude to King Neptune people lined up to get their heads shaved by the royal barber (one of the professors aboard). Not everyone did it but quite a few did. There were about 12 girls I would guess and several guys including myself. I am now bald and in debt to King Neptune.

Thanks King Neptune for taking my hair.