Crossing the Equator with King Neptune

Since leaving Belem, our first Brazillian port, we have enjoyed sunny, warm weather as these photos will confirm.  The first one (if they come in the intended order) was taken at dinner one evening with Molise and Niels (Denmark).  Happily, Niels has a quick wit and constantly provides us with lots to laugh about.  He and Ken are toasting with their ice cream dishes having just finished eating their own concoction of a rum and raisin version.

 

 

The next photos show the equator crossing ritual complete with King Neptune (aka Fernando) and his entourage who treated the "guppies" who haven't done it before with the traditional dousing of everything from spaghetti sauce to lard!  Happily, this was our fifth such event and so we got to sit on the sidelines and watch. The young entertainers who performed the dirty deeds seemed more enthusiastic than in the past.  Our Captain dislikes anything messing up his deck so it was covered with plastic before the fun began.  A good time was had by all and the "newbies" were very good sports!

 

 

The final photo is of Sujith, one of our favourite crew members.  We met him in 2007 when he was the pool bartender and he has risen in the ranks over the years to become the Head of all Food and Beverages on our ship.  A very important role as you might imagine when so many people are quite focussed on what they eat!!  We expect someday to see him running the entire Silversea operation!

 

 

Our sea days are filled with reading, a bit of exercise for Ken, and lots of interesting conversations around the pool during the day and at dinner in the evenings.  Last night, Catherine (Singapore) hosted a special dinner for 9 of us.  She supervised the kitchen staff as they prepared a delicious Indian/Malaysian meal according to her own recipes.  She also chose special wines to accompany these wonderful dishes and we all enjoyed a great evening. 

 

 

Tomorrow we dock in Salvador de Bahia and we are told it is a very charming old colonial town with lots of interesting architecture and a good local market.  Goodness knows what we'll pick up.

 

 

We had our first dolphin sighting today and that is always a treat.  But now it's time for a brief nap before we get ready for dinner tonight.  More food, more fun and of course the odd drink to keep things well lubricated!

 

K & D