WorldTravelReynolds

The equator is an imaginary line around the middle of the Earth at an equal distance from the North Pole and the South Pole. Today we crossed that imaginary line.

Historically, being a rookie sailor was one of the most degrading positions on a ship. Crossing the equator was a right of passage for the rookies. The event was traditionally celebrated with ceremonies, which have come to be called the “crossing the line” ceremonies. The pollywogs became shellbacks. We will have our traditional ceremony later in the month since it fell on Christmas during this trip.

We got up at 8 am so that Chuck could take the photo on the TV screen showing 0 minutes as it’s read. I read it as degrees. For some reason it jumped from 1 minute north to 1 minute south. But, he got the photo. I was with friends on the helicopter pad. Why? Just for fun. We didn’t see anything but a bright sunny sky and lots of blue ocean. They say when crossing from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean the line can be seen in the direction of the water. I bet we will get that opportunity.

We didn’t do much during the day on Christmas. Had a choir with some friends we know singing Christmas Carols that we enjoyed. The rest of the day was relaxing. Dinner with friends and a Christmas show. We talked to some of the family in the evening. We felt like we were missing out this year, missing our family.

Tomorrow is our first stop in Brazil. Fortaleza. not much at this stop so we won’t do much. Recife and Rio are coming up!

Merry Christmas and may God bless you always.

Chuck and Lea Ann