Travelin' Fullers Blog: Cruising the Indonesian Islands and Crossing the Equator

Well, we've had three very restful, mostly sunny sea days. We've managed a couple of trips to the spa ( manicure and hair appointment for Duffy and massage for me while Arlene hits the gym!). Duffy continues to rest up, but is now navigating the long hallways of the Queen Mary 2 without the help of the wheelchair. Today was church service and breakfast out of her room for the first time! So suffice it to say, she is doing better every day !

Our afternoons have variously been entertained with lectures, (mostly Bill), water painting classes (me) and watching a DVD lecture series Bill brought with him on China -- from Yao to Mao. We've all been enjoying the lecture series.....even if a couple of us occasionally doze off briefly!!! :)

Today was the traditional King Neptune ceremony of Polywogs vs Shellbacks! For those uninitiated, it is the traditional ceremony that takes place for those crossing the Equator for the first time (Polywogs) and is performed by Shellbacks (those who have already made the crossing). There were several guests who were appropriately "slimed", kissed the fish and jumped in the pool!

There were several crew members who crossed the equator for the first time and they were REALLY slimed by their fellow crew members--- including some good natured officers! Tonight is our South Seas Formal night-- appropriate after crossing the Equator this morning! Our next port of call is the day after tomorrow at Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Last night we were treated to a fabulous dinner at the upscale restaurant, Todd English, by our friend, Arlene Feen! Many thanks to her for an absolutely charming and delightful evening filled with old family stories from all of us!

And no, we have seen no plane wreckage, though we've spent a lot of hours staring at a very calm sea!