Capetown, South Africa

We arrived at about 0545 and by 0615 the South African immigration and customs people were on board.  For the first time on our voyage each member of the ship (about 700 students, faculty, staff, and life long learners) had to appear before immigration and customs officials, and have our passports stamped. They called us by groups and we headed to the faculty lounge where everything was set up very efficiently.  The ship was cleared by about 0730.  Every time we come into port the ship closes down one dining room (given all of our field trips) and given that everyone had to get up real early the dining room and outside area was packed.  This is what our view was from the back deck as we had our breakfast; being spring time it was a wonderful morning, in the low 60s.  If only I had the NY Times or Washington Post to read, it would have been perfect.

Table Mountain in the back ground

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Yesterday, the day before we arrived in South Africa, the Archbishop talked to the global seminar class (all the students and faculty) for 90 minutes about his life and Apartheid.  His talk was very genuine and from the heart.  He encouraged the students to dream, to dream and to pray to God to help with their dreams.  His talk was both serious and lighthearted, punctuated by a most infectuous (sp?) laugh.  He clearly is a favorite among all of us on board.

The Archbishop

Study Hall

With only one day of classes to go before we arrive at Capetown, and then 5 wonderful days to explore South Africa professors are giving tests and having papers due.  Space is tight throughout the ship to find a place to study so I thought I would show you a popular spot where the students head for some serious studying (I never had this type of location during my college days....)

Aarrgh-- my birthday celebration

Adjacent to the 5th deck dining room is one of the classrooms that is turned into a "special" dining room in the evening.  About 6 tables are set up to accommodate tables for 4 to 6 people.  One has to reserve several days ahead of time. Well, last night we hosted two other couples for my birthday celebration.  Given that I had just given a lecture to the entire ship on the East African piracy problem I was given a patch and hat to cover my newly shaved head...aarrgh

Sandra

Aarrgh

Dave, Julie, Donna, me, Sandra, and George at my birthday dinner

We are sailing along western Africa

Sandra is never at a loss for her creativity-- this morning she used my newly exposed head as a canvas on which to draw "Africa".  This creation was appreciated by all on board.

Africa is on my mind

King Neptune, a few more photos

Here are a few photos from the morning of King Neptune Day-- not only did the Archbishop and his wife, Leah, sit for over an hour by the pool watching the festivities, he also had what hair he had on his head shaved.

Among royalty

King Neptune Day

Today we celebrated sailing across the equator and us "polywogs" who had never done that before (most students and faculty) went through certain rituals to achieve the status of "Emerald Shellback". One event was to have your head shaved.  I now can pack away my brush and comb for the remainder of the trip.