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From: Melissa Evans <mpse@evansmaritime.com>
Date: March 4, 2011 10:46:19 AM AST
To: blog blog <peteraevans.post4u@blogger.com>

March 4th. Day 52: Halfway point on the voyage

The day dawned clear, calm and sunny. After morning classes, I and
Peter spent the day on the pool deck. We have found that if we place
two lounge chairs at the back rail of the deck, and face out to the
sea, we can enjoy the breezes and views and a have a bit of privacy as
well. The deck behind us quickly filled up with gals in bikini's and
small boom-boxes playing popular music. The water  continued to grow
calmer and by noon the Indian Ocean looked like a mirror upon which we
glided and crossed the Equator, again. I may be the only adult women
(non-student) who enjoys the pool. It is small and filled with
unheated, salt water which wonderfully cools me off after sunning. We
went down one deck for lunch and then returned to our lounge chairs
until 3:00 pm when we went in and cleaned up before attending our
lifelong learners meeting. On the way to the meeting, Peter had an
opportunity to speak to the Captain. Peter asked the Captain if the
lights could be turned off in the evening to optimize stargazing. At
the dinner of India curry the announcement was indeed made that after
the showing of the movie Gandi in the Union, the ship's lights would
be turned off for stargazing. So, we went out on the decks last night
at 9:30 pm and for an hour stargazed. A lot of students and faculty
were out and we all enjoyed the evening. Peter brought out his Ipad
with the stargazing app. and shared it with those who gathered around
him. Their enthusiasm and excitement was fun to watch. Both the
southern cross and the big dipper were visible. The north star was
not, as it was just beyond the horizon line. I saw five shooting stars
as well. It was a lovely lively evening and emblematic of this voyage.
Spontaneous sharing and learning.
Today, the rains are back and the seas have grown and we are inside.
But the memories of yesterday will stay with me all ways.
Melissa


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