Shellback Initiation: A Naval Tradition

It’s official! I am a shellback now. If you are not aware of the naval tradition, those that cross the equator by ship are considered shellbacks through a ceremonial process. Semester at Sea celebrates Neptune Day in which those “pollywogs” who have not crossed the equator by ship must go through a process in order to become a shellback. I was excited for this day and a steering into the unknown. It started with me being salted on the head, pouring green liquid on my head and entering the pool. I then kissed a real fish on the lips, kissed the gem of Neptune, had the option to shave my head (I didn’t partake), and be ordained into the new identity of shellback. Read more about this naval initiation- or as someone would define it – hazing process. As with most imitation processes, it has a trouble past, thankfully all initiation processes or optional.

After Neptune Day, I reflected on the experience of this process and how my life has unfolded to lead to this moment. It was in Kenya, that I crossed the equator by foot in 2016. In that moment I remember thinking, how lucky am I to be able to do this. Now, I steer into the gratitude I have for choosing a career so fruitful that I am able to embrace these significant opportunities. I have worked hard to create a life that I can be proud of, I have said “yes” to many things not knowing what to expect, possibly being anxious to do them. And that formula has served me well in the long run. I have been intentional about my work, research, and sharing space with others. I have cultivated relationships with those older than me and younger than me, said yes when it felt like a lot. But in the end they all point to living a life free of regrets and those that fill my soul, even the hard times. Fast forward to now, I am a shellback and look forward to the future of saying “yes”! I am excited to share this with my partner and son in the suture as well.

Salvador, Brazil

We arrived in Salvador, Brazil on October 7th. I remember telling Nick and Ollie that, before you know it when I arrive to Brazil, it will be October! One month ago I left my hearts back in Oklahoma. It has been hard, we ugly cried in the Oklahoma City airport – all three of us. I miss them everyday and can’t wait until they join me in Vietnam. But, what a gift to focus on myself, Nick and Ollie to bond, and for modeling independence and exploration with Ollie. My hope is for him to do the same in his life. Yet, the heart yearns for a hug and kiss and a cuddle.

I have found solitude many times on the voyage. It is a commodity that can be hard to find when sailing with over 700 people. In Brazil, I went with little plans and once again, decided to see what unfolded. I was able to finish reviewing a students full dissertation and give feedback on others’ proposals. The learning never really ends in my life and I am grateful for it. Arriving to Brazil, I said yes to exploring with a new colleague the first day. We explored a local Mercado where we ate traditional dish called Bobo, composed or a sauce from yucca and other root vegetables and shrimp with fresh passion fruit juice! Yum! We then headed to Barra, Brazil. and a lighthouse in Salvador. We enjoyed fresh coconut water for $1.25. We explore the locale and enjoyed the beauty of the beach and nautical surroundings. The next day, I had an excision planned to go canoeing in a Hawaiian style canoe across All Saints Bay and then I once again said yes to a colleague in the afternoon and went to a Brazilian steakhouse of “Ridicio” – all you can eat! We then went to the old city and walk around at the Mercado Medino. It was lovely.

That evening as I was wishing for some more rest and solitude, I noticed a colleague mentioned she was going “island hopping” in a schooner the next day and invited folks to come with. Once again, I said yes and went! It was so fun, live music by the group “BahiaXXXX” We were able to visit to island from Salvador: 1) Frades and 2) Itaparica. While the tour guides didn’t speak an English, they did speak a bit of Spanish and I was able to hear a few directions on the excursion. We swam in the ocean and enjoyed the sun, sand, and turquoise waters. The next day, I helped organize a beachfront condo in Itapua, a beach town north in Salvador. I stayed with lifelong learners and a new colleague while there. We would wake up, take a walk on the beach, eat breakfast, then go to the beach, and then an afternoon by our condo’s pool. It was the perfect relaxation; we spent two nights and then returned to the ship. The last day, I went to the market in the old city to explore and returned to the ship to review a dissertation.

I am grateful for the time to explore Salvador and Brazil. I found Brazialians to be community-focused and giving to their elderly population. I felt their warmth even though I don’t know Portuguese. It was nice to feel like I was worlds away from home, yet also home in the spaces in which I explored.