Post for Feb 23

Feb. 23

The Arch and Wade

A teacher on board (named Wade) died suddenly in Shanghai, China of a massive heart attack before I came on board. I read about it on the SAS website, and I learned that his widow came back on board in Singapore with her brother to finish out the voyage. This is her family, so to speak.

Because the teacher was well known, both as a teacher on board for many years, and as a teacher to the current students, there was a memorial service for him today at 5:30 pm. The Arch led the service, then the ship made a figure eight in the water, which is also the sign for infinity (forever and ever). At the conclusion of the memorial service , The Arch said to the people present, say “Amen and Alleluia,” and the 500 or so mumbled it. To which The Arch said, “Well, that wasn't very enthusiastic, was it? I want some umph behind it. ” So everyone shouted louder with umph. He's a pretty funny guy, that Arch.

Although I stood on the deck for awhile, I didn't see the roses that were thrown overboard, but I certainly did see the red sun setting below the horizon of the ocean. Yes, it was special and bit rocky on deck while the ship was making a sideways 8 for infinity.