Since we left Japan 3 days ago, the ship’s clocks have moved
forward one hour daily. This will continue until we reach Alaska on 14th
May. Today at 8pm, in the middle of this time transition, we crossed the
International Dateline. (9 am UK time).
Today our time moved
back 24 hours so, in effect we repeated the 10th May and lived
through 2 Thursdays in succession. Confused? We were, but I think I’ve finally
got my mind around it. As an added element, UK time has now overtaken us, so
the UK is now 12 hours ahead, instead of 12 hours behind....easy to
explain...it used to be yesterday in the UK, but now it is tomorrow!
The poor crew get no extra payment for their additional
day’s work, but, when they do the journey in reverse (East to West) and lose a
day, their pay is not deducted.
Unlike the Equator, there is no special ceremony for
crossing the International Dateline .There are no markers in the Ocean to
indicate its presence. However, we have also each received a special certificate
to celebrate. I shall add this to my Great Wall Certificate, and maybe find a
couple of photo frames and a piece of blank wall.
We have never crossed the date line, so making a note to do it west to east to gain a day :)
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