Tuesday, Jan 30 never happened! We crossed the International Data Line in a blink of the eye, gaining an hour and loosing a day !
Carolyn has acquired a bug and is sick. She thinks it is her asthma acting up. She had a miserable night and sleeps in most of the day.
We have had continual trouble with the temperature in our room being too warm. We are used to and prefer a cool to cold room (65F to 68F). Our room is consistently in the 71F-74F range. Dick asks to speak with the hotel manager who calls in the chief engineer. They understand the problem and claim that what we are getting is the best they can do. There is nothing to be gained by arguing but if what they say is true then this is our last time on Regent Seven Seas Navigator!
Dick goes to a lecture on propaganda during WWII in the Pacific. Some of the slides and film clips are interesting but generally this lecturer only skips along the surface of his topics and offers very little to someone who is at all knowledgeable about his subject. “No meat!”
At the end of the day, Carolyn is still down for the count and Dick goes to dinner by himself. For the first time in days he is hungry and enjoys prime rib, asparagus and rice with a spring roll appetizer. He also enjoys a Cline Zinfandel from California that is very good; hope Spec’s can get a case when we get home.
To bed about 9PM hoping that Carolyn can sleep and will be better in the morning!
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Monday, Day 24 - Jan 29 - 9am to 5pm, Pago Pago, Tutuila, American Samoa
Pago Pago, located on the island of Tutuila, the largest of the Samoan Islands in the South Pacific Ocean, is the capital of American Samoa. Today its beauty and ecological diversity make it a popular tourist destination. First settled by the Polynesians around 600 BC, the islands became a territory of the US in1900. An important coaling station and naval base, the Pago Pago harbor proved to be of strategic importance during World War II.
We first visited the island in 2015 on the Queen Elizabeth. We did a local tour on one of the converted, colorful, school buses. It was run by a neat lady and her family and was loads of fun. We found the people and the island delightful so today we are doing another local tour.
Our original plan for today was to sleep late, take one of the colorful, city buses to Tias Barefoot Bar about 5 miles from town....good host, food and bar, nice swimming and snorkeling beach and have brunch, then ride the city bus back to town. But Dick’s mysterious illness of yesterday and a break down in the cooling in our room (75 degrees and climbing and humid as all get out) about 2:30AM left us not quite our bouncy selves this morning. Carolyn was at the front desk at 2:45AM and what ever they did in engineering to the AC system, it cooled off fairly fast and we did sleep some.
So, over breakfast this morning we decided to go to the visitors center at the terminal and see what they suggest after Dick first has a long discussion with AT&T about our texting and data bill.
That problem solved we headed off the ship around 10:30AM. The lady at the visitor center (a tent on the dock) gave us three maps and suggested we turn right and walk to the market and a couple of other points of interest in the downtown area. From there we could take one of the funky buses to one end of the island or the other and see some of the coast. It was 86 degrees as we started to the market but the sun was behind some clouds and there was a strong breeze....so the half mile walk was not too bad. We visited the market last time, it is not the greatest, but the fruits are interesting and the people are eager to talk. Dick sits down and visits with one of the old men lounging around while their family sells their wares. The man asks Dick’s age and he admits to 73. Turns out the man was born on the island June 9,1944; just a few days younger than Dick.
The bus stop and taxi stand is across the street from the market. There are several taxis waiting around so we decide to bargain for a ride out to the airport, the opposite direction from what we did last time, and a return to the ship. Dick and the driver agree on $30 for the roughly hour ride. The buses are cheaper, but it saved us having to catch a return bus.
American Samoa is a time warp. It is highly Christian with most Catholic. There is literally a church of some sort at every bend in the road. The people still hold the old traditions and family close. There are ceremonial family gathering halls in the many family compounds and the family members are still buried in the front yard! The police and city officials wear the traditional sarong as do the school children and many adults. Most speak enough English for the tourist to feel comfortable and of course they have their own language.
We go to the ship and cool off. Carolyn orders a sandwich from room service and Dick works on another glitch, this time with Visa, over the phone. About 2PM Carolyn walks back across the street, picks up her skirt and adds a hand painted necklace; all for $74. Dick goes to lunch on the pool deck.
We do know if we are ever back this way, we will see if we can arrange for a driver and explore the WWII treasures that are on the Island. The tourist center gave us a brochure on American Samoa’s US Naval and WWII History. It has a detailed tour mapped out of all the Installations on the Island, many are accessible by car. That is right up Dick’s alley!
Sail away is at 5pm, we ready on the balcony with cocktails and snacks on hand, but apparently the Captain isn’t, since we don’t cast off until 5:45. Never the less we enjoy it and then head to dinner. It has been a fun pleasant day. Hopefully the night will be cool and restful. Tomorrow is a sea day.
We first visited the island in 2015 on the Queen Elizabeth. We did a local tour on one of the converted, colorful, school buses. It was run by a neat lady and her family and was loads of fun. We found the people and the island delightful so today we are doing another local tour.
Our original plan for today was to sleep late, take one of the colorful, city buses to Tias Barefoot Bar about 5 miles from town....good host, food and bar, nice swimming and snorkeling beach and have brunch, then ride the city bus back to town. But Dick’s mysterious illness of yesterday and a break down in the cooling in our room (75 degrees and climbing and humid as all get out) about 2:30AM left us not quite our bouncy selves this morning. Carolyn was at the front desk at 2:45AM and what ever they did in engineering to the AC system, it cooled off fairly fast and we did sleep some.
So, over breakfast this morning we decided to go to the visitors center at the terminal and see what they suggest after Dick first has a long discussion with AT&T about our texting and data bill.
That problem solved we headed off the ship around 10:30AM. The lady at the visitor center (a tent on the dock) gave us three maps and suggested we turn right and walk to the market and a couple of other points of interest in the downtown area. From there we could take one of the funky buses to one end of the island or the other and see some of the coast. It was 86 degrees as we started to the market but the sun was behind some clouds and there was a strong breeze....so the half mile walk was not too bad. We visited the market last time, it is not the greatest, but the fruits are interesting and the people are eager to talk. Dick sits down and visits with one of the old men lounging around while their family sells their wares. The man asks Dick’s age and he admits to 73. Turns out the man was born on the island June 9,1944; just a few days younger than Dick.
American Samoa is a time warp. It is highly Christian with most Catholic. There is literally a church of some sort at every bend in the road. The people still hold the old traditions and family close. There are ceremonial family gathering halls in the many family compounds and the family members are still buried in the front yard! The police and city officials wear the traditional sarong as do the school children and many adults. Most speak enough English for the tourist to feel comfortable and of course they have their own language.
The taxi drops us off at the terminal and Carolyn can’t resist a little more shopping. There is a cute little shop across the street so we check it out. Turns out the lady makes native style clothes out of hand dyed island fabrics. Carolyn picks out six different pieces for a skirt. It will be ready in two hours!
We do know if we are ever back this way, we will see if we can arrange for a driver and explore the WWII treasures that are on the Island. The tourist center gave us a brochure on American Samoa’s US Naval and WWII History. It has a detailed tour mapped out of all the Installations on the Island, many are accessible by car. That is right up Dick’s alley!
Sail away is at 5pm, we ready on the balcony with cocktails and snacks on hand, but apparently the Captain isn’t, since we don’t cast off until 5:45. Never the less we enjoy it and then head to dinner. It has been a fun pleasant day. Hopefully the night will be cool and restful. Tomorrow is a sea day.
Monday, January 29, 2018
Sunday, Day 23 - Jan 28 - Cruising the South Pacific Ocean
Another sea day. We are up and dressed by 8AM after our very early bedtime last night. Since we are now getting the daily program the night before we know the church service is at 9:15AM so we head off for an early breakfast. Sunday's breakfast is a special on Regent with caviar and mimosas offered as you sit down. Dick has some caviar but we pass on the mimosas and we both get Eggs Benedict instead.
There is a nice Sunday service lead by Jamie, the CD, at 9:15AM in the show lounge. It is well attended. He does a nice devotional message and scripture readings. Plus we sing a couple of songs.
Dick goes to the historian’s lecture on WWII Propaganda in Europe at 11AM and Carolyn is off to paper curling. The plan is to finish the swan card with some leaves and flowers today. It is Sarah’s birthday and several ladies have made a card for us to sign and we sing Happy Birthday. Needless to say we now need another day to finish our cards. My swans at least look more like swans today! Sarah is a cute, funny 20 something herding a bunch of 60, 70 and 80 something ladies. We are having a lot of fun with her.
On the way back to the room Carolyn sees her AC friend at the front desk and stops to thank him for the cool room. He tells her they replaced the compressor for our area and we shouldn’t have any more problems. Hope so. It is really humid in the South Pacific.
Back in the now nicely cool room a little after noon, Carolyn finds Dick asleep! He doesn’t wake up when she comes in so he must still be really tired. Glad we canceled the tour for tomorrow in Pago Pago!
Dick sleeps all afternoon. Says he doesn’t feel good and Carolyn thinks he has a little fever. He falls back asleep and Carolyn goes up to the La Veranda for a sandwich. She then goes to the Stars Lounge to read. She is loving the series of books by J. D. Robb that Celia gave her for Christmas and is working on "Immortal in Death." The area is very quite and comfortable for reading.
June shows up about 2:30PM with a group in tow for make-up classes for all her earlier projects. Since Carolyn missed the class yesterday she decides to see what she missed. They made bracelets out of $1 bills. It takes 14 to 18 bills to make a bracelet, but June has cut slick paper to the proper size for those without US$. There are about 25 of us doing different projects. The bracelet is cute and would make a fun gift for a grandchild.
It is now after 4PM so Carolyn goes to check on Dick and finds him still asleep. OK, he wants to be left alone. When he wakes up again she insists he drink something. He also gets up and does the latitude and longitude readings for today and sends them to our grandson who is tracking us with these daily readings.
The laundry comes back and wakes him again, but that is OK because we need to go get some dinner. We both get a light meal. Truth be known, Carolyn thinks we both got way to much sun out on the water and too hot shopping. Need to be more careful and remember we are not as young as we use to be!!!! Bummer!!!
There is a nice Sunday service lead by Jamie, the CD, at 9:15AM in the show lounge. It is well attended. He does a nice devotional message and scripture readings. Plus we sing a couple of songs.
Dick goes to the historian’s lecture on WWII Propaganda in Europe at 11AM and Carolyn is off to paper curling. The plan is to finish the swan card with some leaves and flowers today. It is Sarah’s birthday and several ladies have made a card for us to sign and we sing Happy Birthday. Needless to say we now need another day to finish our cards. My swans at least look more like swans today! Sarah is a cute, funny 20 something herding a bunch of 60, 70 and 80 something ladies. We are having a lot of fun with her.
Sarah
Our cute 12 year old who is cruising with her grandmother. She comes alone.
My ducks-swans and materials
Back in the now nicely cool room a little after noon, Carolyn finds Dick asleep! He doesn’t wake up when she comes in so he must still be really tired. Glad we canceled the tour for tomorrow in Pago Pago!
Dick sleeps all afternoon. Says he doesn’t feel good and Carolyn thinks he has a little fever. He falls back asleep and Carolyn goes up to the La Veranda for a sandwich. She then goes to the Stars Lounge to read. She is loving the series of books by J. D. Robb that Celia gave her for Christmas and is working on "Immortal in Death." The area is very quite and comfortable for reading.
June shows up about 2:30PM with a group in tow for make-up classes for all her earlier projects. Since Carolyn missed the class yesterday she decides to see what she missed. They made bracelets out of $1 bills. It takes 14 to 18 bills to make a bracelet, but June has cut slick paper to the proper size for those without US$. There are about 25 of us doing different projects. The bracelet is cute and would make a fun gift for a grandchild.
It is now after 4PM so Carolyn goes to check on Dick and finds him still asleep. OK, he wants to be left alone. When he wakes up again she insists he drink something. He also gets up and does the latitude and longitude readings for today and sends them to our grandson who is tracking us with these daily readings.
The laundry comes back and wakes him again, but that is OK because we need to go get some dinner. We both get a light meal. Truth be known, Carolyn thinks we both got way to much sun out on the water and too hot shopping. Need to be more careful and remember we are not as young as we use to be!!!! Bummer!!!
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Saturday, Day 22 - Jan 27 - Cruising the South Pacific Ocean
Today begins week four of our journey. We wake to a beautiful day, sunny with puffy, blue clouds, smooth sailing across sapphire blue waters. The is the first of two sea days and some much needed down time.
Back to our sea day routine of craft classes, lectures and food! After a tasty breakfast in the dining room of the morning special, a toasted croissant with ham, scrambled eggs and cheese plus juice and coffee, all served on a dressed table by a doting waiter, we head our separate ways.
There is a new lecturer today so Dick tries out the historian's lecture about Amelia Earhart and then on to learn about the Legends of Polynesia from the new guy, George Losaey, Professor Emeritus, University of Hawaii. Dick is such a history buff that it is hard to tell him something he hasn’t read or heard before. But he is always willing to try.
Carolyn is still working on the swan card, trying for swans and not squashed ducks! Oh well, our teacher, Sarah is giving us one more day on this project.
At noon the captain tells us we are located at 15:49.25 degrees S and 157:38.43 degrees W or 770 miles to Pago Pago, Samoa. The ocean is 17,000 deep under us...wow! It is a sunny 86 degrees, wind at 10 to 15 knots and waves at 5 to 7 feet, but the ride is smooth.
Dick is having problems getting our cell phone service moved over to the Regent plan so we are having nasty notices of huge charges. He called several days ago and thought it was changed, but the notices are still coming. He tried to call again and lost the call half way through. Then they called back and no one was there. They are willing to back date the plan, it just hasn’t happened yet.
About 1:30PM we go upstairs for a little lunch. Carolyn stops by the desk to tell them the AC is not working right again and the suite is up to a humid 74 degrees. Fortunately Carolyn speaks to the guy that actually got it fixed the first time. He says he will go straight to the top this time. Then we work on the blog, sort pictures and Dick plays his computer game. In fact, we are so engrossed in what we are doing, it is 6:30PM before we even realize the afternoon is gone.
After a change of clothes, we head for dinner in the Compass Rose. Dick asks for the red wine we had in Sette Mari several nights ago with our friends. It is very good and we kill the bottle along with the wonderful crab salad and a perfectly done filet and baked potato with all the trimmings. A bowl of ice cream and pot of tea has us falling sleep at the table.
The clocks are set back tonight so when we get back to the room it is 7:30PM (tomorrow’s time) and by 7:45PM we are sound asleep! What can I say....the sea and sun of the last two days really wiped us out! Fortunately the room has cooled down some and during the night drops into the high 60"s.
Forgot all about taking any pictures around the ship.
Back to our sea day routine of craft classes, lectures and food! After a tasty breakfast in the dining room of the morning special, a toasted croissant with ham, scrambled eggs and cheese plus juice and coffee, all served on a dressed table by a doting waiter, we head our separate ways.
There is a new lecturer today so Dick tries out the historian's lecture about Amelia Earhart and then on to learn about the Legends of Polynesia from the new guy, George Losaey, Professor Emeritus, University of Hawaii. Dick is such a history buff that it is hard to tell him something he hasn’t read or heard before. But he is always willing to try.
Carolyn is still working on the swan card, trying for swans and not squashed ducks! Oh well, our teacher, Sarah is giving us one more day on this project.
At noon the captain tells us we are located at 15:49.25 degrees S and 157:38.43 degrees W or 770 miles to Pago Pago, Samoa. The ocean is 17,000 deep under us...wow! It is a sunny 86 degrees, wind at 10 to 15 knots and waves at 5 to 7 feet, but the ride is smooth.
Dick is having problems getting our cell phone service moved over to the Regent plan so we are having nasty notices of huge charges. He called several days ago and thought it was changed, but the notices are still coming. He tried to call again and lost the call half way through. Then they called back and no one was there. They are willing to back date the plan, it just hasn’t happened yet.
About 1:30PM we go upstairs for a little lunch. Carolyn stops by the desk to tell them the AC is not working right again and the suite is up to a humid 74 degrees. Fortunately Carolyn speaks to the guy that actually got it fixed the first time. He says he will go straight to the top this time. Then we work on the blog, sort pictures and Dick plays his computer game. In fact, we are so engrossed in what we are doing, it is 6:30PM before we even realize the afternoon is gone.
After a change of clothes, we head for dinner in the Compass Rose. Dick asks for the red wine we had in Sette Mari several nights ago with our friends. It is very good and we kill the bottle along with the wonderful crab salad and a perfectly done filet and baked potato with all the trimmings. A bowl of ice cream and pot of tea has us falling sleep at the table.
The clocks are set back tonight so when we get back to the room it is 7:30PM (tomorrow’s time) and by 7:45PM we are sound asleep! What can I say....the sea and sun of the last two days really wiped us out! Fortunately the room has cooled down some and during the night drops into the high 60"s.
Forgot all about taking any pictures around the ship.
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Friday, Day 21 - Jan 26 - 8am to 6pm, Tender, Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia
Bora Bora lies 150 miles northwest of Tahiti in the Society Islands. The main island, home to 4,225 inhabitants, is in the center of a multicolored lagoon, surrounded by offshore "motu" islets inside a protective coral necklace. Its lagoon is world-famous for its beauty. A paved road circles the island, passing colorful villages, archeological sites, and old Army bunkers and cannons left over from WWII, when 5,000 American GIs made a friendly invasion”. On our first visit in 2010 we rented a car and explored the island, stopping at Bloody Mary’s, walking along the beautiful beaches and doing a little shopping. Then we did an afternoon dive.
Today we explore by catamaran on a free ship’s tour, Sail Bora Bora by Catamaran at 11AM for three hours. We have a big discussion during breakfast about doing the tour or not and finally decide to go look at the boat and make the call when we see how much room is available. First off, the catamaran is just across the dock from the tender, not a half mile hike like yesterday. We are already off to a good start. There are 28 of us and the catamaran has enough covered seating for everyone and looks like a catamaran with the mesh lounging area right off the covered area. We get on and as we pull out from the dock the captain raises the sail....yea. We sail out through the gorgeous lagoon surrounding Bora Bora, admiring the stunningly beautiful scenery both above and below the water’s surface. Along the way we are treated to a short rain shower. The island has almost a mythical beauty during the shower.
The young lady crew member then entertains us with a dance lesson. WOW, she can really move her hips!!!
This was an excellent tour! Anita, one of the destinations staff, has come along with us today and we all tell her how good it was.
There is a nice little craft area there at the dock so we shop for a few handmade items before going back on the waiting tender. It is after 2PM and very still in the craft shop so by the time we get on the ship we are soaking wet. We get cleaned up and spend the rest of the afternoon getting the blog caught up, pictures down loaded and resting.
Bora Bora is really a visually beautiful island. The lush green of the mountain peaks and the multi-hues of the water are stunning. Jamie has planned a sail away party of food and music for us on the pool deck at 5:45PM. The sun is low in the sky and we are going to have a nice sunset. It is not to be missed. Sailing from Bora Bora is worth the price of admission!
We go Sette Mari for dinner and luck into an outside table. What a way to end our time in French Polynesia!
Today we explore by catamaran on a free ship’s tour, Sail Bora Bora by Catamaran at 11AM for three hours. We have a big discussion during breakfast about doing the tour or not and finally decide to go look at the boat and make the call when we see how much room is available. First off, the catamaran is just across the dock from the tender, not a half mile hike like yesterday. We are already off to a good start. There are 28 of us and the catamaran has enough covered seating for everyone and looks like a catamaran with the mesh lounging area right off the covered area. We get on and as we pull out from the dock the captain raises the sail....yea. We sail out through the gorgeous lagoon surrounding Bora Bora, admiring the stunningly beautiful scenery both above and below the water’s surface. Along the way we are treated to a short rain shower. The island has almost a mythical beauty during the shower.
With its shallow draft, we cruise into areas off limits to other vessels and have a spectacular, up-close view of the lagoon’s coves and Bora Bora’s iconic over water bungalows, including some interesting activities on the private decks. We also enjoy an excellent view of Mount Otemanu, one of two extinct volcanoes rising from the center of the island. There is some time to swim and snorkel along an actual coral reef that everyone says has colorful fish. Dick and Carolyn had decided not to swim beforehand, but we do spot graceful eagle rays, from the boat. The water is gorgeous. On the way back to the dock we sail by Bloody Mary’s while sipping rum punch and enjoying fresh fruits, chips and nuts.
Bora Bora is really a visually beautiful island. The lush green of the mountain peaks and the multi-hues of the water are stunning. Jamie has planned a sail away party of food and music for us on the pool deck at 5:45PM. The sun is low in the sky and we are going to have a nice sunset. It is not to be missed. Sailing from Bora Bora is worth the price of admission!
We go Sette Mari for dinner and luck into an outside table. What a way to end our time in French Polynesia!
Thursday, Day 20 - Jan 25 - 8am to 8pm, Papeete Tahiti, Society Islands, French Polynesia
The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic islands and atolls strewn lazily across the South Pacific Ocean. The island of Tahiti proper is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia. Papeete is the modern capital of Tahiti and the French Polynesian islands we are currently visiting. It contains government offices, hospitals, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the islands. When we were here before, in 2010, we rented a car and drove around the island exploring.
Today we are exploring on the water using a free ship’s tour. Our tickets are for the first departure of Tahiti Sail by Catamaran meeting in the lounge at 8:30AM. There is a second departure at 8:45AM. Why the delay I don’t know because as soon as we get out in the harbor we stop and wait for the other catamaran. The tour is three hours and is the longest three hours we have spent on this trip.
After doing a ship’s tour in every port but one so far, we have been very pleased with the tours. It may be a little harsh to say, but today’s tour was miserable! We embark on a 43-foot catamaran for our sail through the crystal-clear waters off Papeete. It isn’t a sail, but a motor boat ride! The catamaran is very crowded and uncomfortable as it has a cramped hard surface open front deck and an even more cramped shaded back lounge. The lounge is a bowl that is stepped down into using the ledge (seat) that rings the bowl. With everyone being really cozy, which is miserable in the heat and humidity, maybe 13 people...max 14 people can fit under the canopy in the cockpit. Then most passenger seats are trapped by a large table that fills 2/3s of the floor space. To compound the space problem the Captain has to step over the people sitting on the ledge that is either side of the wheel to get out. If a passenger wants to go up front several people have to move. The Captain is constantly moving around. There is a stifling inside cabin with no open windows in the middle, but no one wants to sit down there.
What makes the tour so bad is Regent is told the max number is 18 people and because there were few excursions available due to another ship in port they sell 18 tickets and everyone shows. Loading is a cluster f**k. We climb on at the back corner and the first six people take the prime shade spots leaving 12 more to climb over them. Fortunately two people go up front, but the last two are left standing. They are told they can go up front (some one will have to stand back up or they can go down inside! They go inside and we slowly move out into the harbor and crawl along until the second (8:45AM) boat catches up with us. It is a much bigger, better laid out catamaran with only 15 people on board! There are actually empty seats in the shaded part! Carolyn is not the only one counting and commenting. About this time one of the mates finds two little plastic stools and puts them in the only remaining floor space in the shade and tells the two people in the cabin they can sit there if they want. THEY WANT! And this is just the first 30 minutes.
We have to pass by the airport runways to get anywhere, but we have to have clearance so....we sit dead in the water for a while waiting for some landings and take offs. Up and moving again we see some surfers and other water sports activities. Then we are at the other runway and have to wait again. Gee, just think, we are going to have to repeat this in the reverse order to get back to the ship.
This is the first hour and we haven’t even gotten out of sight of the ship on this “three hour tour!” Dick is long past the irritated stage and has crawled up front. Carolyn has decided that the island is not really attractive to see from the water! It is just a test of endurance! There were a few nice views.
There is about a hour left in this tour and we are almost back to the area around the airport (beautiful scenery...not). The captain announces we are stopping for our snorkel time. The first people who go in say the current is rather strong and a couple come right back out. That discourages others from going in. Dick does go swimming, but Carolyn doesn’t. The ladder is not the kind she can use to get out of the water. Dick stays in almost to the end, but says the current was too strong to do any snorkeling and there was nothing to see anyway! They serve us juice, fruit and chips on the way back to the ship.
We are back on the ship, cleaned up and heading to lunch by 12:30PM. But first Carolyn stops by destinations to tell them about how over crowded the boat was.
After lunch we go ashore for some “much needed retail therapy!” Carolyn wants to go to the market and back to a pearl shop we visited last time we were here. It is stifling in the market, so after a fast look around we head to look at the pearls. After playing with hands full of the most beautiful black pearls, Carolyn finds what she is looking for.
On the way back to the ship we window shop along main drag. Carolyn keeps seeing samples of a long strand of gold chain with mixed gemstones and pearls worked in at intervals. They are very pretty and she finally stops in a store to look at the design more closely.....very pretty and equally pricey!
We stop at one more shop and look.There are some of our fellow passengers here too. Dick and the husbands joke around while the wives shop. A sales lady shows Carolyn more of the design that she likes, but the prices are only going up.
Then as we are leaving the saleslady stops us. She wants to show Carolyn a piece that was just finished yesterday and is going to the to Bora Bora shop. Well, it stops both of us in our tracks. It doesn’t have the diamonds and other gems that were making the other chains so costly, but it does have the black pearls in all the beautiful color variations and in the unusual shapes the baroque pearls have. Carolyn is in love and it now has a home in her treasure chest.
By now it is after five o’clock and we are exhausted from the heat and humidity. Back on the ship, we completely forget about the local dance show at 6PM and go up the pool deck to see what the deal is with the World Market Dinner. It is dinner on the deck so our only options are eating in the heat or the Compass Rose. Downstairs we go. Many others made the same choice.
Tomorrow is Bora Bora, probably the prettiest of the Islands and another Catamaran ride.....maybe.
Today we are exploring on the water using a free ship’s tour. Our tickets are for the first departure of Tahiti Sail by Catamaran meeting in the lounge at 8:30AM. There is a second departure at 8:45AM. Why the delay I don’t know because as soon as we get out in the harbor we stop and wait for the other catamaran. The tour is three hours and is the longest three hours we have spent on this trip.
After doing a ship’s tour in every port but one so far, we have been very pleased with the tours. It may be a little harsh to say, but today’s tour was miserable! We embark on a 43-foot catamaran for our sail through the crystal-clear waters off Papeete. It isn’t a sail, but a motor boat ride! The catamaran is very crowded and uncomfortable as it has a cramped hard surface open front deck and an even more cramped shaded back lounge. The lounge is a bowl that is stepped down into using the ledge (seat) that rings the bowl. With everyone being really cozy, which is miserable in the heat and humidity, maybe 13 people...max 14 people can fit under the canopy in the cockpit. Then most passenger seats are trapped by a large table that fills 2/3s of the floor space. To compound the space problem the Captain has to step over the people sitting on the ledge that is either side of the wheel to get out. If a passenger wants to go up front several people have to move. The Captain is constantly moving around. There is a stifling inside cabin with no open windows in the middle, but no one wants to sit down there.
After lunch we go ashore for some “much needed retail therapy!” Carolyn wants to go to the market and back to a pearl shop we visited last time we were here. It is stifling in the market, so after a fast look around we head to look at the pearls. After playing with hands full of the most beautiful black pearls, Carolyn finds what she is looking for.
We stop at one more shop and look.There are some of our fellow passengers here too. Dick and the husbands joke around while the wives shop. A sales lady shows Carolyn more of the design that she likes, but the prices are only going up.
Then as we are leaving the saleslady stops us. She wants to show Carolyn a piece that was just finished yesterday and is going to the to Bora Bora shop. Well, it stops both of us in our tracks. It doesn’t have the diamonds and other gems that were making the other chains so costly, but it does have the black pearls in all the beautiful color variations and in the unusual shapes the baroque pearls have. Carolyn is in love and it now has a home in her treasure chest.
Tomorrow is Bora Bora, probably the prettiest of the Islands and another Catamaran ride.....maybe.
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