We arrived early in the Cook Islands and the Captain gave his usual 8:30 talk from the bridge and said it was already 28C. We had calm seas and lucky for us, the tenders were able to take us to the island. 9 out of 10 times, the sea is so rough that the tenders cannot take the guests to the islands. We were very very lucky and the skies were blue with a few white fluffy clouds. The humidity was high, very high. When I opened the camera to take photos, the lens fogged up immediately. Have to have a cloth with me at all times around here to wipe the lens.
Doug and I had stayed on this island 12 years ago on our way to Australia and have great memories of our time here. We booked a Circle Island Tour in hopes that we might see our hotel and the beaches that we loved.
Our tour guide was a huge, burly dark fellow who opened his mouth and spoke this wonderful New Zealander accent. Thank God the tour bus was air conditioned. He took us inland to show us the fields and the local houses. There are only 9,000 inhabitants and many young people are leaving for there is no work. The main industry here is tourism and surprisingly they are not suffering here because of the economy. Their tourists mainly come from NZ, Australia and England. The countryside is lush and green with wild roosters and chickens and pigs roaming the land. Once in awhile you will see a goat or cow tied up and the houses are built with bricks to keep them cool. The living standards here are much higher then the French Polynesia. The homes have to have NZ standards. It is cheap to live here for the locals for the countryside provides all their food and the ocean their fish. It is a tradition for a family to send their eldest son to live with the grandparents and that is still held today. Our guide was taken to live with his grandparents in NZ and he didn’t know who is mom or dad or that he had 2 brothers till he was 10 years old. He visited his parents on the Cook Islands and would not go back to NZ with the grandparents who were very disappointed.
People here have little stress and live simply. When we were driving along the road, he would wave at everyone for he knew everyone on the island. We drove 32 KM on the road around the entire island. Shops are small and few. There are many small hotels, motels on the ocean on the south side. The reef surrounds the entire island so that the beaches are safe, shallow and free of sharks. The waters are sparkling clean and bright bright blue.
We remembered the hotel we stayed in the church we went to so Doug got off and took photos of our last stay here. It was great to see it is still here and brought back wonderful memories.
We would stop with the tour at the public beaches and they were empty. Very few people were there to bother you. The crew got off and raided many many of the beaches and came back all burnt but happy to have a rest and time off from us demanding people.
Our housekeeper caught us coming back to the ship and called out to us and we couldn’t recognize her for she wasn’t in her uniform. We had a good chuckle.
There are 2 cruise ships that usually come a month, but this week alone, there were three dropping by. I wonder how many will be able to tender into the island.
The Flame trees are gorgeous here, all in bloom and red. They call them their Christmas trees for they bloom around Christmas time. There are hibiscus hedges along the road, all kinds of bright green colored plants that we try to grow in our houses in Canada. The roadsides are lovely to drive through. This is a place we wouldn’t mind visiting again. It is quiet, peaceful, they speak English here and the beaches are some of the best we have ever seen. A couple from our ship went snorkeling and loved it. They saw many huge clams open and close and saw fish they hadn’t seen before. The parrot fish is caught here for food.
Last night we had the Fifties Sock Hop Show in the theatre. It was packed with people. The theatre was decorated like a school gymnasium and on the stage was the sock hop. The songs were great oldies that we could sing to and they did some great jiving. They even had Elvis and Connie Francis singing songs and we found it a hoot. We were all served punch and after you could stay and their was a sock hop. We loved this show. Tonight is a magician. I am going instead to the movie.
We are at sea for two days, so time to rest, go to lectures, read some books and relax. Weather is great outside. The ocean is calm and we are moving along to Suva, Fiji.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Bora-Bora, French Polynesia
This morning we were ready in apprehension for our “Walk on the Ocean Floor tour. Two other couples from our table are booked too and we were trying to figure out what it would entail. We were picked up by a small boat and taken to another platform boat waiting out in the middle of the ocean. The water all around was crystal clear and azure blue. We were explained what will be happening and what to expect.
First of all they bring a very heavy helmet on a pulley over to above your head as you are waiting on the stairs leading down to the water. The helmet is attached to an orange oxygen hose to an oxygen tank. The helmet which is very very heavy is lowered onto your shoulders. Oxygen is fed in and as you are lowered the water is forced out of the helmet and you are safe with dry hair and glasses on. The helmet has windows to look out of and a window on each side of your head. A net black sack with bread is attached to the helmet to attract the fish.
I was lowered down, way, way down and felt safe. The scuba diver was with me giving hand signals to see if I was alright. I stepped onto the ocean floor and then all around were these amazing multi colored fish. They were in front, on the side, by my legs nipping at me. The fish were incredible, some of which I have seen in smaller sizes in Pet Stores in Edmonton. There were bright yellow and black fish, a purple, turquoise blue with a soft pink colored fish, and angel fish and zebra fish and huge big fat ones with a big head and big lips. There was coral all around but a flat area to walk around. You could go far from the boat with no problems. Doug then came down and we were feeding the fish with our hands. They came right up in front of our us and nibbled at our fingers. Some had small little teeth, but that didn’t matter. I tried touching them as they floated by but they would dart away. The scuba diver and the camera woman kept watching that we were ok. There were five of us at a time underwater. We were told it was around 10 feet. Then the scuba diver pointed out a huge long fish looking at us and it was a Baracuda. It wanted food so the scuba diver held out raw fish and the Baracuda swam right in front of us to grab the raw fish. He kept swimming and swimming around us and would come by many times to eat and we weren’t frightened. He had huge sharp teeth and a host smaller fish swimming underneath him.
This tour was one of those rare occasions when it turns out to be much better than you had hoped it to be. It was brilliant. It may be one of our special moments of the trip and we are hoping our up coming Zip Line experience in New Zealand will be the same.
It is overcast today in Bora Bora since it is the rainy season but still very warm and humid. The sun is trying to peak out in the distance.
What a fine morning.
First of all they bring a very heavy helmet on a pulley over to above your head as you are waiting on the stairs leading down to the water. The helmet is attached to an orange oxygen hose to an oxygen tank. The helmet which is very very heavy is lowered onto your shoulders. Oxygen is fed in and as you are lowered the water is forced out of the helmet and you are safe with dry hair and glasses on. The helmet has windows to look out of and a window on each side of your head. A net black sack with bread is attached to the helmet to attract the fish.
I was lowered down, way, way down and felt safe. The scuba diver was with me giving hand signals to see if I was alright. I stepped onto the ocean floor and then all around were these amazing multi colored fish. They were in front, on the side, by my legs nipping at me. The fish were incredible, some of which I have seen in smaller sizes in Pet Stores in Edmonton. There were bright yellow and black fish, a purple, turquoise blue with a soft pink colored fish, and angel fish and zebra fish and huge big fat ones with a big head and big lips. There was coral all around but a flat area to walk around. You could go far from the boat with no problems. Doug then came down and we were feeding the fish with our hands. They came right up in front of our us and nibbled at our fingers. Some had small little teeth, but that didn’t matter. I tried touching them as they floated by but they would dart away. The scuba diver and the camera woman kept watching that we were ok. There were five of us at a time underwater. We were told it was around 10 feet. Then the scuba diver pointed out a huge long fish looking at us and it was a Baracuda. It wanted food so the scuba diver held out raw fish and the Baracuda swam right in front of us to grab the raw fish. He kept swimming and swimming around us and would come by many times to eat and we weren’t frightened. He had huge sharp teeth and a host smaller fish swimming underneath him.
This tour was one of those rare occasions when it turns out to be much better than you had hoped it to be. It was brilliant. It may be one of our special moments of the trip and we are hoping our up coming Zip Line experience in New Zealand will be the same.
It is overcast today in Bora Bora since it is the rainy season but still very warm and humid. The sun is trying to peak out in the distance.
What a fine morning.
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Monday, February 2, 2009
Papeete, Tahiti
PAPEETE, TAHITI:
Arrived in Papeete yesterday at 9 PM. Watched a beautiful sunset off the top deck of the ship when we were leaving Mooera. Had all these Polynesian drinks that the waiters kept bringing because it was a sail away. Met up with the two couples who have left the ship today and were saying good-bye to them. When on board, you see the same people around the ship and there are several you get to know well so it is sad to say good-bye to some whom you know you will never see again. We were joking and laughing about some of the things that have happened on board and in general had a great time. Then it was off to the BQ buffet that included some great food. So by the time we had finished having drinks and great food, it was time to go to the room and take a rest and wait for the Polynesian Show. It was great. The drums were a bit loud for Doug’s poor head but the one hour show was great.
This morning we awoke to sunshine and high humidity. Walked around Papeete, since we have been here twice before and revisited some of the sites. It is very noticeable how tourism has dropped off. The locals are around, but hardly saw any tourists except the people off our ship walking around. In the market place, I asked for the price of a very small fridge magnet. Reply, $12 US would you believe. No wonder no one is buying.
The market place was full of local people. Talked to a fellow at the gates to the wharf where our ship is docked, and he said how much Tahiti is suffering. He called it a disaster. Said that the Club Med closed down yesterday in Bora Bora and how the hotels and resorts are suffering here on the island. It is too bad.
We walked to everywhere since our ship is anchored right downtown and we don’t need a shuttle bus or tenders to take us in. It is very convenient.
Everyone speaks French here and the shops are small with shell jewelery and a lot of black Tahitian pearls. Unfortunately, no one is buying and the stores are empty.
The new people on board are settling in and so everyone is offered champagne drinks. This will be happening at every leg.
The front desk personal told me there are now 535 guests on board which is still a little more than half of what this ship holds. We, as guests, are bombarded with waiters asking to satisfy our every whim. They are bored and wish there was more work to do. Can’t blame them. For us, it is good, for we are cared for very well.
We are looking forward to arriving in Bora Bora tomorrow morning. Will talk to you then.
Arrived in Papeete yesterday at 9 PM. Watched a beautiful sunset off the top deck of the ship when we were leaving Mooera. Had all these Polynesian drinks that the waiters kept bringing because it was a sail away. Met up with the two couples who have left the ship today and were saying good-bye to them. When on board, you see the same people around the ship and there are several you get to know well so it is sad to say good-bye to some whom you know you will never see again. We were joking and laughing about some of the things that have happened on board and in general had a great time. Then it was off to the BQ buffet that included some great food. So by the time we had finished having drinks and great food, it was time to go to the room and take a rest and wait for the Polynesian Show. It was great. The drums were a bit loud for Doug’s poor head but the one hour show was great.
This morning we awoke to sunshine and high humidity. Walked around Papeete, since we have been here twice before and revisited some of the sites. It is very noticeable how tourism has dropped off. The locals are around, but hardly saw any tourists except the people off our ship walking around. In the market place, I asked for the price of a very small fridge magnet. Reply, $12 US would you believe. No wonder no one is buying.
The market place was full of local people. Talked to a fellow at the gates to the wharf where our ship is docked, and he said how much Tahiti is suffering. He called it a disaster. Said that the Club Med closed down yesterday in Bora Bora and how the hotels and resorts are suffering here on the island. It is too bad.
We walked to everywhere since our ship is anchored right downtown and we don’t need a shuttle bus or tenders to take us in. It is very convenient.
Everyone speaks French here and the shops are small with shell jewelery and a lot of black Tahitian pearls. Unfortunately, no one is buying and the stores are empty.
The new people on board are settling in and so everyone is offered champagne drinks. This will be happening at every leg.
The front desk personal told me there are now 535 guests on board which is still a little more than half of what this ship holds. We, as guests, are bombarded with waiters asking to satisfy our every whim. They are bored and wish there was more work to do. Can’t blame them. For us, it is good, for we are cared for very well.
We are looking forward to arriving in Bora Bora tomorrow morning. Will talk to you then.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Papeete, French Polynesia
We entered Cook’s Bay early this morning with the sun shining over the spire of hills. This bay was made famous in the movie South Pacific. Like the brochure says, it has crystalline lagoons, fjord like bays, azure waters and velvety mountain peaks. This is like heaven should be. That is what the priest said this morning during breakfast out on the terrace. It is breath takingly beautiful. Much more so than Bora Bora. This is where they also shot the movie The Bounty.
After breakfast, we got onto the tender ( for we are anchored in the bay) and then took a catamaran, on our way to the stingrays, black tailed sharks and snorkeling. The water is a beautiful blue, so that you can see right to the bottom while the catamaran is moving. We got off into the warm water and the sting rays headed for us because they knew that the guide had raw fish for them. The sting ray are slithery and smooth underneath but a little rough on the top. I was patting one and it came up to me and then put my finger in its mouth. They have no teeth but it frightened me. They came gliding up around our feet and around our backs and in front of us. They did not mind us touching them or walking around them. The sharks were swimming further out and we were told not to go alone among them for the guide didn’t know what they might do. He was also throwing raw pieces of fish out to them. The water was so warm and clear. The women in our group would be howling and screaming when the stingrays would surprise them by swimming right in front or up their backs. They have huge eyes and a square mouth. We loved playing with them.
Then we proceeded to a quiet cove where we snorkeled amongst some coral. The under currents were fairly strong but we saw many colorful fish. Across the cove was a quiet beach which used to be Club Med. They left this particular island and Club Med is also closing down their Bora Bora location because of lack of tourists. The guide off the boat said that tourism is really down. I feel sorry for the locals.
We headed back and just missed a shower. Sunshine soon reappeared. We came back to the ship and headed to the Lido to eat. On the way, we stopped to look at all the food at the theatre where the ship is bringing in the Super Bowl game. They have the theatre all decorated with banners etc. and are serving hotdogs, hamburgers, popcorn, chips etc. The game is also piped into the tvs in the staterooms so while I am typing right now, I am also listening to the football game.
After the game, we have a sail away with drinks on the top deck. Then we are having a BQ buffet out on the top deck with free wine. After that we head for Tahiti. We land Papeete, Tahiti at 9 pm this evening and at 9:30 pm, the Tahitian dancers are coming onboard to perform on stage. This will be a very full day.
The performers and some of the guests will be leaving the ship for the first leg of the cruise is finished tomorrow and new guests will be coming onboard. There are 7 legs to this world cruise. We have received new card keys for our room. This will be happening every leg of the cruise.
Time to go and watch the remaining of the game. It is coming via satellite through ESPN. I hope they bring the Academy Awards too.
After breakfast, we got onto the tender ( for we are anchored in the bay) and then took a catamaran, on our way to the stingrays, black tailed sharks and snorkeling. The water is a beautiful blue, so that you can see right to the bottom while the catamaran is moving. We got off into the warm water and the sting rays headed for us because they knew that the guide had raw fish for them. The sting ray are slithery and smooth underneath but a little rough on the top. I was patting one and it came up to me and then put my finger in its mouth. They have no teeth but it frightened me. They came gliding up around our feet and around our backs and in front of us. They did not mind us touching them or walking around them. The sharks were swimming further out and we were told not to go alone among them for the guide didn’t know what they might do. He was also throwing raw pieces of fish out to them. The water was so warm and clear. The women in our group would be howling and screaming when the stingrays would surprise them by swimming right in front or up their backs. They have huge eyes and a square mouth. We loved playing with them.
Then we proceeded to a quiet cove where we snorkeled amongst some coral. The under currents were fairly strong but we saw many colorful fish. Across the cove was a quiet beach which used to be Club Med. They left this particular island and Club Med is also closing down their Bora Bora location because of lack of tourists. The guide off the boat said that tourism is really down. I feel sorry for the locals.
We headed back and just missed a shower. Sunshine soon reappeared. We came back to the ship and headed to the Lido to eat. On the way, we stopped to look at all the food at the theatre where the ship is bringing in the Super Bowl game. They have the theatre all decorated with banners etc. and are serving hotdogs, hamburgers, popcorn, chips etc. The game is also piped into the tvs in the staterooms so while I am typing right now, I am also listening to the football game.
After the game, we have a sail away with drinks on the top deck. Then we are having a BQ buffet out on the top deck with free wine. After that we head for Tahiti. We land Papeete, Tahiti at 9 pm this evening and at 9:30 pm, the Tahitian dancers are coming onboard to perform on stage. This will be a very full day.
The performers and some of the guests will be leaving the ship for the first leg of the cruise is finished tomorrow and new guests will be coming onboard. There are 7 legs to this world cruise. We have received new card keys for our room. This will be happening every leg of the cruise.
Time to go and watch the remaining of the game. It is coming via satellite through ESPN. I hope they bring the Academy Awards too.
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