February 24th and 25th.
Dear Readers, We have been exposed to some fantastic scenery these past two days, and I will eventually post some of them in Facebook. Most ship activities were canceled so we could appreciate the scenery, and today was the most like the Norwegian Fjordes, with a spectacular waterfall just in front of the bow of our ship. Fantastic! I also caught some shots of the helicopter with the photographers on board. We had been asked to wave at them, but I doubt that they saw me.
Last evening was a reception in the Captain's Quarters, followed by Mardi Gras Party, all before dinner, and tonight, I have to have an earlier dinner, due to a private invitation for dessert, coffee, and LIQUEURS in the Pulse Lounge. For tomorrow, I goofed! I accepted an invitation to go to the Silk Road for a Japanese dinner, without realizing that it would confict with a party for World Cruisers, so I will have to miss La Cage aux Folles!
I have been keeping up with my Hatha Yoga classes, and the instructor is quite pleased with me, although I am not! The regular class meets every Sea Day at 8 a.m., and I take two private lessons a week, in addition. However, because I make such an early start every morning, I seldom attend the various entertainment, musicals, etc. after dinner, which only start at 22:30.
My next Computer assignment is to present a Power Point slide program, and I have decided to introduce ZIWA, instead of picking some geographical location as was suggested by the instructor. I am curious, myself, how it will turn out.
Otherwise, I keep up with bridge instructions in the mornings, although I can seldom play in the duplicate games in the afternoons, due to computer lab.
For those of you who remember Lynda Gaskell (former Secretary of ZIWA), we will have a reunion in Sydney on Saturday, this week.
All good wishes to all my readers. Ann
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Photos
I have just posted about 28 photos, but they are all in www.facebook.com if you want to see them.
Today, I took an old fashioned train trip to the Taieri Gorge in Dunedin. Unfortunately, the weather was cold and rainy, but the scenery was still exciting, and we remained dry inside the train. Back early enough to play some bridge, and now it is time to dress for George Nelson^s birthday party (He was 92 yesterday!)
Today, I took an old fashioned train trip to the Taieri Gorge in Dunedin. Unfortunately, the weather was cold and rainy, but the scenery was still exciting, and we remained dry inside the train. Back early enough to play some bridge, and now it is time to dress for George Nelson^s birthday party (He was 92 yesterday!)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Seal Coast Safari; what a trip!
Saturday, 21 February
This was an absolutely FANTASTIC trip! Actually it was a positive day all around. I managed to get an assignment done on Power Point for the computer course, have lunch, take a 30 minute siesta on the sun deck, and in the early afternoon, join the 4 wheel drive for the ride to the coast. There was some sort of celebration in Wellington, itself, so the driver took some out of the way short cuts to avoid the City and it was a wonderful opportunity to see the "Brooklyn" section of town, pass the Botanic Garden, and the house where Katherine Mansfield was born, plus view all the varied architecture including some very old houses. It was like traveling in Switzerland, up one incline only to descend and mount another. Soon, we were out in the countryside covered with Gorse and other wild vegetation, up past a radar station with startling views of the seashore below. We saw ostriches and some other animals in the distance. When we finally got down to the seashore on our way to Tongue Point, where all the brown seals were sunning themselves, the road gave way to pebbles, sand drifts, rocks, hills, gulleys, water filled areas, etc. but our trusty driver "Billy" negotiated all of it without our actually tipping over, though we did seem to be headed for that more than once! It was a breathtaking 10 km, but seemed much longer. I took dozens of pictures of the seaside, the rock formations, the dashing waves, the red rocks (caused by iron deposits), and finally the seals. I will have to post them on my Facebook, since I cannot do it here. I was extremely lucky to be able to sit beside the young driver whose sister-in-law teaches at the Int. School in Horgen/Thalwil (I forget where it is), but the step up was so high that I almost couldn't lift myself to the seat. Thank goodness, I have been taking Yoga lessons, and my arms seem a little stronger now than previously.
Upon my retrun to the ship, I treated myself to a Sundae, which I ate out on the sundeck around the Neptune Pool, and then proceded to fall asleep for a short nap in the sunshine. Were we lucky!? Yesterday it was overcast and rainy here, and the tour people didn't see anything, and even had to turn back at one point because the water was too deep over what should have been a roadway. Also, they couldn't see anything in the distance of the fabulous scenery that we saw. Billy said I was very lucky because a red (something) butterfly landed on my jacket, and apparently they are very rare. One reason for the spectacular rock formations, etc. is that Wellington lies over a fault line, and there have been earthquakes in the area. Actually the whole of Napier, which we visited yesterday, was devastated in 1930/31, by an earthquake, and entirely rebuilt in ART DECO style with lots of Frank Llyod Wright designs, etc. The whole Community was decked out in stylish clothing from the late 1920's including lots of antique autos, etc. to celebrate the anniversary of the event.
Tomorrow is another busy day at Sea, and I have signed up to take a train trip to the Taieri Gorge in Dunedin on Monday.
Do you wonder that I have signed up for the next World CRuise with Crystal?!
This was an absolutely FANTASTIC trip! Actually it was a positive day all around. I managed to get an assignment done on Power Point for the computer course, have lunch, take a 30 minute siesta on the sun deck, and in the early afternoon, join the 4 wheel drive for the ride to the coast. There was some sort of celebration in Wellington, itself, so the driver took some out of the way short cuts to avoid the City and it was a wonderful opportunity to see the "Brooklyn" section of town, pass the Botanic Garden, and the house where Katherine Mansfield was born, plus view all the varied architecture including some very old houses. It was like traveling in Switzerland, up one incline only to descend and mount another. Soon, we were out in the countryside covered with Gorse and other wild vegetation, up past a radar station with startling views of the seashore below. We saw ostriches and some other animals in the distance. When we finally got down to the seashore on our way to Tongue Point, where all the brown seals were sunning themselves, the road gave way to pebbles, sand drifts, rocks, hills, gulleys, water filled areas, etc. but our trusty driver "Billy" negotiated all of it without our actually tipping over, though we did seem to be headed for that more than once! It was a breathtaking 10 km, but seemed much longer. I took dozens of pictures of the seaside, the rock formations, the dashing waves, the red rocks (caused by iron deposits), and finally the seals. I will have to post them on my Facebook, since I cannot do it here. I was extremely lucky to be able to sit beside the young driver whose sister-in-law teaches at the Int. School in Horgen/Thalwil (I forget where it is), but the step up was so high that I almost couldn't lift myself to the seat. Thank goodness, I have been taking Yoga lessons, and my arms seem a little stronger now than previously.
Upon my retrun to the ship, I treated myself to a Sundae, which I ate out on the sundeck around the Neptune Pool, and then proceded to fall asleep for a short nap in the sunshine. Were we lucky!? Yesterday it was overcast and rainy here, and the tour people didn't see anything, and even had to turn back at one point because the water was too deep over what should have been a roadway. Also, they couldn't see anything in the distance of the fabulous scenery that we saw. Billy said I was very lucky because a red (something) butterfly landed on my jacket, and apparently they are very rare. One reason for the spectacular rock formations, etc. is that Wellington lies over a fault line, and there have been earthquakes in the area. Actually the whole of Napier, which we visited yesterday, was devastated in 1930/31, by an earthquake, and entirely rebuilt in ART DECO style with lots of Frank Llyod Wright designs, etc. The whole Community was decked out in stylish clothing from the late 1920's including lots of antique autos, etc. to celebrate the anniversary of the event.
Tomorrow is another busy day at Sea, and I have signed up to take a train trip to the Taieri Gorge in Dunedin on Monday.
Do you wonder that I have signed up for the next World CRuise with Crystal?!
Friday, February 20, 2009
We're in Napier and it's pouring!
February 20th,
As usual; if I don't write every day, I completely forget what I did in between!
Yesterday afternoon was a visit to a winery in Tauranga, and was a disappointment as far as sightseeing or wine tasting (since I chose cold water) was concerned, but it was a pleasant time for visiting and conversation. In the evening there was a Ho Down Square Dance party (see pictures on Facebook).
It was a relaxing day, and in the morning, before my private Yoga class, I was able to get some computer homework (for the course) done . We are now working on Power Point. I wonder if I will ever excel at EXCEL, which was the theme of the last segment.
Today, the big party for World Cruisers is scheduled at the old cigarette factory in Napier, but as (bad) luck would have it, the weather is most unfriendly, and the forecast for tomorrow is just as bad, but tomorrow I have signed up for a safari trip (open vehicle) in Wellington! Thank goodness the cruise supplied the World Cruisers with a heavy rainproof jacket.
I have been pleasantly surprised to receive a couple of invitations to private parties that will take place next week; one of them is for the 93rd birthday of the fellow who issued it! So you see, I am not the oldest on board.
I have now uploaded a couple of pictures on to Facebook, since I am unable to do so on this blog. You can access them if you go to www.facebook.com and look for me.
All good wishes, Ann
As usual; if I don't write every day, I completely forget what I did in between!
Yesterday afternoon was a visit to a winery in Tauranga, and was a disappointment as far as sightseeing or wine tasting (since I chose cold water) was concerned, but it was a pleasant time for visiting and conversation. In the evening there was a Ho Down Square Dance party (see pictures on Facebook).
It was a relaxing day, and in the morning, before my private Yoga class, I was able to get some computer homework (for the course) done . We are now working on Power Point. I wonder if I will ever excel at EXCEL, which was the theme of the last segment.
Today, the big party for World Cruisers is scheduled at the old cigarette factory in Napier, but as (bad) luck would have it, the weather is most unfriendly, and the forecast for tomorrow is just as bad, but tomorrow I have signed up for a safari trip (open vehicle) in Wellington! Thank goodness the cruise supplied the World Cruisers with a heavy rainproof jacket.
I have been pleasantly surprised to receive a couple of invitations to private parties that will take place next week; one of them is for the 93rd birthday of the fellow who issued it! So you see, I am not the oldest on board.
I have now uploaded a couple of pictures on to Facebook, since I am unable to do so on this blog. You can access them if you go to www.facebook.com and look for me.
All good wishes, Ann
Monday, February 16, 2009
On Board in Auckland, 2.17.09
Today was a so-called easy day; I stayed on board, although we are docked right downtown in Auckland. I even ate breakfast! SOMETHING I DON'T NORMALLY DO. Then, I went to the Computer lab, and started the homework assignment we have in Power Point. From there, I went to my private Yoga lesson followed by lunch with the instructor. I played bridge in the afternoon, and then took a delicious Sundae with me to the Tea time, where I had a most interesting discussion with a couple I had met last year. Following that, I finally managed to go out on the deck and walk for 1 km (maybe a little more) after which I came back here and fell asleep. I was ready for dinner slightly ahead of my 8 p.m. date at the Prego Restaurant with a fellow cruiser from last year, so I took advantage to watch a TV program about New Zealand and the Maori.
It was an excellent dinner (Italian) and now it is already 11 p.m.
Tomorrow, I have signed up for a tour here in Auckland, and the new people will be coming on board for the next segment of the cruise.
Still no pictures possible on the Blog, and I haven't yet learned how to upload them on Facebook.
All the best to all my readers. Ann
It was an excellent dinner (Italian) and now it is already 11 p.m.
Tomorrow, I have signed up for a tour here in Auckland, and the new people will be coming on board for the next segment of the cruise.
Still no pictures possible on the Blog, and I haven't yet learned how to upload them on Facebook.
All the best to all my readers. Ann
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Good thing there wasn't any Yoga, today, because I NEVER would have made it! As it was, a phone call woke me after 07:30 and we left at 09.00h by tender to Paihia, just across the Bay from Russell and thence in a Catamaran past numerous islands and beautiful scenery, all the way to the "Hole in the Rock". This was similar to a trip I had taken with Philippe and Gwen in 2002/3 when we boarded a large sailboat, and had a wild sail in strong winds. Today, was cold and grey, and the sea was also quite rough, but the scenery was wonderful. On the way back a bunch of Dolphins were frolicking beside the boat, and I even managed to get a couple of (poor) pictures of them; they are so fast! We also saw a school of Gannets.
On the return, after lulnch, the sun came out long enough for me to take a nap on my verandah, and, since then, I have been trying to get my computer up to date. In another hour, there will be some entertainment with a ventriloquist that I like, and after that it will be time for dinner. I have difficulty acknowledging that a full 4 weeks have already passed (1/3 of the trip!) since I left Zürich, and everyone writes about the snow, ice, and cold there.
Did I already write that I saw "The Boy in the Striped Pajama" on Friday night? An interesting and very well acted, but disturbing film about the Holocaust. However, it was so contrived that I can imagine that some viewers mixed the facts with the fiction, which would be a shame, because even today there are people who need to be reminded of the facts.
I also managed to pass the computer final for the 2nd segment on Friday. Tomorrow, we land in Auckland and on Tuesday, the third segment starts.
On the return, after lulnch, the sun came out long enough for me to take a nap on my verandah, and, since then, I have been trying to get my computer up to date. In another hour, there will be some entertainment with a ventriloquist that I like, and after that it will be time for dinner. I have difficulty acknowledging that a full 4 weeks have already passed (1/3 of the trip!) since I left Zürich, and everyone writes about the snow, ice, and cold there.
Did I already write that I saw "The Boy in the Striped Pajama" on Friday night? An interesting and very well acted, but disturbing film about the Holocaust. However, it was so contrived that I can imagine that some viewers mixed the facts with the fiction, which would be a shame, because even today there are people who need to be reminded of the facts.
I also managed to pass the computer final for the 2nd segment on Friday. Tomorrow, we land in Auckland and on Tuesday, the third segment starts.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday the 13th, at Sea:cloudy, rainy, and warm
What a day! My usual program on Tuesdays and Fridays is deadly because of a private Yoga class at 12:30 in addition to the one at 08:00. Problem is trying to fit in some time for lunch, since I obviously do not want to eat just BEFORE yoga, and eating afterwards cuts into my Computer class and lab., and since I don't usually eat breakfast, it's rather tricky. Anyway, I'm alive and well, and can move a little better than before, especially when it comes to getting up from the floor. I bought a Video tape of the Yoga, thinking to use it at home, but now I'm not even sure I have a video player!
Last night was a special party for World cruisers, and I sat at a table with 3 couples that I had not met before, but we had a great time. Again, I took pictures which I will eventually put into Facebook, since I can't do it here on the Blog. Same for the pictures I took on the sightseeing tour of New Caledonia, yesterday.
The rest of the family is skiing: Philippe and Gwen in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Marlyse etc. in Zermatt. I have signed up for a catamaran trip at the Bay of Islands in New Zealand on the 15th.
Every day is something new and interesting.
Last night was a special party for World cruisers, and I sat at a table with 3 couples that I had not met before, but we had a great time. Again, I took pictures which I will eventually put into Facebook, since I can't do it here on the Blog. Same for the pictures I took on the sightseeing tour of New Caledonia, yesterday.
The rest of the family is skiing: Philippe and Gwen in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Marlyse etc. in Zermatt. I have signed up for a catamaran trip at the Bay of Islands in New Zealand on the 15th.
Every day is something new and interesting.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Busy day; nothing new
Feb 10th,
I woke up early (05:00h) and answered some emails; went to Yoga at 8, etc. etc. Private yoga lesson at 12:30; difficult to fit in any time to eat. Computer class from 13:30 to 15:00. Hot water at the afternoon "tea" and then relaxed at the pool for a short time. Back here, I watche4d two of the enrichment lectures (on TV) that I had missed because of classes, and now it's time to dress (formal) for the Crystal Society cocktails and dancing (especially for me,l since I don't drink or dance!). However, our table waitress asked me last night to wear my Indian outfit that I bought in Mumbai last year. I had worn a similar one at the last formal evening, and she was quite impressed. She even correctly guessed which store it came from! Considering that I had two separate yoga sessions today, I'm still alive and well, and I can even get up from the floor again! That's progress, especially at my age.
Due to the time difference, I will probably have to wait until tomorrow to find out about the Israeli elections.
I woke up early (05:00h) and answered some emails; went to Yoga at 8, etc. etc. Private yoga lesson at 12:30; difficult to fit in any time to eat. Computer class from 13:30 to 15:00. Hot water at the afternoon "tea" and then relaxed at the pool for a short time. Back here, I watche4d two of the enrichment lectures (on TV) that I had missed because of classes, and now it's time to dress (formal) for the Crystal Society cocktails and dancing (especially for me,l since I don't drink or dance!). However, our table waitress asked me last night to wear my Indian outfit that I bought in Mumbai last year. I had worn a similar one at the last formal evening, and she was quite impressed. She even correctly guessed which store it came from! Considering that I had two separate yoga sessions today, I'm still alive and well, and I can even get up from the floor again! That's progress, especially at my age.
Due to the time difference, I will probably have to wait until tomorrow to find out about the Israeli elections.
Monday, February 9, 2009
How I froze on a hot day!
Monday, 9 Feb. 09
Today was a stop in Fiji, but I didn't go ashore, and from what I understand, I was smart not to do so! Everyone practically melted, it was so hot ashore. Also, most people agreed that it was not very interesting. Instead, I did a laundry, and went down to the Computer Room to try to catch up with assignments. That part was fine, but it was absolutely freezing in there! I had to get a sweater in addition to my jacket. After lunch, I played bridge with a very good player as a partner, but her cards were awful all afternoon, and that left me to play the games, and mostly I went down one! In the end, we came in at the bottom!
The sun was still on my balcony, so I read outside, and then took a nap before dinner. We have a pleasant table, which is always nice. I had a picture taken of me which I have now uploaded on Facebook.
Today was a stop in Fiji, but I didn't go ashore, and from what I understand, I was smart not to do so! Everyone practically melted, it was so hot ashore. Also, most people agreed that it was not very interesting. Instead, I did a laundry, and went down to the Computer Room to try to catch up with assignments. That part was fine, but it was absolutely freezing in there! I had to get a sweater in addition to my jacket. After lunch, I played bridge with a very good player as a partner, but her cards were awful all afternoon, and that left me to play the games, and mostly I went down one! In the end, we came in at the bottom!
The sun was still on my balcony, so I read outside, and then took a nap before dinner. We have a pleasant table, which is always nice. I had a picture taken of me which I have now uploaded on Facebook.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Still no pictures! Confusing time.
The only place I can upload pictures is on Facebook! Sorry about that.
My other comment has to do with the time differences; today, it is Saturday here at 18:30 but it is Sunday at 07:30 in Switzerland. Tomorrow, at this time, it will be 17:30 here on Monday! and still 07:30 on Monday in Switzerland. From now on, we will be ahead of you, and not behind you!
There is not much to report; in general, I have given up tournament bridge on sea days in favor of the computer lab. The course takes much of my time! However, I have been saving the information sheets from the bridge lessons, and hope to be able to convince a few of you to play the latest in American Standard, when I am back home.
Tomorrow is another land day, where I don't plan to go on shore; instead, I can do laundry, computer lab, and take a sunbath, or even go into the water. The stop is on FIJI. I took the Circular Island tour of Rarotonga, yesterday, and found it disappointing. The interesting thing was the coconut demonstration (how to peel it, cut it open, drink the milk, and eat the flesh). Lots of fruit trees, and nice vegetation.
There is entertainment every night, but I am not great on that, so I am usually glad to just call it a day. With dinner only at 20:30, it is usually 22:30 and later, even without the entertainment, and since I start with Yoga at 08:00, I am ready for bed. I have noticed that I can already move better since I started Yoga, but I still have not walked the deck.
I have heard from some of you , and will attempt to answer your emails individually.
All good wishes, and in case you are interested: It's great to be here!
My other comment has to do with the time differences; today, it is Saturday here at 18:30 but it is Sunday at 07:30 in Switzerland. Tomorrow, at this time, it will be 17:30 here on Monday! and still 07:30 on Monday in Switzerland. From now on, we will be ahead of you, and not behind you!
There is not much to report; in general, I have given up tournament bridge on sea days in favor of the computer lab. The course takes much of my time! However, I have been saving the information sheets from the bridge lessons, and hope to be able to convince a few of you to play the latest in American Standard, when I am back home.
Tomorrow is another land day, where I don't plan to go on shore; instead, I can do laundry, computer lab, and take a sunbath, or even go into the water. The stop is on FIJI. I took the Circular Island tour of Rarotonga, yesterday, and found it disappointing. The interesting thing was the coconut demonstration (how to peel it, cut it open, drink the milk, and eat the flesh). Lots of fruit trees, and nice vegetation.
There is entertainment every night, but I am not great on that, so I am usually glad to just call it a day. With dinner only at 20:30, it is usually 22:30 and later, even without the entertainment, and since I start with Yoga at 08:00, I am ready for bed. I have noticed that I can already move better since I started Yoga, but I still have not walked the deck.
I have heard from some of you , and will attempt to answer your emails individually.
All good wishes, and in case you are interested: It's great to be here!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Yesterday and today:Feb 4 & 5
There is so much going on, that even trying to remember what I DID YESTERDAY, is already difficult! It was a "land day" on the island of Bora Bora, but I chose not to go ashore. Mostly, I remembered it from last year when I took a glass bottomeed boat to look at all the colorful fish. Otherwise, I remember it as being a place with loads of souvenir shops, but i preferred to remain on board and study my computer book. There is lots to learn! In the afternoon, I went up to the gym for a private Yoga lesson with Pat Laster, and then went to the Palm Court for afternoon tea (still dressed in my shorts, from Yoga!). I remained there, because it was quiet and comfortable to continue reading, and since the Single and Unaccompanied Guest Party took place there at 17:15 I was still there when everyone else came in all dressed up! Shane Morley, one of the Crystal dancers joined me, and we had a really lively and fun conversation. I promised him I would go to his show tonight, but it only starts at 22:45h!
Since we are now on the 2nd segment of the cruise, we have 2 new people at our table, and I expect it will be O .K. though not as interesting as the last time. Before going to bed, I tried to send photos of the pearl pendant I bought for a friend, but today, I got the notice: they came back as undeliverable.
Today was a busy day at Sea: Yoga at 8, Rap with the Rabbi at 9, intermediate bridge lesson at 10, advanced bridge lesson at 11, and lunch with Nancy at 12. Then I took time to go up on deck for some sunshine before going to tournament bridge at 14:30. I gave in to my hunger and went to the Bistro for a snack, joining an acquaintance from last year, and after that, I have been busy with the computer: Ruben wrote that I SHOULD JOIN fACEBOOK, and I'm still not sure I am properly registered, but I tried.
Tonight is "formal" evening wear, and there is a "Captain's Formal Welcome Reception" in an hour, followed by dinner, and the "Million Dollar Musical" which I promised Shane I would attend.
Just for the record, I begin to feel relaxed enough that it is my intention to start walking a little bit everyday on Deck 7, the Promenade Deck. The Yoga is really good for me, and i intend to continue privately twice a week with Pat. The reason I could play bridge again this afternoon was because it was orientation day for the new people in the computer course, and I didn't have to attend. Tomorrow, we will be in Rarotonga, and I am scheduled to take a Circle Island Drive in the morning. Looks like I will have to get a new blog, if I ever want to upload pictures!
Since we are now on the 2nd segment of the cruise, we have 2 new people at our table, and I expect it will be O .K. though not as interesting as the last time. Before going to bed, I tried to send photos of the pearl pendant I bought for a friend, but today, I got the notice: they came back as undeliverable.
Today was a busy day at Sea: Yoga at 8, Rap with the Rabbi at 9, intermediate bridge lesson at 10, advanced bridge lesson at 11, and lunch with Nancy at 12. Then I took time to go up on deck for some sunshine before going to tournament bridge at 14:30. I gave in to my hunger and went to the Bistro for a snack, joining an acquaintance from last year, and after that, I have been busy with the computer: Ruben wrote that I SHOULD JOIN fACEBOOK, and I'm still not sure I am properly registered, but I tried.
Tonight is "formal" evening wear, and there is a "Captain's Formal Welcome Reception" in an hour, followed by dinner, and the "Million Dollar Musical" which I promised Shane I would attend.
Just for the record, I begin to feel relaxed enough that it is my intention to start walking a little bit everyday on Deck 7, the Promenade Deck. The Yoga is really good for me, and i intend to continue privately twice a week with Pat. The reason I could play bridge again this afternoon was because it was orientation day for the new people in the computer course, and I didn't have to attend. Tomorrow, we will be in Rarotonga, and I am scheduled to take a Circle Island Drive in the morning. Looks like I will have to get a new blog, if I ever want to upload pictures!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Rainy Season in the South Pacific
Time is quite relative: it's Tuesday morning in Switzerland, Monday night, here (on the way to Bora Bora from Papeete, Tahiti) and I want to write about yesterday ( Sunday) in Mooréa. By the way, I just tried to upload some pictures, and it still doesn't work!
Yesterday, I took a sightseeing trip around Mooréa with William, our driver guide who was born and bred in Mooréa, as were his parents before him, but lo! and behold! his grandparents emigrated from none other than Switzerland! He is a true comedian, and kept us well entertained for the few hours that he drove us around and explained the beautiful scenery. Seems he married a wealthy woman whose family owns pearl farms on various islands round about, and at the end of the sightseeing, he took us to one of the pearl showrooms belonging to his family. I declared a discount was necessary, and set about shopping for the pearl pendant I had been asked to buy for a friend. I was lucky to find a teardrop shaped pearl with a white gold loop for the chain, which I think is quite elegant, and comes with a guarantee of authenticity, etc., so I bought it. However, by the time we got back to where the ship was anchored, we were in the midst of a local downpour, and managed to get soaked just running for the gangway.
After changing,k and eating, I sat out in the sun on my personal veranda for an hour or so, and then went up to the afternoon tea just before it closed. I remained there in the airconditioned quiet and continued with the 2nd chapter assigned for the computer course (what complicated reading!) then went out to the Neptune pool for the "sail away" program featurnig a rum and coconut drink. Pretty soon I was joined by some acquaintances from last year, plus a nonegenarian retired ONH doctor, and the 6 of us chatted happily until the Barbeque dinner buffet was served, which all of us enjoyed. Then, it was time for a colorful folklore show from local artists. It's absolutely amazing how they manage to wiggle their hips without moving a muscle higher up on the torso!
That was it for yesterday. Today was "groundhog day" in the US, and I took a safari trip in an open 4 wheel truck. Again we ran into a local downpour before it was over, and all 6 of us got soaked! Our driver was again most interesting, and kept stopping to explain all the flora and funa along the way. We went all the way up the Papenoo Valley following the river by that name, and revealing loads of natural spring waterfalls. There are two kinds of beaches deptending whether they are on the side where all the coral is, or not, such that some beaches have black sand, and others are white. The mountain peaks situated in Mooréa loom large in the background, and one of them separates Cooks Bay from the Openohu, which was clearly seen, yesterday.
On the way back we passed loads of surfboarders, but they were too far away to show in my photos. All together, it was a beautiful trip and the 6 of us were quite pleased.
Returning to the ship, I wanted to study for the computer course, but after 30 minutes of sunbathing up on the sundwck, Iwant for a tea, and finally returned to my stateroom, where I gave in to a real nap, and fell asleep, waking up on time for dinner, and since I skipped the evening entertainment, I was able to write all this. Tomorrow, we will be in Bora Bora, but I don't think I will go ashore.
Yesterday, I took a sightseeing trip around Mooréa with William, our driver guide who was born and bred in Mooréa, as were his parents before him, but lo! and behold! his grandparents emigrated from none other than Switzerland! He is a true comedian, and kept us well entertained for the few hours that he drove us around and explained the beautiful scenery. Seems he married a wealthy woman whose family owns pearl farms on various islands round about, and at the end of the sightseeing, he took us to one of the pearl showrooms belonging to his family. I declared a discount was necessary, and set about shopping for the pearl pendant I had been asked to buy for a friend. I was lucky to find a teardrop shaped pearl with a white gold loop for the chain, which I think is quite elegant, and comes with a guarantee of authenticity, etc., so I bought it. However, by the time we got back to where the ship was anchored, we were in the midst of a local downpour, and managed to get soaked just running for the gangway.
After changing,k and eating, I sat out in the sun on my personal veranda for an hour or so, and then went up to the afternoon tea just before it closed. I remained there in the airconditioned quiet and continued with the 2nd chapter assigned for the computer course (what complicated reading!) then went out to the Neptune pool for the "sail away" program featurnig a rum and coconut drink. Pretty soon I was joined by some acquaintances from last year, plus a nonegenarian retired ONH doctor, and the 6 of us chatted happily until the Barbeque dinner buffet was served, which all of us enjoyed. Then, it was time for a colorful folklore show from local artists. It's absolutely amazing how they manage to wiggle their hips without moving a muscle higher up on the torso!
That was it for yesterday. Today was "groundhog day" in the US, and I took a safari trip in an open 4 wheel truck. Again we ran into a local downpour before it was over, and all 6 of us got soaked! Our driver was again most interesting, and kept stopping to explain all the flora and funa along the way. We went all the way up the Papenoo Valley following the river by that name, and revealing loads of natural spring waterfalls. There are two kinds of beaches deptending whether they are on the side where all the coral is, or not, such that some beaches have black sand, and others are white. The mountain peaks situated in Mooréa loom large in the background, and one of them separates Cooks Bay from the Openohu, which was clearly seen, yesterday.
On the way back we passed loads of surfboarders, but they were too far away to show in my photos. All together, it was a beautiful trip and the 6 of us were quite pleased.
Returning to the ship, I wanted to study for the computer course, but after 30 minutes of sunbathing up on the sundwck, Iwant for a tea, and finally returned to my stateroom, where I gave in to a real nap, and fell asleep, waking up on time for dinner, and since I skipped the evening entertainment, I was able to write all this. Tomorrow, we will be in Bora Bora, but I don't think I will go ashore.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Aborted Plans to the Pearl Farm
Sunday, Feb. 1st
Yesterday, nothing went according to my original plan, but it was most enjoyable, anyway. It was a perfect example of when plan A doesn't work be ready with plan B. The first surprise was a telephone call inviting me to go to breakfast (usually I skip breakfast). From up on the deck we saw the excitement of trying to fit this big ship into a tiny lagoon entrance (there was already a delay in landing, due to the tide; we had to wait, and the announcement was that maybe we would have to skip it altogether.) In the end, it appeared that we went in sideways! Then, I thought to remain on the ship and do some "household" chores as well as read a chapter in the computer book, but on my way to lunch, I ran into a friend who wanted to go on land, so we did so, thinking to go to the Pearl Farm that we had heard about. However, on Saturday and Sunday the hours were changed, and it was not possible to get there, so we just took a walk to the other end of the island, and enjoyed the lovely scenery and listening to the waves lap on shore. Back on the ship, I started to iron, but left it to go up to afternoon tea, where I joined an acquaintance from last year, and we chatted for a while. Following that I ran into my Yoga teacher, and we went up on the top deck to watch the ship maneuver out of the narrow opening, into the Pacific again. The wind was enough to knock one over, such that I couldn't hold the camera steady.I have pictures, but still cannot upload them. There was a really good ventriloquist act for entertainment before dinner, and before I knew it, it was time for bed.
I start every day betwee 5:30 and 6:00, and dinner is only finished after 10:30 because we sit and talk long after we have finished eating, so I usually skip the late entertainment shows in favor of bed. Tonight, there is a special barbeque buffet on the top deck.
Now, I have to hurry since I am taking a tour of Mooréa today, and we are almost there.
Yesterday, nothing went according to my original plan, but it was most enjoyable, anyway. It was a perfect example of when plan A doesn't work be ready with plan B. The first surprise was a telephone call inviting me to go to breakfast (usually I skip breakfast). From up on the deck we saw the excitement of trying to fit this big ship into a tiny lagoon entrance (there was already a delay in landing, due to the tide; we had to wait, and the announcement was that maybe we would have to skip it altogether.) In the end, it appeared that we went in sideways! Then, I thought to remain on the ship and do some "household" chores as well as read a chapter in the computer book, but on my way to lunch, I ran into a friend who wanted to go on land, so we did so, thinking to go to the Pearl Farm that we had heard about. However, on Saturday and Sunday the hours were changed, and it was not possible to get there, so we just took a walk to the other end of the island, and enjoyed the lovely scenery and listening to the waves lap on shore. Back on the ship, I started to iron, but left it to go up to afternoon tea, where I joined an acquaintance from last year, and we chatted for a while. Following that I ran into my Yoga teacher, and we went up on the top deck to watch the ship maneuver out of the narrow opening, into the Pacific again. The wind was enough to knock one over, such that I couldn't hold the camera steady.I have pictures, but still cannot upload them. There was a really good ventriloquist act for entertainment before dinner, and before I knew it, it was time for bed.
I start every day betwee 5:30 and 6:00, and dinner is only finished after 10:30 because we sit and talk long after we have finished eating, so I usually skip the late entertainment shows in favor of bed. Tonight, there is a special barbeque buffet on the top deck.
Now, I have to hurry since I am taking a tour of Mooréa today, and we are almost there.
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