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.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
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.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Trying to catch up
Saturday, 31 January, 2009
It has been a hectic week, and I just couldn't make the time to write anything. First off, the stress of the program I had made for myself made it impossible for me to keep up with the computer course, and left me exhausted each day, so I finally dropped the afternoon tournament bridge each day, in favor of the computer lab., which seems to work much better. The bridge lessons each morning are really good, and I continue with them. I also note that the Yoga class has been good for me, although I have trouble keeping up with the rest, all of whom are much younger; therefore, I try to hide between the furniture so no one will see me struggling. I am considering taking a private lesson with the instructor during the next segment of the trip.
It's quite different returning to the cruise for the second time, as opposed to being a total stranger, both to the ship and to the guests. In many cases, it's like meeting old friends, and makes social contacts much easier.
Our evening dinner table has been most interesting this segment, but only three of us will still be here for the next segment, and we are wondering who will join us. This time, we had an "Ambassador Host" with us, a counter spy (espionage) expert (Enrichment speaker), and the Berlitz teacher of French, plus a retired actress, a real estate agent, a former school teacher, and me. If and when the IT people on the ship finally find out why I can't post pictures, I have one of all of us at the table.
We had 5 solid sea days, full of courses, so Thursday (a land day) was the first chance I had to go to the pool and get a little bit of sun, do a laundry, etc. althöough that meant that I didn't get off the ship.
At one of the evening cocktail hours (there have been many) I was approached by a fellow who seemed to know me from somewhere, and he turned out to be the fellow who sold me most of my furniture some 11 years ago, when I first moved to Goldbacherstrasse. He's here from Zürich with three other fellows, and now plans to open his own shop.
Yesterday was the computer exam, and I was hard put to find the time to prepare for it! Since I managed to "pass", all is well, but now I really have to reread some of the technical stuff.
I went to the entertainment last night, all song and dance stuff, although I usually prefer to skip it; as usual, I listened to the music, and my eyes closed, so it was a waste. Dinner is only at 8:30 p.m. and the show starts at 10:30, but my day starts at 06:00h, so it is no wonder if I am lulled to sleep.
Tomorrow is Mooréa and the next day is Tahiti. I have signed up for a general overview tour for Mooréa, and am joining an acquaintance from last year for a safari tour in Tahiti. Today, I might go ashore and walk around looking for a pearl pendant. This is supposed to be an area where pearl farms are prevalent.
That's it for today; I will try not to write so much, but to post it more often.
If you read this, then please note that I would prefer not to get all the long attachments many of you have been sending. First of all, the downloading is very slow on the ship, and the computer time is very expensive. However, I am happy to get your emails, if you care to write.
Fond regards, Ann
It has been a hectic week, and I just couldn't make the time to write anything. First off, the stress of the program I had made for myself made it impossible for me to keep up with the computer course, and left me exhausted each day, so I finally dropped the afternoon tournament bridge each day, in favor of the computer lab., which seems to work much better. The bridge lessons each morning are really good, and I continue with them. I also note that the Yoga class has been good for me, although I have trouble keeping up with the rest, all of whom are much younger; therefore, I try to hide between the furniture so no one will see me struggling. I am considering taking a private lesson with the instructor during the next segment of the trip.
It's quite different returning to the cruise for the second time, as opposed to being a total stranger, both to the ship and to the guests. In many cases, it's like meeting old friends, and makes social contacts much easier.
Our evening dinner table has been most interesting this segment, but only three of us will still be here for the next segment, and we are wondering who will join us. This time, we had an "Ambassador Host" with us, a counter spy (espionage) expert (Enrichment speaker), and the Berlitz teacher of French, plus a retired actress, a real estate agent, a former school teacher, and me. If and when the IT people on the ship finally find out why I can't post pictures, I have one of all of us at the table.
We had 5 solid sea days, full of courses, so Thursday (a land day) was the first chance I had to go to the pool and get a little bit of sun, do a laundry, etc. althöough that meant that I didn't get off the ship.
At one of the evening cocktail hours (there have been many) I was approached by a fellow who seemed to know me from somewhere, and he turned out to be the fellow who sold me most of my furniture some 11 years ago, when I first moved to Goldbacherstrasse. He's here from Zürich with three other fellows, and now plans to open his own shop.
Yesterday was the computer exam, and I was hard put to find the time to prepare for it! Since I managed to "pass", all is well, but now I really have to reread some of the technical stuff.
I went to the entertainment last night, all song and dance stuff, although I usually prefer to skip it; as usual, I listened to the music, and my eyes closed, so it was a waste. Dinner is only at 8:30 p.m. and the show starts at 10:30, but my day starts at 06:00h, so it is no wonder if I am lulled to sleep.
Tomorrow is Mooréa and the next day is Tahiti. I have signed up for a general overview tour for Mooréa, and am joining an acquaintance from last year for a safari tour in Tahiti. Today, I might go ashore and walk around looking for a pearl pendant. This is supposed to be an area where pearl farms are prevalent.
That's it for today; I will try not to write so much, but to post it more often.
If you read this, then please note that I would prefer not to get all the long attachments many of you have been sending. First of all, the downloading is very slow on the ship, and the computer time is very expensive. However, I am happy to get your emails, if you care to write.
Fond regards, Ann
Monday, January 26, 2009
Just reading it, is enough to make you tired!
26 January
All those trials and tests were because I am not able to upload my pictures! I may have to establish a new blog, but I will post the address here, when I do. I had been trying to show you the beautiful bouquets of flowers that I had received, but instead, ran into all kinds of problems with the computer. I also have a picture of the famous rock formation at El Arco in Cabo St. Lucas at the tip of Baha Calif. in Mexico. If and when it becomes possible for me to post pictures, I will show it.
We are now at sea for the 3rd consecutive day, with 2 more to go until we reach Nuka Hiva, some island in the Pacific. Now that all the courses have begun, I have an even busier schedule than I had in Zürich. Yesterday was typical: up at 6 a.m. to read Herald Tribune, etc., yoga at 8, brkfast and shower at 9, intermediate bridge lesson at 10; advanced bridge at 11; lunch at 12; computer course at 13:30; tournament bridge at 14:30; computer lab at 16:30, and haircut at 18:00! It was the second day of yoga, and all my muscles ached, so I took a pain killer and went to bed, thinking I would read over some of the assignment for computer course, but I fell asleep. That would have been OK, but when I woke up, I read my watch incorrectly and ran down for dinner (I am scheduled for the late seating at 20:30) only to find everyone already eating their dessert! It was 21:30! Fortunately, I have some very nice table companions, and they kept me company, anyway, until I had eaten. The table got changed after the first evening, so that we are now 4 ladies, and three men; it was supposed to be a table for 6, but the first night an acquaintance from last year, saw me and got permission to join our table, so we are now 7. In addition, one of the Ambassador hosts was switched to another table, and an interesting retired actress joined us.
Now, I have to read my computer assignment! and answer some emails, before I go to Yoga.
All those trials and tests were because I am not able to upload my pictures! I may have to establish a new blog, but I will post the address here, when I do. I had been trying to show you the beautiful bouquets of flowers that I had received, but instead, ran into all kinds of problems with the computer. I also have a picture of the famous rock formation at El Arco in Cabo St. Lucas at the tip of Baha Calif. in Mexico. If and when it becomes possible for me to post pictures, I will show it.
We are now at sea for the 3rd consecutive day, with 2 more to go until we reach Nuka Hiva, some island in the Pacific. Now that all the courses have begun, I have an even busier schedule than I had in Zürich. Yesterday was typical: up at 6 a.m. to read Herald Tribune, etc., yoga at 8, brkfast and shower at 9, intermediate bridge lesson at 10; advanced bridge at 11; lunch at 12; computer course at 13:30; tournament bridge at 14:30; computer lab at 16:30, and haircut at 18:00! It was the second day of yoga, and all my muscles ached, so I took a pain killer and went to bed, thinking I would read over some of the assignment for computer course, but I fell asleep. That would have been OK, but when I woke up, I read my watch incorrectly and ran down for dinner (I am scheduled for the late seating at 20:30) only to find everyone already eating their dessert! It was 21:30! Fortunately, I have some very nice table companions, and they kept me company, anyway, until I had eaten. The table got changed after the first evening, so that we are now 4 ladies, and three men; it was supposed to be a table for 6, but the first night an acquaintance from last year, saw me and got permission to join our table, so we are now 7. In addition, one of the Ambassador hosts was switched to another table, and an interesting retired actress joined us.
Now, I have to read my computer assignment! and answer some emails, before I go to Yoga.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
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