ATW Day 17

Today we are in Papeete.  This morning we did an East Coast Highlights excursion with Oceania.  The day started out overcast with some light rain.  We were hoping for better weather as the morning progressed but it didn't happen.  The first stop was at Venus Point for the lighthouse (built in 1867) and views.  Captain Cook named the point when he was observing the transit of Venus.

As we walked around the point, we had a few drops of rain.  Just as we got back to the bus, it started raining harder.  Our next stop was Les 3 Cascades waterfalls.  The rain continued for the whole ride there.  As much as we hoped, the rain did not stop when we got there.  The rain did contribute to the volume of water flowing on the falls and in the stream.  It did let up enough for us to walk for a while but I still got quite wet between the rain and spray from the falls.

We also saw pretty flowers.

The final stop was Tahara'a Viewpoint.  Some more rain there, but it did let up a bit again until just before we got back on the bus.

In the afternoon, the rain let up enough for us to take a short walk in Papeete.

We have one more port in French Polynesia tomorrow.  Here's hoping for better weather!

Peace and blessings,

Linda and Larry

ATW Day 16

Today, Sunday, we were in Moorea, French Polynesia.  But, before I get there, let's look at the sail away from Rangiroa.  It was a sunset sail away through a narrow channel with a bit of a dolphin show.

Moorea is where some of the movie South Pacific was filmed.

Our original plan was to go to a beach to swim.  The beach that I had heard about was far from the tender port so there was a change in plan.  From the tender port, with its local market, we walked for about 20 minutes to the Fare Tutave Restaurant.  Fortunately, there was some cloud cover which made the walk bearable.   We had a really good fish lunch.

It rained a bit while we were eating, but the sun had returned for our walk back to the pier.  The hot and humid weather with the equatorial sun in this part of the world has been somewhat draining for us.

We sailed away from Moorea at 4:00 pm for the quick 2 hour cruise to Papeete where are no enjoying a cool evening.

Yesterday in Rangiroa there was an incident that reminded us to do what we can when we can and to enjoy life to the fullest.  A 69 year old woman who was a guest on the cruise passed away while snorkeling.  So sad.  I hope that she was really enjoying herself until the end.

Peace, blessings and enjoy life,

Linda and Larry

ATW Day 15

Today, Saturday, we are in Rangiroa, French Polynesia.  But, first, let's back up  to Thursday in Nuku Hiva.  As we sailed away, it was just another nice sunset.  You might be able to spot Saturn in the photo.

However, the big news was the announcement of the change of itinerary.  It was totally expected.  We are most disappointed that we will not be doing our overland excursion to Nepal.  We are hoping that they will offer an overland safari excursion in South Africa.

Friday was a sea day.  It was somehow very busy. 

And, as I said, today we are in Rangiroa.  Another sunrise rainbow!

We did the Snorkel Aquarium Garden excursion.  The site was in the atoll, not far from the ship.

It was so nice to float around in the warm, blue Polynesian water for 45 minutes.  The fish were plentiful although, perhaps not the most interesting that we've seen.

Back on the ship, we had a lovely lunch on the back deck.

It is always fascinating to observe the guests on board.  On the one hand, there was this couple who were totally into the scenery and each other's company.

On the other hand, you get to meet interesting people like Bob Binder, one of the founders of Oceania.

Tomorrow we will be in Moorea and then on to Papeete on Monday.  That will be a big turnover day for the ship.  Although the 550+ ATW guest will continue on.

Peace and blessings,

Linda and Linda