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

ATW - Day 13

Well Dear Reader, it has certainly been a while since I have posted.  Have you wondered where I've been?  I will tell you now that it had been 11 days since we set foot on land, the last time being in San Diego!  Today we finally did it in Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia.

You may be asking what happened.  Well, the weather did indeed prevent us from getting into Kona on Saturday.  My cousin Mel told me that the storm was the worst they've had in the 13 years that he has lived there!  So, that made it another day at sea which meant that we would have another 5 days at sea until we reached Nuku Hiva.  We love our days at sea  - especially if we win at Bingo!

The days passed quickly.  The Sommelier's Choice Lunch on Sunday was a highlight as usual.

Tuesday, the 17th started with a great rainbow as I did my morning walk on the fitness track.

 We finally had good enough weather to enjoy some time on our veranda.

And, we crossed the equator which was nicely marked.

Being St. Patrick's Day, they had a pub night on the ship.

It felt great to get up on the fitness track this morning and to see land at last.

This morning we took a tender into the town and walked around.  The first thing we did was walk up a hill to see the tiki statues and the views.

Following that, we walked down to a beach.  No swimming today.

We then walked in town along the waterfront.  

Did I mention that it was hot and humid?  We were hoping for a rain shower to cool us off, but we had to settle for some cold drinks from a store.  After sitting on a bench for a while, Linda headed back to the tender pier while I walked up to the Notre Dame Cathedral.

So, that catches you up.  Yesterday was day number 12 of the ATW cruise - 10 percent down, 90 to go! Tomorrow is another sea day before we reach Rangiroa.

Peace and blessings,

Linda and Larry