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Our stay in Honolulu was followed by five sea days. While this may sound boring to some, both of us love the sea days. There is no urgency, no place we need to be at any time. Instead, we are forced to relax… when we are not working. Plus, there are plenty of activities aboard ship.
Before Honolulu, Russell gave a lecture that resulted in many guests going out and purchasing Aloha wear. (Russell did this last year too.) So at a subsequent lecture, we asked everyone to wear their new Aloha wear. The result was a fun and colorful event.
On January 20, we had a “Crossing the Equator” ceremony. Guests and crew who have not crossed before are put on trial before King Neptune. Traditionally, they would kiss a fish and get keel hauled. In modern post-COVID times, they just salute a fish and submerge themselves in the pool.
On January 23 we finally reached land again. Our destination was three consecutive islands in French Polynesia, specifically the Society Islands. We have been to all three islands twice before, but it was fun to come back.
January 23 was Vaitape, Bora Bora. The ship anchored and we came ashore in tender boats. There is not much infrastructure in Vaitape. Gail and our entertainer friend Lindsay Hamilton walked around the local shops. Russell did a long trek that consisted of walking around the perimeter of the doughnut-shaped island. (There is a big tall volcano in the center.)
January 24 was Bahia d’Opunohu (“Oponohu Bay”), Mo‘orea. This is where the 2001 re-make of “South Pacific” was filmed. There is more infrastructure here, but not much. Gail and Lindsay were on a mission. A year ago, Gail found a local vendor (Elvina and her Mami) who sold exquisite but inexpensive hand-made jewelry. Russell beat Gail ashore and bought her four sets of necklace & earrings. Gail went back and bought two more.
In the meantime, Russell continued his quest for a hike. Twice before he has attempted to climb the mountain and failed. This time he knew there was a trail at the end of Opunohu Bay, on the northwest side of the island. Unfortunately, we tendered at the mouth of Opunohu Bay. Russell tried walking the length of the bay, but only got halfway there when he realized he would not have any time. So he walked back to the mouth, and found a closer trail called “Magic Mountain.” On this third trip, he was finally able to climb the mountain! All told, he walked/hiked 10 miles that day.
January 25 was Papeete, Tahiti. This is almost an urban city. There is lots of auto traffic. There are shopping malls and the Marché (market) where you can buy clothing and souvenirs. Russell bought a few souvenirs for crew who couldn’t get off the ship. We then walked to the Assemblée de la Polynesie Française (Government Buildings), where there is a beautiful park. It is like an oasis of nature in the center of the city.
It rained each of the three days, but that didn’t spoil our fun or adventure. (We actually had better weather than the Viking Sky, which is doing the exact same world cruise three days ahead of us.)
In Papeete, we said a reluctant good-bye to Lindsay. We will now have five more sea days before we arrive in New Zealand. Time for more lectures and workshops!
