Day 27 – January 27th – Bora Bora

We are going to be in this tropical Paradise for 2 days.  I am constantly amazed at where I’m at and what I’m doing.  I’m afraid I’m going to bore all of you with all the superlative adjectives that I will be using.  But this place is truly amazing.

Went into Vaitape, Bora Bora with Louis and Mary Rose, my 2 new friends from Ireland.  They are a delight to be with, funny and such good story-tellers and of course their accents are sweet to hear.  They also don’t enjoy going on the ship excursions so we formed a good group of adventurous travelers.  We matched to strike a deal with Mato and for $55, he took us out on the coastal waters off of Bora Bora, the lagoon and it’s surrounding atoll are right out of a movie. 

Yes, ladies that’s a thong that he is wearing and he did play that guitar and sing also….

This was my 2nd time snorkeling and from what I understand this is the best place in the world for it.

  Yes, we actually swam with the sharks and the sting rays.  Louis took some great pictures that I will post later.  It was a surreal experience.  I kissed and touched the rays, very smooth surface.  Never thought that I would be doing this.

  Mary Rose and I, in heaven…

Sting ray coming towards us.

We then went to a beach where I met a lovely family.

Some additional pictures of the scenery around the lagoon.

  Another group out there with us, notice the rays in the water.

  Hotel at Bora Bora

Louis with the volcano of Bora Bora in the back ground.

Bora Bora is a volcanic Island in the middle of an atoll, a ring shaped coral reef with island or islets on it. 

Tomorrow I plan on going kayaking..

Day 26 – January 26 – Tahiti

 

Tahiti is certainly beautiful as all these South Pacific islands are, however I was not quite prepared for the busy port city of Papeete (capital of Tahiti). 

We were greeted at the dock by music and woman with flowers.

 

Initially when we started out on our snorkling and swimming adventure there was some confusion and a little tension over bus schedules and directions.  We managed to overcome it all and decided to hire a taxi to take us out to the Venus Point Lighthouse where we were told there was a black sand beach.

 

Kathleen gave me my first snorkling lesson and I was sold, what a marvelous experience.

We then had a little picnic and walked around the bay that the Bounty first docked at.

Bantan Tree – this is the average size.  It’s roots come down from it’s branches and spread that way.

  Breadfruit Tree.  It’s fruit is the reason for the Bounty’s mission to Tahiti.

  Front yard altar – looking out to the sea.

When we returned to Papeete, I did some shopping (a beautiful Paro for myself and gifts for grandson Sam)  A Paro is one of those gorgeous flower printed sarong type of cloth that a woman wraps and ties around herself.  Later on in Boro Boro I get a lesson on how to do that.  Anyway, I then returned to the ship to get my laptop so that I could get WiFi at the visitors center.  It was there that I met a delightful, friendly young Tahiti man, Tamatoa.  He was outgoing and very interested in this blog.  So I gave him the blog address and I do hope to hear from him again, so that we can discuss politics more.  He was waiting for his girl friend, Manuia.  He waits for her every day at the Visitors Center because it is air conditioned.  She arrived and joined us in our delightful conversation, one thing led to another and the next thing I know is that we are walking back into the center so that Manuia can show me the store where I can buy a black pearl ring.  This is that generous hospitality of the Polynesian people that we have always heard about.  It is so true and real.  So once again I find myself having a difficult time saying good-bye to people that I would like to get to know better.

  At the Jewelry store.  A handsome couple, I wish them the best in life.

  Rainbow over Tahiti before we departed.

Days 24- 25, Jan 24-25, 2011 – Days at Sea

 

More days of relaxing and learning, what more could I ask for?  I’ve developed a routine which suits me and I’m making some nice friends; meeting some interesting people.  Sharon is doing the same and then later on in the day we meet and have a great time comparing notes.

Today I attended a computer lecture: “It’s all Geek to me”.  So there I am sitting in a class room like environment next to a 5 foot high window watching the ocean go by me.  WOW.

Day 19, Jan 23, 2011 – Pitcairin Island

Oh what a wonderful day this was.  This is the island that Christian Fletcher and his troop of mutineers settled on with their Tahitian wives.  It is such a sight to see as you come up upon it.  We could not dock their but the islanders come out in a long boat and boarded the ship to sell their craft and wares.   This picture was taken as I was on deck watching the islanders leave the island.

As they were on board, the ship circled the island twice.  Unbelievable being here in this remote spot meeting and chatting with people who are direct descendants of Christian Fletcher.

An 85 year old islander who still carves beautiful wooden objects from local wood.  I purchased a unique rolling pin not from him but from I’m sure relatives of his.

And of course I had to flirt a little with Pirate Pawl.  I was drawn to his 20 to 30 ear rings.  I asked him if I could take a picture of him and he immediately handed my camera to a friend and pulled me towards him.  Oh my…please notice how I am pulling away from him.

And then there were the children.  So adorable.  This little 2 year old girl (Shannon) was being taken care of my her 13 year old brother (Ralph).  She had a head of curls and the biggest brown eyes.  Ralph is a smart boy who enjoyed answering my inquisitive questions about island life and how he and all his siblings are good ocean swimmers.  His older brother told me about his girl friend from New Zealand.  There are 5 children in their family and only 10 children on the island.  Ralph was telling me that their are only 2 children on the island who are the same age and that is his younger brother and his cousin who are both 9.  They are a kind and gentle people.

It was emotional for me watching them leave.  They returned to their quiet, simple, peaceful lives as we continued our journey around the world.  The differences in our life styles, experiences and values was very evident.  

  Saying Good-bye…all of us were yelling “Thank You” from the ship and from the water.  The Captain later on announced how the ship had sent them home with boxes of chicken and bags of potatoes and ice cream for the kids.

Days 17 & 18, Jan 21st & 22nd – At Sea

 

Aboard ship they have a book discussion group which I have joined, maybe.  The book is Pat Conroy’s new Book “A Reading LIfe”.  I’m thoroughly enjoying the book but not all that crazy about the group, maybe I’m just not a joiner or I’m picky about who I discuss books with.  Anyway, to go along with this book they played the movie “The Great Santini” the other night.  That was based on a book that Pat Conroy wrote which is semi-autobiographic.  I am very impressed with the people who organize these activities and that they have a purpose in mind.  For instance, on the night after the day we spend at Pitcarin Island, they will be showing “Mutiny on the Bounty” with Marlon Brando.  

My sister Bunny, suggested that I take some pictures of our stateroom to give everyone an idea of our living conditions.  So far I only have this one picture of our vanity/desk area.

Day 16 – Jan 20, 2011 – Easter Island

Sunrise over Easter Island

Greeting Party

The seas were high and the waves were hitting the rocky shores of Easter Island with a fury this morning.  Therefore, the Captain and his staff had to carefully evaluate the situation before lowering the tenders and allowing us to visit this remote island.  It is a territory of Chili and that is 2,000 miles to the east. Most of us would never get a chance to be in this part of the world again  There was much joy when he decided that it was safe enough for us to cross over.  So many people were looking forward to seeing EI, including myself.  Sharon has been to Easter Island and had NO interest at all in boarding a rocking boat.

Lowering the Life Boat (Tender) Our Captain

Checking the area out…

The tour that I went on was called “Ancient Cultures of Easter Island”.  We went to – Rano Kau, the volcano closest to the village of Hango Roa.  As we looked into it’s crater we saw a strange microclimate of dense and exotic vegetation.  It looked so unreal. 

Looking into the crater of the Volcano

Next we were driven by a non-English speaking young man, in our small, crowded and hot van on a bumpy dirt road to the ceremonial village of Orongo which showed evidence of the Birdman culture and it’s rituals.  Beautiful views looking out to the 3 obelisks that the bravest and fittest men of Rape Nui swam out to get a birds egg and then bring it make to the chief which would make them and their clan the ruling class for a year.  These waters are shark infested and the cliffs were steep and jagged.  What a system! 

Three Obelisks

Our Guide

Our tour ended at Thai on the west coast of the island, that is where we saw up close or as close as we could go – the famous Moai statues.  They are stunning and very strange.  We were rushed because of our late start.  But I of course saved time to purchase one item from one of the local crafts people. 

Platform of Moai

Standing Guard

After a long day on the island it was nice to see our ship sitting off the coast.

 

ms Amsterdam “Home Sweet     Home”

Days 12 –15. Jan 16 - 19, 2011 – Days at Sea

We are on our way to Easter Island and the seas are a ’rolling.  Now keep in mind this is my (Julia’s) perspective, Sharon the ole season traveler doesn’t feel a thing.  I woke up one night feeling a strong up and down movement every time the ship went into a swell.  And that feeling has stayed with me for the next couple of days.  The meds for motion sickness have made me sleepy as does this rocking motion.  I had to leave the movie theatre a couple of nights ago because of dizziness from trying to watch a shaky screen.  Going to bed seemed like a better idea, the rocking motion of the ship is great for night time sleep
Speaking of movies, they are shown every night on the ship, most of them newly released.  The other night both of us tried to watch “The Social Network” and couldn’t seem to make any sense of it.  I’ll try again when I’m on solid land.  Sharon watched the “Oxford Murders” last night and she found it very interesting but didn’t see William Hurt who was listed as a star.  Tonight we both watched “The Greatest”, quite the tear-jerker but well worth it.
Our “days at sea” are spent in splendid relaxation. 
Julia reading on the “Sky Deck”
Today (the 19th) I by accident slammed my left thumb in the bathroom door.  Talk about pain!!!!  Anyway, the staff here is so attentive.  I was given lots of ice and some good advice about easing the pain:  Keeping my thumb up high and scrapping the nail with a needle.  Another passenger told me that I could relieve the pressure by having the nail lanced.  I’ll wait on that one. 
After an absolutely fantastic day at sea and a wonderful evening of nice socializing; I decided to go out to the stern (the back of the ship); and was greeted by a sight right out of the travel brochures.   The full moon was right there in direct line with the wave path that the ship was leaving behind.  As I looked back at the moon after looking up to see the stars, I caught a glimpse of a falling star, very magical.  The perfect ending of a perfect day, except for the finger incident.

Day 11 – January 15, 2011 – Lima, Peru

We were both going to go on a tour of Lima today that was arranged by Sharon’s Travel Agency today.  However, Sharon decided against attending, which was probably for the best because there was a great deal of walking and some of it was on uneven surfaces.  I certainly missed her company.
Taken while I was waiting for the bus:

The buses picked us up at 9 am and off we went into the city.  The port area is not very scenic, since it is so busy.  The surrounding neighborhoods are very poor.  Our guide Fernando was very pleasant however his English was not very good.  I just took it all in anyway – the sights and sounds of this diverse city.  I felt fairly fond of it after this long day, who could not admire a city of this size and challenging history. 
The center of Lima with it’s colonial buildings, churches and it’s impressive presidential palace, is quite charming.
Glass balconies are very popular, a result of the Spanish influence
    Casa Alagia – Oldest home in Lima and is still occupied by the 6th generation of the same family.

   Lima Taxi
Plaza de Armas
Hombre and his family.  The mother came up and kissed me after I took this picture, lovely, gentle people.  In fact, further down the street, a Peruvian woman who now lives in NJ approached me to ask if we were from the ship.   She and her husband were there visiting his mother who resides in Lima.  After I took their picture (not posted) the mother-in-law kissed me,   So I ask where are all the men???
Maybe they are at the Presidential Palace.


As I’ve mentioned before there is a great deal of police and military presence in Lima:

They are friendly to us tourists….

Police on horseback

More military protection.
We also toured the church and catacombs of San Francisco.

Pictures taken of my luncheon companions.  Our conversation was lively.

  My new Canadian friends.


Linda and me with my new Panama Hat.
The drive back to the ship through the affluent Miraflores suburb and along the coast:


and then there were the soccer “courts”