Day 29 – Feb 3, 2011 - Tongatapa

We crossed the International Date Line last night, hence the loss of day.  Tonga is very different from all the other islands that we have been to so far.  It has a fairly big (by island standards) commercial port and is governed by the Tongan Royal Family which has long maintained strong ties with Britain.  The constitution, written in 1875, is strongly influenced by British law.

We didn’t dock until 9 am.  I had some chores to do on the ship so I didn’t start by touring of Tonga until noon.  I took a shuttle into town and my first mission was to head for an internet cafe and download my blog entries.  It was very hot and humid.  The town of Nuku’Alofa is fairly small and scattered.  It took awhile for me to get my bearings.  Tonga is a very conservative “Kingdom” so I had to keep my knees and shoulders covered, therefore no swimming today.

I did my computer work in an establishment that was dedicated to providing internet service only, no coffee.  It was small and cramped and somewhat primitive with 2 fans attempting to move the air around.  Patrons were in little cubicles – next to me was a Tongan man dressed in a traditional black skirt with a straw-like top skirt covering from his upper thigh to this waist.  I found out later that the skirts represent respect for themselves, their families and their country.  I also saw many school children around town dressed in crisp, colorful uniforms.  After doing my computer work, I asked a young woman for directions to a pharmacy.  She, Leslie, said she would walk me there.  As we walked, we passed a young man who came out of a shop to ask her (in Tongan language) why she was walking with a foreigner.  It sounded to me like Leslie responded by putting him in his place.  She explained it all to me later but none of it sounded nasty to me.

Leslie and her Mother

Bingo Parlor

Island Pharmacy

Seen on the walk to the Pharmacy

Military man with men in traditional dress behind him.  Tonga does have a military but I was told that they have no enemies.  How fortunate.

Not to sound melancholy here but I am so thankful to my parents for demonstrating to me how to live an open, loving, outgoing and fearless life.  If not for those traits I don’t know if I would be venturing into foreign ports by myself.  One of my biggest thrills on these visits is the interactions that I am having with the local folk.  I’m picking up on details that no tour can provide.

During my shopping trip to the local market I had discussions with two craftsmen one who carved a wooden statue of the God of Peace

and the other who carved a pendant out of whale bone. 

  Setateki Iloa of Tonga claims to be a descendant of Captain Bligh.  He had strong evidence.

Of course I purchased both of these treasures.  The bone carver spent some time with me explaining the spiritual meanings of the symbols he lovingly carved.  He told me with deep emotion that as he carved; his spirit and the spirit of his ancestors was transported into the object and then this would be past to the wearer of the charm.  I told him that this was going to be a gift for my oldest grandson.  I was sure to write down all the lovely words he used to describe the symbols.  This day was filled with many moments that I shared with the Tongan people. 

A woman working with Tapa and using her big toe to hold the material.

Tongan tug boat escorting us out of their harbor.

Day 28 – Feb 1, 2011 - Niue

 

Quote from “Men at Sea” so appropriate for the concerns that some passengers are having over the situation in Egypt:

“Think if you like of the distance we have come, but never let your mind run forward faster than your vessel”

Perfect, huh

I have had a most wonderful day in Niue.  In fact, there hasn’t been a Polynesian Island that I haven’t set foot on and immediately fallen in love with.  Most everything about them is pleasurable, especially the people.  It’s all so different for me.  The landscape, the waters, the flowers, the animals, etc.

Today I came in on the first tender (7 am) and used the internet until around 9 am (it was FREE).  So nice to connect with family and friends.  However, before I logged on I met this Islander middle-aged woman who stopped her pick up truck when she saw me by the side of the road.  She wanted to show me her catch of the day, land crabs and some greens.  I at first thought that she wanted to sell me some and if so that’s o.k. however, I think her real mission was to share knowledge about her home with me a newcomer. 

After my internet usage, I returned to the ship to drop off my laptop, see Sharon and grab a banana.  It was just too funny watching all of us tourists rush for a spot to log on, while all around us are new sights and sounds.

I was fortunate enough to make arrangements with a driver who took myself, Mary Rose and Louie out to Talava Arches and the Limu Pools.  For $35 New Zealand dollars he drove us out there and stayed with us until we were ready to return to the harbor.  His native name was “Wild Wave”.  He was similar to other islanders that I have encountered on this part of the trip:  quiet, pleasant and very laid back.  As we went off into the forest to hike to the Talava Arches, he never asked if we had enough water, sunscreen, proper shoes or insect repellant.  Of course, we did but he didn’t know that.  He left us to ourselves.  I like that.  After all his job was to be our driver not our guide.

The Arches were referred to in Capt. Cook’s journal as a variety of curious caverns.  It was low tide and we were able to explore a large cave with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.  This area was used as a look out to keep watch for impending raids by outsiders.  The hour long hike out and back was through a wild jungle like environment with Geckos scurrying in front of us.  We were hiking on lava rock.  I again was reminded how I wasn’t in New Hampshire.  Swimming and exploring in the Limu Pools was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.  Alone in clear, sparkling water surrounded by the forest on one side and the rough, jagged volcanic cave like formations on the other.

As we drove back we all, except the driver started singing Irish songs.  Our happiness was just overflowing, another day well spent.

Irish couple and me with the young woman who worked for the Information Center and our Driver “Richard”

Hopefully, I will get some of the photos that Louie took and post them to this blog.  He’s a much better photographer than I am.

Louie taking a picture of me

Saw a movie tonight that I would highly recommend.  It’s an inspiring documentary:  “180 Degrees South”  It documents the adventurers of a surfer and climber.  Shows beautiful scenes from Easter Island.

Day 27 – Jan 31 – Day at Sea

I always enjoy these days at sea.  A time to charge my batteries, write in my journal, do some laundry or just plain relax.  I get back into my usual routine of walking, working out at the gym, doing my yoga and attending lectures.

Today both Sharon and I heard Cluny Macpherson speak about “The Pacific since WW II – Some Paradoxes of Progess”.  He started off with the quote: “Somewhere in the middle of no where” and then explained that that really isn’t true anymore; that these far away islands in Polynesia have been affected by what is going on in the rest of the world.  I found his talk most enlightening, especially since I’m seeing and experiencing exactly what he is talking about.  This morning an Austrailian that I was having breakfast with said that we are attending the “University of Holland America”.  It’s is such a treat having my meals with people from different countries and different backgrounds, an absolute riot when I am between two out-going males one an Aussie and the other an Irish blok.  I have to pay quick attention to their accents.

In the afternoon, I attended a “meet-up” of “Hiking Enthusiasts”.  My goal is to hook up with some people who want to do some hiking in New Zealand.  The perfect situation would be if they have a plan with maps already in place and that I just join up with them.  O.K. call me lazy….

In the evening after dinner and a show, I went up to the Sky Deck to attend a star gazing activity.  Sharon came out on the lower deck but did not want to attempt the stairs, she still saw the Southern Sky and enjoyed that.  I got a good overview of the names of the constellations.  It was just a thrill to lay on my back on a chaise lounge and dreamily look up to the sky. 

Day 27 - January 31 - Day at Sea

Not much to report except that all is well with both Sharon and I.  I am getting off at all these beautiful islands while Sharon enjoys them from the ship.  Getting on the tenders is just too difficult for her.

Every morning we get a brevitated version of the NY times, so we very aware of what is going on in the world especically Egypt.  Some people are getting concerned if we will be able to go through the Suez Canal, but that is 2 months from now and things may change by then, hopefully.  Right now all is well in my world.

Day 26 – January 30 –Rarotongo, Cook Islands

Traveling among these Polynesian islands is leaving me with a strong impression of tranquility that I wouldn’t soon forget.

Rarotongo is the most populous island in the Cook Islands, interesting because most of us travelers found it very quiet and non-crowded.  As we were driven around the island in the local bus, it felt like we were going through ordinary working class neighborhoods with beautiful white sandy beaches as their front yards.  Once again we are on a volcanic island surrounded by a lagoon.

 

The sea was extremely rough today so our tender service to the harbor was slow and even halted at one time.

We didn’t get off the ship until noon. 

As a cohesive group of travelers, we decided that our destination would be the the beach at Muri.

Mary Rose on the bus, notice the Japanese letters behind her.

Muri Beach was the perfect choice.  We swam for awhile, ate lunch and I took a walk down the beach while the others logged onto the internet at the Cyber Cafe.

Fellow passenger finds a Blue Starfish that is found in the waters surrounding Cook Islands.

Sign on the Beach…

Para Sailing off the beach.

Men were operating these model sail boats via remote controls – They were pretty serious.

I met a lovely couple from British Columbia on my walk.  We shared travel stories and we wholeheartedly agreed on the loveliness of Rarotonga.  They were on their way to New Zealand after a week of renting a small house on Rarotonga.  They gave me suggestions as to what I should see and do in New Zealand and Austrailia.  This sharing is common among World Travelers and it’s often well-received especially if you share interests and activity levels.  However, I’m afraid I forget what they usually tell me, since I never have paper and pen to write it down.  Anyway, I’ve recently adopted a “just go with flow” attitude in regards to making travel plans in advance. 

Taken from the bus window on our return trip to the harbor.

And once again our ship waits for us to return.  The ride back to the ship was quite exciting, like riding a wild horse.  The last tender had some serious problems because one of the wenches malfunctioned and loading the boat back on the ship was very nerve wracking.  Those of us on deck cheered the sailors as they finally were able to come aboard.

Day 25 – January 29 – Day at Sea

I took my first Tai Chi class on the ship.  Interesting taking a class that helps your balance in spirit and body as you are on a moving cruise ship.

I heard today about an elderly woman from Canada that we had met about a week ago who had to leave the ship in Tahiti because of medical reasons.  So sad.  It’s an interesting fact that these cruise ships expect about 10 deaths per world cruise.  We have so far had 2.  Sharon and I are in the best of health and we are also staying out of trouble because I’ve also heard that there are two jail cells on the ship.  

Day 24 – January 28th – Bora Bora

As some of you may have noticed I’ve gotten my days mixed up, this is what happens at sea.  You’d forget your head if it wasn’t attached to you.  Anyway, here we go again another wonderful day in Bora Bora and what a day it was.  I get all dreamy just recalling it all.  I truly hated leaving this “Pearl of the South Seas”.

It’s really something to look out your Port window in the early morning and see the volcanic landscape of Bora Bora, who could be grumpy with that in front of you.

I was on my own today so I took the island shuttle to Matira Beach and then walked down to the Kayak rental place.  Coco and his dog assisted me with the Kayak and then gave me directions as to where to go. 

The wind was strong and I don’t think I quite understood his directions because I found myself fighting pretty strong waves.  I had a blast and didn’t feel any fear since I was mesmerized by the scenery; the white sanded islets that were surrounding me and watching the shades of the lagoon waters as they go from turquoise to deep blue to light green. 

After my adventure  I rested at a Hotel’s beach and had my simple cheese sandwich that I brought from the ship. 

I paddled on, passed the beach that we had lunch at the day before and then further to another charming little beach, where I snorkeled and swam some more.  I’m reading “Men Against the Sea” by Nordhoff and Hall, the same authors who wrote “Mutiny on the Bounty”.  It is a pure pleasure to be reading about this area as I am sitting on a tropical beach under a palm tree with a coconut shell and a breadfruit in front of me.  Does life get any better than this??? 

But not all is well in paradise because a few minutes later as I was taking a walk up the shore, I was very nicely told to move on since I was on a private beach, oh well.  As I paddled back to return the kayak a huge sea turtle swam right in front of me, it was quite marvelous to watch as she brought her head up for air.  A truly AMAZING day.

Below are pictures of the local out-rigger canoeists as they rode the wake of our tender (the boat that brings us into the port)