Other Cruise Stops...

Of course, the cruise was wonderful. This ship was about 1/3 of the size boat we normally cruise on so you were always running into people you knew. Most passengers were either Canadian or American with a few Europeans and Russians about. We had excursions at every island which regardless of what we did included fresh papaya, coconut, star fruit, fish (blue fin marlin, mahi mahi) and rum punch or Hinano beer.

On Tahiti, we did a circle island tour stopping at several locations including the Gauguin museum and a little restaruant to feed the "pet" saltwater fish. They called this one a moon fish.

On Huahine, we did a historical walk through the village of Maeva looking at mareas (prehistoric temples) and other artifacts…along with vanilla plants and beans growing on a plantation. Plus we stopped off at a little creek running through part of the island to feed the blue-eyed eels. Unfortunately, there had been a mud slide and you couldn't see them very well..

Raratonga is part of the Cook Islands and associated with New Zealand. We were very lucky as we were actually able to land the day we were there. This was the first time in three months the ship had been able to off load passengers. We snorkeled.

Raiatea/Tahaa – We drift snorkeled in the coral garden – which is where we used one entire underwater camera. A drift snorkel is where there is a channel between to motus (islands) and you hike to one end of the channel, get in and just drift along with the current. The only work is to swim around the coral to avoid getting cut. I almost made it...however both of my knees and one shin took one for the team...

Bora Bora – We snorkeled on 2 different days in 2 different areas – both times feeding the sting rays. The second day when we snorkeled with the rays, the black tipped reef sharks decided to come in for lunch too. Robert told me I should get on the boat. I looked at him and said as long as you are holding the fish, I’m ok. I did stay with the sharks until there were 4 of them. Then we both got out. Of course the birds are trained just as well. We were able to throw food and they would catch it mid air.

We then returned to Mo’orea – and (surprise) more snorkeling however I think this was the most relaxing excusion we had. We went to a channel between two motus (small islands) and it was covered with a lovely fine sand. They had tables, lunch (fresh mahi mahi), drinks and no set itinerary. Just to spend a few hours in the water and on the beach in either sun or shade.

And sadly back to Tahiti to start the long journey home.

The water in all locations was absolutely beautiful and the fish amazing. Over the course of two weeks, I’ll bet we went swimming along reefs 15 – 20 different times and on every one we say different fish from puffers to flute fish to angels to neons, big and little both, along with the clams, anemones, urchins and corals. The colors are amazing – as if we were in a giant salt water tank only better.

We did bring back some vanilla beans (once dried they are a spice) and will soon be flavoring some rum and sugar with them. The underwater cameras should be developed by next weekend. If we got some good fish pictures, I will post those in the next couple of days!