Day two began much the same as yesterday with temps in the 80's, 73% humidity, and winds at 13 mph. Light rain was predicted, except the weather screen showed three rain drops from the cloud. We tend to believe the TV version and not light rain. The peaks on Tahiti Nui can reach 7350 feet in elevation on Mt. Orohena and when it rains, it comes from that direction.
There were some tours here yesterday and today, which we forgot to mention. A tour of the east coast was 2 ½ hours for $100 – bring your own water. Geez that's pretty petty. The next two excursions were $130 for Tahiti's west coast for 4 hours and Papenoo valley and waterfall for 3 ½ hours with a swim. Tahiti lagoon discovery was 3 hours for $140 with a swim off of the boat and Tahiti's natural treasures for 4 ½ hours with a refreshment was also the same price. The Ohana catamaran escape for 3 hours with a drink was $160, while the 2 hour catamaran sunset sail was also $160. Tahiti around the island was 7 hours with a lunch for $220.
So there was another crew drill at 10am with the tenderboats being lowered from the promenade deck to one meter above the water. Some of them were dropped all the way and they did boat things close to the ship.
Today we left the ship around the same time as the drill, and walked all of Paofai Park, a beautiful seaside garden ideal for local families with a playground, exercise equipment, a volleyball court, restrooms and several huts with picnic tables that local groups seem to rent for the day. We have watched this park take shape over the years and they have done a fine job. Alongside the marina is a stretch of harbor that they have "planted" coral beds to attract the tropical fish. We have watched year after year as the coral has grown and the fish have come to make it their home. If the sun had been out, it would have made for better photos.
We continued all the way to the end where the To'ata Square is located with an open-air theater that can hold up to 6000 people. There are nearby restaurants that cater to the folks that attend the evening events here. During the day, these venues are closed, and there seems to be many homeless families hanging around this area…..some in tents.
At least 75% of the French Polynesian population is concentrated on Tahiti and sister island Moorea. Papeete is considered the "lungs" of the country as it is the administrative capital. It also has the most traffic on the Boulevard de la Reine Pomare IV. There are lights at several intersections, or else it would be difficult to cross the street. Most drivers are very kind and will stop for pedestrians.
Our destination was once again L'A pizzeria on the way back passing by the Paofai Church, a Protestant church built in 1980 and well-maintained. The famous WAN Pearl museum is also down this end of town. On past tours, we have been to this museum where they sell the utmost high end gems.
Just as we reached the Italian pizzeria, it began to rain. Remember the light rain predicted? Well this was far from light and it poured heavily for the entire time we had lunch. Guess our timing was good as we were seated at the same table as yesterday and were greeted by the same staff members. Being an hour earlier today, the place was about full of customers. We ordered two Hinano draft Blonde beers again, but the larger size. Then we added a Margherita pizza with extra mushrooms and onions (for a minimal charge). One of us happened to notice some customers were eating a bowl of pasta without sauce. Sure looked good, so we attempted to order a mini bowl of what they called tagliatelle with butter. We speak and understand a little French, but only one waiter was able to figure out what we were asking for. Finally our waitress brought the menu so I could point to the item that looked the closest. They brought the pasta with a jar of parmesan cheese and a basket of fresh bread and butter. Needless to say, one of us was in "noodle" heaven. One of us will have to keep dinner light tonight, if that is possible.
By the time we left the restaurant, the worst of the storm had passed. Today we did bring the umbrellas but only needed them for a few minutes walking under the big street trees.
On the way back, we strolled over to the now-closed Marketplace to see if they were still selling flowers. Some of the vendors were there and we did buy one bouquet of fresh tropical flowers. These will last longer than the two $60 bouquets the florist on the ship made. We made it back to the Zaandam going through the new terminal after 3pm. There was a new section in the terminal where the officials were setting up for loading the guests on the Paul Gauguin. By then, the sky was turning blue and the worst of the rain clouds had passed over.
We worked online and read more of a Patterson book until it was all aboard time of 4:30pm. There was a call for a missing guest, then finally the Captain came on with his brief talk. He had to turn the ship around in the harbor to exit the opening, then we would turn northeast and head for Rangiroa, 231 nautical miles from Tahiti. He expects to arrive at 6:45am and enter the lagoon and drop anchor. He promised smooth seas, 80-degree temperatures and light winds with a smooth sailing tonight. A funny thing happened when one of us went outside with the big camera. Out of the blue, a very large turtle popped up alongside the ship and there was time to get pictures as it surfaced for air. We have never seen turtles here…ever. Just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Other wildlife were some frigates who were busy waiting to attack some terns that were fishing in our wake.
Dinnertime came right after a nice sunset near the island of Moorea. We did not capture it last night, so tonight's was even better. The menu was different as far as mains went. Nothing was familiar, so after having one appetizer of a spicy tuna roll with sriracha, avocado, and mayonnaise, and a bowl of ginger chicken soup, we both had different salads. The Caesar salad had no dressing on it…by mistake or they are running low. Regie has been bringing two Italian and 2 balsamic dressings every night. At least we have backups. Our mains were disappointing, which was almost a first for us. We chose a beef roulade, which was a stew-like piece of boiled meat with unknown veggie things in the center of the roll. The bacon creamy potatoes were good as long as we fished out the cut-up turnips hidden with the carrots. The meal was OK but doubt we would order it again. Desserts were one wild berry panna cotta and a scoop each of rocky road and coffee fudge ice cream.
Tonight's show was the World Stage Cast doing "Sounds of Summer" with tunes from Abba, The Beach Boys, Bee Gees, and many more. Most of the dining room was empty by 8:30pm, so we are not sure where the folks go besides early to bed. There was a movie "Nine to Five" at 8:30pm, but how old was that??? We chose to turn in early because we have another port tomorrow.
Bill & Mary Ann
