"Treasures of Cruising the World" with Bill & Mary Ann: Report #40 Vaitape, Bora Bora, French Polynesia November 2, 2016 Wednesday Partly sunny & 86 degrees Part #1 Of 3 86 Pictures

Quite often, we stay in a port for two days. That is what we did here in Bora Bora. Given two full days, with all aboard time at 10:30pm tonight. It worked for us, as well as most of the crew, who got extra shore time between the two days. Sure it good for their morale, as we have spotted many more smiles than usual.

This morning we headed off the ship after 10am. A light breakfast in the dining room came first. The tender boat was not crowded at all today, since we think most folks took the tours yesterday, keeping today free for exploring the town on their own.

Our plan was about the same as yesterday….taking the shuttle to the Intercontinental Resort at Matira Point. But instead of going to the beach, we went to the road and turned right this time. Last year, we recalled friends telling us about a nice resort around the corner from Matira. They had snorkeled right off the narrow beach, and did not have to pay a day fee to use the resort's facilities. This was at the Maitai Polynesia Resort. Checking out the menu, we discovered they served a variety of pizza. For sure, we would be back here for lunch.

The last time we took tours here, it was with our travel group. There was a stop at the Sofitel Bora Bora, so we decided to continue up the road until we found it. Sure enough, it was a mile further, so we walked in through the lobby, and to the back of the hotel. This is where the bar and open-air restaurants are located. Many over-the-water bungalows were within walking distance of the restaurant.

While we were exploring the pool area, which is to die for, the restaurant manager came and talked to us. Asking if we were from the big ship, she told us that yesterday, a large number of our crew came to spend the day on their beach and in their pools. She sort of rolled her eyes about their rowdy behavior. Funny, we had just run into the spa manager, Rene, who told us the crew were almost embarrassing, doing cannon balls in the pool, and kind of drinking too much. She also said that the day pass was around $50 USD, giving you a three course lunch meal, and the use of the pools and beach all day. With all the partying, she did not stay yesterday. Rene pointed out another resort across to a private island, which also belongs to the Sofitel. For a little extra money, they would take you by boat to the private island, and bring you back at your discretion. It was so quiet here today, she chose to stay at the main resort. Good move…….

It was nearing 1pm, so we headed back to the Maitai Polynesia Restaurant. We had our choice of any table, since it was not crowded. Naturally we ordered a Margherita pizza with slices of onions. Hinano beers were perfect, ice cold with a bold flavor. With a nice breeze coming off of the water, we couldn't have been happier campers. Well maybe a little better, with a shared dessert of chocolate volcano cake with vanilla ice cream. Sounds good, right? It was.

Time to leave, we made our way back to the Intercontinental and the shuttle bus. While waiting, we noticed that a tent had been set up on Matira Beach with TV vans parked everywhere. That's when we realized it was time for the annual International Outrigger Canoe Race. This is a competition that involves dozens of racing canoes with a 6 man paddling team. The race begins at Huahine, where the canoers row 44.5 km (28 miles) to Raiatea. The next day, they leave Raiatea and head for Tahaa, a 26 km (16 miles) trek. Then the longest run goes from Tahaa to Bora Bora, a 58.2 km (36 miles) trip. Wonder if we will see the racers tomorrow in Raiatea? Sure would be exciting, since we know exactly where they are set up out of Uturoa. That is where we usually walk.

The shuttle came within minutes, and we were back to the ship after a pleasant ride in the local school bus/turned shuttle. School's out for vacation, so these buses are put to good use. Back in town, we walked through the shops, checking out the new t-shirts and side walk treasures. Lucked out on a new black pearl pendant, but not from the high end stores. Simply a small keepsake from Bora Bora…..a single black pearl on a carved piece of abalone shell.

We ran into our host, Tom, who told us that one man in our group had to be med-evacuated to Papeete last night. He was flown to a hospital there, since medical facilities are limited on this island. Good thing he had travel insurance that covered most all of the expenses, as it can be astronomical for last minute flights and medical care. Sure hope he will be OK. That makes a total of four medical debarks since we left Seattle, or at least the ones we heard about. Happens on every long trip, unfortunately.

On our way back in the tender boat, one elderly lady was obviously having a problem. Our security team had called ahead to the platform team that they would need extra help to get this ill lady back on the ship. Rumor had it that she was having problems due to diabetes. We thought the staff would off- load her first, but they waited until we all cleared the boat before the crew and the doctor came down to the boat. Hope she will be all right.

Picture sorting took up the rest of the afternoon, while we cooled off in our room. Here was a Polynesian BBQ at the Seaview Pool from 5:30 to 8pm. The staff sure went to a lot of work setting up cooking tents and servings stations at the aft of the teak decking. Lucky for everyone, it did not rain this afternoon. It did get cloudy, but the rain never happened. We watched from deck nine, taking photos, but never did get in the long lines to eat anything. We did see whole roasted pigs, an assortment of salads, and plenty of fresh tropical fruit. Small pineapples had been cored out, and a drink was added to the inside with a straw sticking out. Bet it was something with rum in it. Roger, the beverage manager, and his assistant Twinkle admitted that their sales have been really good so far.

We stayed outside until the sun went down, and actually were treated to a nice sunset. Making the scenery even more beautiful, was the Wind Spirit, which had set their sails to leave later on this evening. She was sitting pretty in the water with spotlights on those tall sails and strings of lights from the bow to the aft.

Six of us were at dinner, and we all shared the highlights of our day. Love hearing how much fun people had, as we all did different things. Both of us ordered the ginger pork….it was delicious, and just enough. Of course, we all had dessert, each of us trying something different. He winner for me was frozen strawberry yogurt. Yes, it does have sugar, but it is still on the healthy side.

Since the one show was at 9:30pm, our meal ended 5 minutes before showtime. Annie Frances, the Aussie singer, was belting out her songs with her powerful voice. So much so, that we could hear her on deck three when we came inside from our nightly stroll. She is really good.

We left the gorgeous waters of Bora Bora by 11pm, and we could watch the action from our window. Tomorrow, we will be docked in Raiatea, another unique island in paradise.

Bill & Mary Ann

Never would know this is deserted