The capital, Delap-Uliga-Darrit is also known as DUD, and surprised us how civilized and populated this atoll was. There are a total of 29 separate atolls in the Marshall Islands, but Majuro was chosen for the capital.
The ship arrived to the dock by 8am to already steamy, hot weather. It was immediately apparent that we were docked in their working port, as the area was full of containers and the usual storage buildings. Several large commercial fishing vessels were moored in the lagoon, sitting idle for the day, but probably active at night. We had expected to see military ships, but there were none in sight.
There was a shuttle service available to transport the passengers to the middle of town. Actually, we should say there were many large vans that really were school buses. Fine idea, but as the morning progressed, the line of guests grew longer and longer. The heat and humidity was surely going to be a problem for some folks.
We were in no rush to go to town, so we had breakfast first, and waited until 10am to head to town. By then, the line was impossible, so we decided to walk. That was our plan anyway. If it got too hot later on, we could always take the shuttle back. Shirley and Jack had been here before, so they told us about the walk to town, knowing that we could handle it.
At the gangway, there was a table with a group of locals handing out maps and info. Should have made our way to talk to them, but there was such a crowd, we relied on the map that was provided last night. It was not as complete as we would have liked.
The first building outside the port gate was the Tobolar Copra Processing Authority. They must be one of the major producers of beauty oils, soaps, coconut oil, cooking oils, and even something called copra cakes. No, not the dessert kind of cakes, but a by-product that is made for livestock feeding. A young lady was selling some of their products outside the factory.
At the main road, if you turned right, you would come across three embassies…Japanese, Taiwanese, and US, as well as a laundry, a BBQ shack, a kindergarten, and the airport. To go to the center of town, we turned left passing a few pubs, supermarkets, and the local hardware and lumber stores. Across the road, we saw a lady selling produce. One of the items she was hawking were huge pandanus odoratissimus, grown in the Pacific islands. The fruit contains edible seeds and flesh, that is boiled and served as a snack. The leaf fibers are used in clothing, bags, and mats. Bet some of the woven baskets, fans, and jewelry we saw later on were made from this fiber.
Going further back towards the lagoon, we saw some hand-carved double-hulled canoes, traditional to these islands. We recognized this particular area as the same scene we saw on a Lonely Planet TV program right before we left home for this cruise. Glad we detoured here, or else we would have missed seeing the canoes altogether. Sort of had the impression they were numerous in this lagoon, but we saw none.
We came upon a very nice resort by the name of Marshall Islands Resort, formerly The Outrigger Hotel. Checking it out, we found they had an indoor/outdoor restaurant, where they were currently serving breakfast. We inquired if they served lunch, and were told yes, at 11am. Did they have pizza and beer? Yes, of course, we were told. OK….we will be back……pizza……yes.
The main road seemed to go on forever, or at least four miles. It was lined with many shops and businesses. We came across the Catholic Church and school grounds, where a group of elementary kids were practicing singing in the church. We snuck into the back of the church, and ended up talking with their principal, a friendly lady who was so proud of her kids. This happened to be Catholic Week, and the kids were going to be performing next Sunday for the entire congregation.
There were a few dogs that passed us along the way, but they were friendly, not the feral dogs we had been warned about. Still not wanting to take any chances, we packed the umbrellas with us just in case. Good thing we had brought plenty of water, because it got hotter as the day advanced. The only savior was a breeze that came through in between the buildings from the ocean side of the narrow atoll.
Relaxing outside the church for a minute, a friend, Howard, came by and stopped to chat. He had picked up a much better map at the gangway, and was glad to donate it to us.
A bit further up the road, we saw the College of the Marshall Islands. We may be wrong, but we believe that this was their high school. The kids were getting out at 11am for lunch we assume. On some other islands, we have noticed the kids get a long afternoon break, then go back around 4pm, when it has cooled down somewhat.
Finally, we came upon the end of the shuttle ride at Adele Museum. A stage was set up with live entertainment and rows of chairs for the passengers to sit. This is where we found the only souvenir tables that were selling the baskets, fans, and seashell trinkets. Prices were not exactly cheap, but we did manage to find a covered woven basket, and a jewelry set made with faux black pearls. They'll be nice reminders of our visit to Majuro. There was also a restroom stop here in the museum.
We continued further up the road to the post office, a clinic, and another older hotel across the road. We were informed that everyone and their brother was over there drinking ice cold beers and doing internet for free. So that was the last place we wanted to go. We are among the few that never bring our computer off of the ship, as there are too many other things we like to do better. Like look for pizza, which should be waiting for us at the first resort, right? Maybe…..
The line for the vans was ridiculously long. Mel and Helen, who is in a wheelchair now, said that many vans were bringing the folks from the ship, but only half of them were getting off. Once they saw what was in town, they stayed on the bus and went right back to the pier. No doubt in our minds that there will be some unhappy people complaining at the front desk later today. Would not have been so bad if it wasn't was blazing hot.
We even caved in, and negotiated a ride back to the resort for a mere dollar. Gas must be subsidized here, although later on we hear some guests paid $10 for a ride back to the ship from here. The taxi driver was an interesting Marshallese local who sounded his resentment towards the local shop owners, who happened to be Chinese or Indian. Claiming that they had taken away their livelihood, he said they were responsible for the Marshallese population to become less and less. Guess all countries have their problems.
Lunch did not turn out as we had hoped. Looking at the menu, we could find absolutely no pizza. How cruel was that? Yes, there were burgers, and Asian food, but no pizza. So we downed cold beers ($5 each), and headed back to the ship. We did learn that this resort arranged picnics with snorkeling on smaller isles across the lagoon. Big game fishing could also be booked at this resort, where you have the chance to catch marlin, tuna, wahoo, and a fish called rainbow runners.
Back in our room, we ordered salads and split a sandwich while cooling off with lots of ice cold water and sodas.
Sail away was late for some reason. Shortly before we left, the sky opened up, and it rained heavily. Just as fast as it had arrived, it was gone. We stayed at the aft area for 2 ½ hours, watching the ropes drop, then sailing slowly out of the lagoon, which was larger than we had thought. After going 14 miles without the stabilizers out, the Captain took us through the narrow opening of the lagoon, well-marked on both sides. Then we eventually headed west, as we are now heading for Guam.
We had high hopes for the sunset, but it was not quite as brilliant as we expected. Too many clouds. Perhaps over the next four days, we may see more color at sunset.
Dinner found all of us present. The general opinion was that we were glad to have stopped in Majuro, but once would probably be enough. Only Jim and Maureen from Vancouver did not go to town. The heat and humidity was simply too high for comfort. Can't say we blame them.
Tonight there were two entrees that sounded good. Veal cordon bleu or prime rib. Slam recommended the prime rib, and he was correct. It was tender as could be, and baked potatoes were appreciated. Philip, the dining room manager, brought Petr, the top chef, to our table. Of course, all of us complimented his cooking, especially Martha, who took over as our spokesperson. We love her.
Four days at sea should give us all a chance to recuperate from today's heat. Then we hit Guam and Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Bill & Mary Ann
Arriving to the lagoon of Majuro
Ships at anchor
Wow, never knew that
Vans wit while the guests line up
View of the dock area (not the best)
The line was not too bad at 8:30am
A cove within the lagoon
High tide
End of the dock
Older vessels among the debris
Standing in line in the heat
Tented info table near the gangway
Pier buildings
Look at the line now
No way were we going to wait for a ride
Amsterdam docked
This is a copra boat
A fishing boat
Fish processing company
The main road in Majuro's capital of DUD
A Chinese-owned fish market
Another commercial business
Common store to be found wordwide
The Pub
Convenience shop
One of the vans used today
A local school
Lots of traffic today
Chinese-owned store
Marshall Islands Resort
A local food market
The fruit from the pandanus tree
Boat shed near the lagoon
Native-crafted traditional canoe
They have races every year
Lagoon businesses
Painting on a container
City Hall
Entrance to the Marshall Islands Resort
Sample of a canoe
Outdoor restaurant
Coral beds in the lagoon
No access without proper footwear
The bar and swimming pool
Except the pool was empty
Wide main street
Best landscaping trees
Bet they take a beating in a typhoon
Very civilized here
The Flame Tree was a bar/nightclub
Parking in the shade
A stretch of beach
School grounds
Many ships in the lagoon
Delap Park…..1/2 way to town
Basic sign
A newly-built government building (no sign outside)
Hotel
Conference Center
The center was a gift from Taiwan
Bus stop donated by the Filpinos
A "green" shop
A dress shop
The road goes on……
Huge satellite dishes
Is he friendly or not???? Yes, he was.
Local kids were so cute
Take my picture please
The Amsterdam was striking in the distance
Also shows how far we walked
Cemetery
Lagoon of many shades of blue
Quite old markers, engravings long gone
No locals walk in this heat
One of many coves, but few beaches
Coral surrounds the island
These boats may have encountered the reef
Relics of the past
Clear waters, clean…..we are not sure
Boat launch
Small stretch of beach
Beachcombing, but no swimming
Coral could cut your feet to ribbons
First cat we saw today
Tide was going out
This little guy was on his own
