A day at sea was welcomed by just about everyone, after spending so many days in French Polynesia. Not only did the activities keep us all busy, but the heat and humidity did a number on most folks. In a word, it was exhausting. Now we rest up for more ahead.
The Polynesian team left us in Papeete, although we did see Kainoa yesterday in Bora Bora. We remember he has a cousin here that deals in black pearl sales. And more than likely, he directed some of the passengers to his shop. Replacing this team, a group of New Zealand maoris have begun teaching crafts with weaving this morning. At 3pm, you could learn the exciting dance called ura of the Cook Islands. Later in the day, we heard the group serenading in the Sports Bar area. This informal gathering was titled Polynesian Love Songs and Cultural Night Market.
Although rain was not in the forecast, we don’t believe it. While relaxing on the back deck, it began to sprinkle lightly. Past experience tells us it never sprinkles here, as the showers can come swiftly and dump a lot of water. Truthfully, it felt good to cool off, but our things are not waterproof, and we took temporary shelter by the bar. Then it was gone as fast as it arrived, and we resumed the sunbathing.
Eventually we were joined by friends, sharing our experiences the last few days. As we all do different things, it’s fun to discover other options for return visits. All of us are still laughing over the missing tender tickets, the message that was left in our room last night. There was a box on the front desk for ticket returns….no questions asked. Taking this a step further, this evening, we received tomorrow’s newsletter. A new warning was printed in the tender operation section. Cutting in line or saving of spaces for any more persons other than one’s self is not allowed and no tender tickets will be issued to anyone doing so. Naughty, naughty, naughty.
Some new speakers and one guest chef have joined the ship. Lecturers are Milt Keiles and Melvyn Bowen, both talking about South Pacific related subjects. The guest chef is Charles Lallemand, a new name for us.
Dinnertime had sort of a surprise, since we had re-directed the birthday cake for our table dessert. As much as one of us likes to keep birthday celebrations at a minimum, when the cake arrived, the waiters gathered and sang their special song. They have so much fun doing this, we all liked watching them, as well as joining in. The cake turned out to be carrotcake, which is one of our favorites. Slam served chocolate-drizzled vanilla ice cream with it. One birthday down, and one to go in April…..
It is a 50/50 chance that we will be able to tender ashore tomorrow in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. The swells right now are measuring 6 feet, and Captain Jonathon mentioned at his PM talk, that he will never repeat the mistake of using the alternate landing place. But that’s another story…..
Bill & Mary Ann
A personalized birthday card – compliments of Susie (the artist) and Woody
