Monday, November 8, 2010

Our Voyage

Epilogue

We have been home for just over 2 weeks.  It is difficult to describe this journey in simple language.  It was a great adventure.  Onboard ship, we met some warm and wonderful people with whom we spent fun times.  We saw breathtaking scenery and met many wonderful local citizens in every country that we visited. 

That said, I (Peter) can honestly say that I entered into this trip with a “Walt Disney” view of Polynesia filled with visions of hula girls and happy natives. Oh, those are aspects of current life in Polynesia, as are scenes of poverty and hardship. 

Would I go back?  Absolutely!  Nothing can compare with the unique beauty of the Isle de Pins, New Caledonia; the island of Dravuni, Fiji; or the glow worm caves in New Zealand and we will always remember the joy and happiness expressed by all the local peoples that we met along the way.    

I hope all of you make the opportunity for yourself to take such a trip.  Hugs, Peter & Roak.


Thursday, October 21, 2010

Day 29, Tauranga (pronounced Towronga), NZ

Today, we arrived early at Mount Manganui to spend our final day on the trip. We travelled for 2 hours each way to visit the Waitomo Caves, near Otorohanga and also the Kiwi House at Otorohanga. In the caves we travelled 600 feet underground into the caves of calcium and prehistoric deposits. We were down there for about 2 hours and during the trip we travelled in a metal boat in complete darkness and silence to witness the glow worms that live there. The ceiling was populated by over 6,000 glow worms – all of them glowing.

I cannot describe the beauty and majesty of this venue more highly. It was unlike anything that we have seen before on any adventure.

This will be our final blog entry until we complete the epilogue next week.









 

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Day 28, Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Tendered to Waitangi (Hobson Point) (a 20 minute tender). We took an early tender and made a preliminary stop at the Bay of Islands Yacht Club. We had a coffee and homemade date square and Peter had his first Mah Jong lesson. He is a 'natural'. He will be taking more lessons when we get back to Vancouver.

Met our friend Chris for lunch. His partner Michael was away in Christchurch, on business.

We had a great visit and catching up since we last saw each other in 2008.

Chris hosted us to a fabulous private lunch at the Paihia Beach Resort and Spa Hotel, in Paihia, NZ. It was phenomenal. Champagne, great wine and a wonderful private luncheon provided by the Hotel Chef, who is a friend of Chris and Michael.

Chris also took us to see the local ship on which he works and which does overnight cruises on the Bay of Islands. We are planning to do one of these overnight cruises in the future. We are definitely returning to NZ and the Bay of Islands. You should too.





Monday, October 18, 2010

Day 27 At Sea

We contacted our friends in NZ who we will be meeting at Bay of Islands tomorrow. Again, moved the clock forward one hour last night. Read books on the deck while watching the ice carving demonstration. I am reading a “Dexter” novel and Roak is finishing another Harry Potter.

Received our disembarkation instructions today in preparation for our arrival in Auckland.

Tonight the show is a song/dance show, Las Vegas style.

Day 26, AT Sea

We spent the day sailing toward Bay of Islands, NZ – our next stop.

Today, we met, onboard, with NZ Immigration officials with regard to our disembarkation at Auckland.

Peter is getting over his allergies and is feeling fine. The weather is getting abit cooler and we are now moving our clocks forward by an hour each night having reversed the recent trend of moving the clocks back every few nights.

We attended a class today where Peter learned how to make bitterballen-yeah. We watched a ship building competition with the contestants passing their float tests in the central swimming pool.

We ended the day hearing a rendition of Hallelujah, the Leonard Cohen/KD Lang song while we drinking for 2 for 1 martinis.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Day 25, Noumea, New Caledonia

At pier-side, the day started with a welcome dance and music performed by native dancers and singers.

We had a great day exploring this magnificent place. Sunny beaches, beautiful French colonial buildings and modern architecture. Narrow streets reminiscent of a small French town. Lots of commemorative statues and memorable sites.

To end this marvelous day, the ship hired local dancers to put on a Polynesian show. It was spectacular.






Friday, October 15, 2010

Day 24, Kuto, Ile Des Pins,

Today we spent another wonderful day at the beach. There is nothing to 'do' or 'see' on this island except glorious beaches and great hiking trails.

We chose the beach and swimming in crystal clear turqoise sparkling waters. It is noted as the Paradise Island, and it truly is.

To the disappointment of our American travellers there is nothing to buy and no Wal-Mart. Ahhhhhhhhhhh geeeeeeeeee.





Thursday, October 14, 2010

Day 23, Port Vila, Vanuatu

Went ashore to visit the Mele Gardens and Cultural Centre. 2 acres of a native working garden with some small aviaries; snake houses; coconut crab hut; and fruit bat cage. We also were fed some local fruit juice and local fruits and coconut.

The locals also presented a native magic show. Very interesting and different.

Tomorrow, Ile des Pins, New Caledonia.







Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Day 22 Luganville, Vanuatu

Last evening we spent a great time dining in the Pinnacle Dining room. The food was so good. I ordered a rib eye steak on the bone, and Roak ordered the lobster tail. Both meals were delicious. It was a formal night so we looked pretty good too.

Today we arrived in Luganville (also known as Espiritu Santo).

We took a tour called the Magical Gaua Water Music Experience. We travelled to a small village where native performers welcomed us; we drank kava (made from a pepper-like root); and, we given a tour of the plantation where they live. The kava numbs your lips; tongue & teeth for several hours. The performers presented traditional dances and the water rituals that the women use to attract fish and dolphins to the shore to be caught. It truly was a 'magical' experience and one not to be missed. The drive a bit harrowing but well worth it.







Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Day 21 at Sea

Last night we stayed up late in order to see the show put on by the ship's Indonesian staff and officers. They put on a colourful and interesting performance.

Today, the sea was rough but we both enjoy the rocking of the boat. Spent a quiet day doing crafts and reading.

Ate at the Pinnacle Grill. It was another 'formal dress' evening.


Monday, October 11, 2010

Dravuni, Fiji

Today we visited Dravuni Island of Fiji. Dravuni is a volcanic island in the Kadayu Group of islands in Fiji.

We started the morning visiting the proffertjes (Dutch mini-pancakes) tent that had been set up on the Lido Deck. What a treat. The Americans seemed abit perturbed because it appears that they thought that they would get a 'stack' of pancakes. Oh well there must be a Denny's somewhere for them.

We took the tender to the island for a day of swimming and lazing about. It was a paradise island and the water was clear and cool but not warm. It was only after we returned to the ship that I read the write-up that said the island was surrounded by a beautiful coral reef visited by hammerhead sharks, dolphins, reef sharks and banded sea snakes. But pay no never mind to all of that, it is worth doing.

Hint: The self-serve laundry system on Holland-America is superior to that provided by Celebrity.




Sunday, October 10, 2010

Day 19, Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving. 

 Today we visited Suva, the capital city of the island of Fiji. Very interesting view of the island. We visited the museum where we saw utensils used during the cannibalism days on the island along with pictures of cooked specimens. Nasty. But history is history. We also saw some pretty local birdlife and plants.

Last night, we heard the dulcimer played by a gentleman from China. What a masterful performance.

We have stopped gambling in the casino because the machines don't pay anything to anybody. Carnival Ships casinos pay-off better. The internet is extremely slow like we have found on other ships.

Tomorrow we have a quiet day on the island of Dravuni where we will spend the day on the beach.




Saturday, October 9, 2010

Crossing the International Date Line

Last night we crossed the ID Line. We went from Friday Oct 8th to Sunday Oct 10th. Interesting phenomenon.

Today we were invited to a luncheon hosted by the Captain. Good food and gifts. Later in the afternoon we attended a champagne and hors d'oeuvres toast hosted by the Captain, as well. It's a first – today Roakie got blitzed with his new friend Maria Consuela from Alaska. It's a long story.

Tomorrow we spend the day in Suva Fiji. The next day we go to a small island – Dravuni Island Fiji.


Friday, October 8, 2010

Pago Pago (pronounced Pango Pango)

Today we had a wonderful 3 hour (4 hour island time) tour of American Samoa. It was a very special adventure. Our tour guide David, was a little light in the sandals but he provided us with a unique view of the myths and culture of Samoans.

We stopped at a number of nature venues and also visited the official mansion of the prior Governor of the Island and the local art gallery/museum. The orchid paintings were phenomenal. We also saw spathiglottis growing naturally. What a special treat for any orchid enthusiast. Tomorrow we have another day at sea and then Fiji.

Roak mentioned that we save the tops from cans and now 3 bars are saving them for us. We expect that when we get off the ship in another 2 weeks we will have quite a collection all going to Taylor. TTYL.




Day of the Pollywogs (crossing the equator for the first time by sea)

Satellite connection disrupted for 3 days.

What a strange event. About 50 of the ships crew and their children travelling with them were initiated by King Neptune. Their short comings were announced to the assembled crowd of about 1,000 people on deck and then the initiation began.

They were all forced to either kiss, bite, or lick a large 100# Opa that had been mounted in a block of ice. Then they were forced to pass through a gauntlet where fellow crew plastered them with cooked spaghetti and mush coloured yellow, pink and blue. Then they were forced to go before the Captain who ruled that they either jumped into the pool or were made to sit in the sun where the mess caked and dried on their bodies. It was quite the experience.

Roak shared that when he was three his parents took him from Batavia (Jakarta) to Amsterdam and he crossed the equator and was taken to the pollywog ceremony. During his initiation he was handed to King Neptune and Roak bit him.


What a strange event. About 50 of the ships crew and their children travelling with them were initiated by King Neptune. Their short comings were announced to the assembled crowd of about 1,000 people on deck and then the initiation began.

They were all forced to either kiss, bite, or lick a large 100# Opa that had been mounted in a block of ice. Then they were forced to pass through a gauntlet where fellow crew plastered them with cooked spaghetti and mush coloured yellow, pink and blue. Then they were forced to go before the Captain who ruled that they either jumped into the pool or were made to sit in the sun where the mess caked and dried on their bodies. It was quite the experience.

Roak shared that when he was three his parents took him from Batavia (Jakarta) to Amsterdam and he crossed the equator and was taken to the pollywog ceremony. During his initiation he was handed to King Neptune and Roak bit him.


Tuesday, October 5, 2010

At Sea

Hints: When applying eye drops or contact lenses, consider sitting on a chair, bed or stool rather than standing while the ship is moving to and fro.

Tomorrow we cross the equator; King Neptune-Chief of the Water deities, comes onboard and novice crew (gollywogs) are inducted by Neptune into his realm.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Helpful hint - Dining

We will be at sea for the next 5 days on the way to Samoa.  So we thought that we would share some hints with you over the next few days. 

Dinner Seating:

In the past we have selected assigned seating. As many of you know, on one occasion we had the misfortune to be seated at a table with Lady and Lord McDud. She was a Lady and he was a Dud. Into the cruise, we requested to be moved to another table away from the odious Lord McDud.

On this cruise we chose open seating and we have met a fabulous array of different dinner companions and on occasion we have eaten at a table just for two.

So our advice: Chose Open Seating-It is the only way to go.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Don't be fooled by first impressions!

A magical day in Kona!!

The ship dropped anchor at Kona early in the morning. We tendered to the port. The sea was a little rough but nothing too intimidating. We toured a Seahorse farm. When we arrived at the site, everyone on the bus seemed abit curious and surprised. The venue looked like a group of prefab huts hooked together.

We were given an introduction by a nice young lady and then our guide appeared. A very knowledgeable young male worker guided us through the site. At this site, they have pioneered and achieved the impossible-hatch and raise seahorses in captivity.

Until the work pioneered by this non-profit enterprise, no seahorses had been raised in this manner. This facility has now reduced the harvesting of seahorses, in the wild (provisioning the pet shop industry), from 1 million per year to 25,000 per year.

The longevity of these fish kept in aquariums has gone from one year up to 12 years. Contrary to our first impressions, this venue is a MUST see when you visit Kona. Wait until you see our pictures.

Note for the day: Always travel with rain gear, you never know when you may need it. Sometimes it only rains for a few minutes a day but rain in the tropics isn't like rain at home.

TTYL.