February 6, 2017

We arrived early this morning to a thunderstorm.  We had a snorkeling excursion planned just after 8 and when we went to the meeting spot, we found that the snorkeling tour operator cancelled due to the weather.  There was a possibility for a 1 PM departure, but that one was cancelled too, so no snorkeling today.  Is it possible that this is just to give my cough time to be gone?? Luckily we have several other snorkeling expeditions planned.

Anyway, we explored the town and got to the market, lots of Pearl shops (still like mine better than any I saw!) And stopped to have coffee and do some faster Wi-Fi backups than you can do on the ship.

The markets have lots of colorful cloth and of course the usual fruits, vegetables and fish.  We also loved the bottles of nuts!

While I was at the information center Norm went out in search of a barber.  A whole group of performers celebrating Chinese New Year arrived.  They moved pretty fast and set off firecrackers, but here are just a couple of shots:

French Polynesia includes about 120 islands all together covering over 1.7 million square miles.  As I have mentioned, the islands vary in composition.  Bora Bora, where we will go tomorrow, and Tahiti are probably the most well known and visited.  We were lucky to be on Nuku Hiva and Rangiora, which are smaller and less traveled.

The town of Papeete is quite a bit different from the “off the beaten path” islands we have seen so far.  It is much more populated with considerable traffic, ambulances passing by, etc.  But no Starbucks.  Of course, there is a McDonald’s!  And here is the cathedral in downtown Papeete.

Well, the barber was too busy and I could not find a place for a pedicure, believe  it or not. So back to the ship for a local Polynesian show before we sail this evening.

Tomorrow we will be in Bora Bora where there is a special World Cruise Event planned.  Hope the weather stays clear as is predicted.

And, as for the super bowl.It was a great party on board….many more Atlanta supporters it seemed, so of course  they are disappointed.  But I have to say it was a game for the ages.  What a finish.

Last night the show was Liars Club, where three crew (Victor the General Manager, Rohanca the Destinations manager,  Chantelle the Oceania Ambassador, and the ventriloquist, Mark,  each had to describe the word that was projected on the screen.  There were five rounds with five different words. Only one was telling the truth, and we needed to vote on who we thought that was. They were funny…and very good liars it turns out. Fun evening!

On to Bora Bora!