Arrived home about 1 am this morning.

 We had the phone set for 5:45 and so the day began early.

I am happy to report that there were no hassles with immigration and security. We zipped through and were at LAX in lots of time to jump all of the hurdled.

We arrived in Calgary around three and we had some lunch and then sat around for the next 8 hours until it was time to make our connection It was a very long eight hours and I coughed almost constantly.

I was so glad to touch down in Abbotsford and have Dave there to greet us.

Home Sweet Home.

I managed to get to drug store for new cough meds. 

I had 3 naps today and I am very much looking forward to a good night sleep.

I have a couple of ideas and some pictures to share with you, so I hope to be able to do that in the next couple of days

Thanks to all who have been following on on this amazing trip.

Carolyn

Soon on the Way Home

 The CRUD has hung on for more than a week. I have spent most of the week in our cabin coughing and resting. I have been feeling very unwell. It will be good to get home.

Apparently we have to go through immigration on Saturday. How fast that goes will decide whether or not we will make it on time to catch our plane. Hopefully we will make it and we will be home 12:01am 0n May 11.

I do not expect to finally close the blog until I get home...Sorry about that but it is what it is.

Soon

Carolyn

May 5th and Cruise Crud!!

 I have not been blogging because I am fighting this cold. It seems to be breaking up and I got some sleep last night.

We are due to arrive in LA on May 10, we are half way across.

I expect to blog again soon. 

May First meant Moorea

 This was our last stop on this South Pacific cruise.

It is just across the island from Papeete. It is a beautiful small community that comes to mind when you think of a tropical island.

We have been here before and the only thing to see is the spot where the ship docks. It is a tender port and the day is perfect for that. The ocean is more like a lake than the ocean.

We are greeted by a small band and some singers and dancers.

Basically this is just a final stop for people to get black pearls , tee , magnets and other souvenirs. I forgot my camera but Ken remembered his, so these are his photos.

There were many many tables being manned by vendors and there were several people offering tours for snorkeling and island tours

We got in line and headed back to the ship. A short but beautiful visit.

Dinner was great as usual. I continue to be amazed at the weight the junior waiters can carry. Those plates are heavy.

We went to Showtime , it featured ventriloquist C J Finely. He was good but this cold has gotten me and I am ready to call it a night even though it was a beautiful evening to sit out on the balcony and enjoy the tropical breezes.

April 29th, not in port.

When I wrote last I told you that we would be in port today but I was wrong.

We arrive in French Polynesia tomorrow morning. Today and yesterday have been a bit bumpy, rough seas. But it was not bad enough to make anyone feel ill but bouncy enough to make us all look like a bunch of drunks.

The other news is that I seem to be getting my usual cruise ship crud. I have been very cautious about wearing my mask, washing my hands and using hand sanitizer but it appears as if that cold is well started. We have lots of cold medicine with us so I will just ride it out.

Papeete

Papeete is currently the capital of French Polynesia's largest and most widely known island, Tahiti.Throughout history Papeete has served as an impetus of economic and urban advancement for the rest of the island. Its superior coastal location has guaranteed a welcoming setting for waterfront shops, markets, restaurants and luxury ships.

For this day we have booked Circle Island Drive, and here is what they have said about our event.

A grand tour of Tahiti's most spectacular highlights begins when you board an air conditioned motor coach for a half day adventure with lively English-Speaking narration and a stop for a refreshing beverage. Travel to the top of Tahara's Hill for a panoramic view of Mataval Bay. Photograph Point Venus where Captain Cook set up an observatory and get wet at the Blowhole of  Arahoho, where a natural phenomenon forces pounding waves through a lava tube. Soak up the local color as you drive through a series of local villages, cross into the flower-laden village of Papeari, and pause for a beverage at a waterside restaurant with a magnificent view of Tahiti's peninsula. 

Next delight in the fragrant blooms at the lush gardens of Vaipahi, complete with a sparkling waterfall and explore Mara'a fern grotto Caves, originally visited by Captain Cook on his expedition in 1769.

Relax on the return to the ship

The shore excursion went as expected except for the timing. It was a half hour late in starting and finished about an hour and a half later. The day was perfect, not too hot and not too cold. It was a Goldilocks day. The bus was new and modern and comfortable with AC that worked. It had a back door but the steps were too deep for me so I had to use the front entrance and exit.

I am going post photos of the day and identify them as I post them.

Our first glimpse at this island;

In the process of getting tied up.

!!Ferrile  chickens 

Mara's Fern Grotto

Matavia Bay.

Refreshment stop

Venus Lighthouse!

By the time we returned to the ship it was after three and I had not eaten since 6:30 so it was low sugar time and I had to get something to eat. We sent for room service and had a short rest before dinner. The evening entertainment was a folkloric show which was amazing. Unfortunately I forgot to bring my camera along so I cannot show you any proof of my opinion.

Verna has also gotten this cold so I was able to give her a couple of cold tablets. In spite of the fact that it was a glorious evening and the ship was to stay in port until 3 AM I was beat and had to call it a night. 

Tomorrow we will be at our last port Moorea , then 8 sea days.