Blogs from French Polynesia, Oceania - page 36

We cruised into Papeete, the capitol of French Polynesia, on a sunny Saturday morning. The docks and waterfront area have been greatly improved in recent years. We were met by a small group of Tahitian dancers and musicians on the pier. When we disembarked we were given flowers to wear behind our ear—left if you are married and right if you are available. Papeete is the major town in all of the South Pacific and is the center of commerce and education for the islands. It is a busy place with lots of cars, trucks and mopeds. There is a distinct French influence from the language with a Tahitian accent, the abundance of patisseries selling long baguettes and the preponderance of French flags. Most of the shops and restaurants sport French names with the exception of ... read more

At Sea on Playoff Day We were at sea on Jan. 20 when the Packers played the Giants and couldn’t get the game on TV because of no satellite connection. However, one Packer fan brought his computer up to the Sports Bar and set it up for many fans to gather round. He connected to the NFL station through the internet, and, with a 30 second delay, got the plays with a simulated description of the game. He would read this to the crowd, as we cheered our teams accordingly. I must say there were more Packer than Giant fans watching. He also had the earlier game on, but said there were only a few people watching that one. This was costing him a pretty penny - forty cents a minute to be exact. People started ... read more

From the Middle of Nowhere Here we are, Jan. 17th, still two days from land. We haven’t seen any thing other than some frigate birds, a few flying fish, and a school of dolphins. No other ships, and no land at all for a week. On Saturday we arrive at Nuka Hiva where there are no roads, as such, but a few friendly natives probably selling trinkets. Everyone will be so glad to get off the ship that he or she will no doubt buy anything. We have gone to several lectures and talks about the planets, the upcoming ports, managing pain of arthritis, healthy foods, navigation and security on board, buying diamonds, even an art auction that Brigid and I went to and had a few laughs as the auctioneer kept saying “I can do ... read more

It's always been a dream destination of mine...to see Tahiti. Her beautiful Islands lived up to the gorgeous brochures we have all seen and drooled over. But, the sparkling jewel was defintely....Bora Bora. The beauty of this island took my breath away! I visited Papette, Huahine, Moorea....which were all beautiful, but Bora Bora just stands out with it's amazing view. As I landed, and saw the almost black mountains{Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia}, with the lush emerald greenery and the stunningly gorgeous blue lagoons...no words can describe the beauty. If, I appear to be 'gushing' it's because I am. This is paradise. And paradise does come with a price. Yes, a high price! Over-the-water bungalows start at $500 USD a night. Oh.....but, what a splurge. With glass see-through coffee tables ....you can see schools of fish ... read more

Nuku Hiva is not everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re looking for pristine beaches and shopping opportunities, this island isn’t for you. But, for pure wildness and sense of place, Nuku Hiva tops my list. Horses run free on grassy mountain slopes that overlook an island blessedly free from resort development. On this trip to French Polynesia’s northernmost island, Regent has arranged a Mini-Festival of Arts as a complimentary event for all passengers. It simulates the Marquesas Festival of Arts, a celebration of culture and traditions that takes place once every four years. Rain obliterates my view of the harbor when I peak out the window this morning although I can see the small yachts and sailing ships anchored close-by. Hoping for the best, Alan and I prepare to take the tender to shore. Bu... read more