February 9 - Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands (French Polynesia)
Up early and off to the fitness center. For some reason there was music playing quite loudly there and it wasn't particularly enjoyable music - at least for the average age of the passengers. Hope they get rid of that soon.
Fakarava is a small atoll with no tours available. There are no banks or ATMs and only a couple of little souvenir stores, but there is cell service! We took the tender over around 10:00 am and just wandered around. We ran into Diana and Michael so we wandered together for a while. Church was still in session so it was pretty quiet. We could have rented bikes (even electric bikes or trikes) but decided to just walk. We saw 2 churches, a Mormon and Catholic, and of course beautiful flowers everywhere. At one point on the shore a man was feeding small sharks for the tourists' enjoyment. I figured they wouldn't be hungry for me, so I stepped in to get a picture. A bit further down the road we stopped for a dip in the ocean. It is remarkably beautiful water and so warm. I heard the population is about 350. There is one elementary school up to grade 6 and then the kids have to go to Rangiroa or Papeete for high school.
Back on board for a late lunch. I figure Sundays are anything goes day so I don't worry about the carbs. Had a croissant and eggs benedict for breakfast and a hot dog with sweet potato fries and a beer for lunch. Then back to the cabin for a short nap for me, not as short for Michael.
As we were returning on the tender I got a text from Anna that she was on her way to the house to check it and water the plants. I asked her to unplug/plug in the upstairs "spy" camera since it was offline for some reason. Then I could see her in the living room camera so I freaked her out by talking to her through the camera's speaker. So surreal.
At the end of each cruise segment, when some of the passengers are getting off, the crew performs a sort of talent show as a way of saying thanks to the guests. They were actually very good and it was fun. Tonight we ate at a table for 2 outside at Sette Mari, the Italian restaurant on the top deck all the way in the back. The weather was beautiful, despite a passing shower (we were under cover), and the moon rose just behind us so we had a lovely view. The spaghetti carbonara was to die for - so glad it was no carb worry day. Topped it off with tiramasu and limoncello - perfect.
Fakarava is a small atoll with no tours available. There are no banks or ATMs and only a couple of little souvenir stores, but there is cell service! We took the tender over around 10:00 am and just wandered around. We ran into Diana and Michael so we wandered together for a while. Church was still in session so it was pretty quiet. We could have rented bikes (even electric bikes or trikes) but decided to just walk. We saw 2 churches, a Mormon and Catholic, and of course beautiful flowers everywhere. At one point on the shore a man was feeding small sharks for the tourists' enjoyment. I figured they wouldn't be hungry for me, so I stepped in to get a picture. A bit further down the road we stopped for a dip in the ocean. It is remarkably beautiful water and so warm. I heard the population is about 350. There is one elementary school up to grade 6 and then the kids have to go to Rangiroa or Papeete for high school.
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| The chandeliers are made of seashells. |
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| Mormon Church |
Back on board for a late lunch. I figure Sundays are anything goes day so I don't worry about the carbs. Had a croissant and eggs benedict for breakfast and a hot dog with sweet potato fries and a beer for lunch. Then back to the cabin for a short nap for me, not as short for Michael.
As we were returning on the tender I got a text from Anna that she was on her way to the house to check it and water the plants. I asked her to unplug/plug in the upstairs "spy" camera since it was offline for some reason. Then I could see her in the living room camera so I freaked her out by talking to her through the camera's speaker. So surreal.
At the end of each cruise segment, when some of the passengers are getting off, the crew performs a sort of talent show as a way of saying thanks to the guests. They were actually very good and it was fun. Tonight we ate at a table for 2 outside at Sette Mari, the Italian restaurant on the top deck all the way in the back. The weather was beautiful, despite a passing shower (we were under cover), and the moon rose just behind us so we had a lovely view. The spaghetti carbonara was to die for - so glad it was no carb worry day. Topped it off with tiramasu and limoncello - perfect.
Those pictures are great. A true island paradise, topped off with an Italian meal in the moonlight, finishing with Tiramisu. Can it get any better?
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