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Holidays in the South Pacific
  • Laura Folk
  • JudyfromMoody
Nov 2022 – Jan 2023

Holidays in the South Pacific

A tropical odyssey with traveling friends Read more
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  • Trip start
    November 23, 2022
    Holidays in the South Pacific

    DCA to Honolulu

    November 23, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    We had a long , but blessedly uneventful day, flying from Reagan National to Honolulu via Phoenix. We shared a row with a lovely woman named Ella on the first leg, and got upgraded on the second (longer) leg. Score!!! Nice dinner- braised short ribs, shrimp, salad and mac'n'cheese.

    We arrived at the Holiday Inn Waikiki at 8 pm which was 1 am home time. It'll be an early (local time) night. We stopped by the ABC store across the street from the hotel. It's not "ABC" like booze store back home, although they had all the adult beverages. It's more like a convenience store with souvenirs- and an interesting selection of to-go foods.

    26 degrees this morning. 85 degrees tonight.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Waikiki Beach and Luau

    November 24, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    We took a stroll to the beach- as it turns out, the part we went to is part of the military recreation area. Fort Derussey includes the Army Museum, and goes over to the Hale Koa Hotel, which is a military-owned hotel. (I tried to reserve a room there about 10 months ago for this visit- already totally booked.) Wayne had his ritual touching of the water. Sometimes he wades in, but not this time. I, on the other hand, did get my feet in the water, but only because a wave caught me. Luckily I was wearing my Keens, but the socks got soggy.

    After a brief rest, we were picked up by our driver, Dave, for a trip to our luau. Fellow travelers in our van were Melissa and Kevin from LA. Experience Nutridge is in the Puu Ualakaa State Park. On the way we were treated to a beautiful rainbow- a nice gift after an intermittently rainy day.

    The Nutridge property was so named because it was the site of a Macadamia nut grove- the first commercial Macadamia grove. Experience Nutridge is a unique experience- lots of cultural information and demonstrations, and a delicious luau dinner which included kalua pork, turkey (not standard fare, but offered specially tonight in honor of Thanksgiving,) barbecued chicken, purple sweet potatoes, salad with pineapple dressing, and a really good wrap of sweet potatoes and pork wrapped in leaves and cooked. Our host told us that the wrapper tasted like spinach. I thought it tasted more like green beans-- at any rate it tasted really good. Dessert included pineapple, a yummy coconut pudding, and chocolate cupcakes- not worth the calories to me after the first bite, but I ate the macadamias on top. There were Hawaiian dances, and a hula that we learned, followed by Elvis singing "Falling in Love With You," and topped off with the Cupid Shuffle.

    And then back to the hotel, grateful and thankful for so much in life, including our new Ohana from tonight.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Pearl Harbor

    November 25, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    We had breakfast at the hotel with Darla and Rick. Glenn and Judy picked us up and drove to Pearl Harbor. We had the audio tour of the museum which was really worthwhile. Every time I read or visit anything related to WWII in the Pacific, I learn more about the attack. The USS Arizona Memorial was as moving as the only time I had visited before with my parents, and it brought back memories of that time together. The movie that followed the visit gave a better explanation than I had understood before about the reasons for the attack. And it reinforced the horror of those two fateful hours for the men in the ships, airfields and other facilities, and the years of war that followed.

    We decided to go in search of food, and ended up at Bonzai Burger in the International shopping mall on Kuhio Avenue- the same street as our hotel, about a half mile away. There was an ABC next to the outdoor table that we were seated at, so Judy and I visited there while the boys waited for our order to be completed. We walked around the mall for a bit, and marvelled at the huge banyon tree - around which the mall was built.

    Then a walk down to the beach, more beautiful views of the ocean and Diamond Head, and back to the car, and then to the hotel. I needed to get some nail polish remover and bug spray, so took a walk to a drugstore. Need to get stuff repacked for tomorrow morning- and probably an early night.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Sailaway-Aloha, Honolulu

    November 26, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Breakfast, hotel checkout, Lyft ride, boarding process, and chilled 'til our stateroom was ready.

    We boarded without incident, and hung out until lunch in Windows- the large dining room. I got unpacked while W people-watched.

    Walking around the ship brought back some happy memories, and a glimpse at Pride of America, and a last glimpse at Diamond Head.

    We got together with our traveling friends- Darla & Rick, and Judy & Glenn for dinner at Silk, the Asian restaurant. I had calamari and orange beef, and Wayne had spring rolls, egg drop soup, and sweet sour pork.

    The Restaurant Manager, Manoel stopped by our table. He was aboard Spirit with us when COVID broke out, and we shared some stories of our 3 weeks at sea. A group of women who were also on that cruise had T-shirts made with a picture of them and Manoel. They were behind us in the Teppanyaki Restaurant- and they were having a GOOD time. We decided to forego dessert, and I joined Rick & Darla for the opening night show.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Out and About in Kaua'i

    November 27, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    What a great day! Darla and Rick rented a van, and we had a delightful day of waterfalls and beautiful views with them, Judy and Glenn.

    We used Shaka Audio tours in the car. The first stop was Wailua Falls- 200 feet tall. There's no getting close to it, but the view from afar was breathtaking. There was a lady selling a large variety of banana bread, and we settled on one with walnuts.

    We saw several heiaus- place of various types of worship delineated by large square rock structures. The structure first of these was not well delineated- looked more like some piles of rocks- but the area is sacred, nonetheless. The first was near the Hilton Garden Inn Resort, which happened to have a Sunday craft market that we visited.

    The next heiau was very distinct, and near it we're "birthing rocks." I can think of more comfortable places...

    Then to a Buddhist monastery, where we missed the entry time by a few minutes. We did walk around the grounds, and I saw what I decided was the Buddhist version of a garden troll.

    Another breathtaking waterfall, seen from afar. We went to an arboretum- a small grove of trees near a creek that featured beautiful rainbow eucalyptus.

    We spotted some food trucks, and had fish tacos, quesadillas and the like.

    We ended the trip with a pull off into the Marriott Resort, where we parked near the golf course to enjoy the banana bread we purchased earlier.

    Then back to the ship- nap, then dinner in Taste- grilled veg and broiled Hake for me, clam chowder & Hake for Wayne. I topped it off with some mint chocolate mousse- extremely yummy.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    On the Road toward Hana

    November 29, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    What a day! I walked with Darla and Rick to pick up the rental van and off we went on the Road Toward Hana. Because of time limits, we went part of the way, and enjoyed all the sights. Our first stop was Hookipa Beach- we watched dozens of surfers in some pretty impressive waves. We stopped at Twin Falls- we saw one, and it was lovely.

    We had an impromptu picnic with passion fruit & passion fruit strawberry bread and mung bean cookies that we got at a market this morning. Then back to the ship. A truly great day.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Hawaii- The Big Island

    November 30, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Glenn, Darla, and Rick got the van, and we were off to explore Hawaii with Shaaka AudioTour.
    We visited the Liliʻuokalani Gardens

     Garden- beautiful bridges and Japanese lanterns. Then off to lots of tropical forest, waterfalls, and beautiful ocean views.

    The Shaaka Tour gave us lots of history and info. Such beauty, culture, and history.

    We stopped at Tex's for Malasadas- Portuguese filled donuts-- so yummy.

    As we drove a long, the Shaka tour played music in between featured stops and informational segments. We had a Ukulele sing-along to Bohemian Rhapsody. What fun!

    Lava tube caves- made from flowing lava when the surface cools, and the hot lava keeps flowing. It was like a fern temple.

    We had a picnic of treats we'd brought along- then a trip to Long's Drugs (Hawaiian CVS associate), and back to the ship.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Bora Bora- Another Perfect Day

    December 6, 2022 in French Polynesia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Snorkels-all day long, with a break for a delicious island lunch.

    We had an early start- slathered up with SPF 50 before donning board shorts, rash shirt, and water shoes. I opted not to bring the flippers, since they weren't helpful yesterday. Mistake. Luckily the boat had some for us to use. We had more open water today.

    We saw black-tipped sharks, devil rays, manta rays, green moray eel, all sorts of fish in a rainbow of different colors and combinations. There were clams or oysters with teal and purple designed openings, sea urchins... And on and on. The coral gardens had all manner of coral- purple, yellow, green, brown, orange.

    The lunch was yummy- pig, bananas, spinach, breadfruit, tapioca root, taro, pineapple, So. Good.

    We ended our trip with a visit to a sand-bottomed area where we hung out in the water until our return to the dock. We tendered back to the ship- no waiting.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Moorea- Snorkeling & Other Fun

    December 7, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    Wow. Another great day. I patted a sting ray, saw sharks, snorkeled through another coral garden, cracked a coconut, squeezed coconut milk, made ceviche, learned how coconut palm leaf hats are made, saw many ways to tie a sarong/pareo, and had an overall terrific day. Our boat driver was Wilfred, whose Tahitian name is Makiroto. He taught us lots.

    By the way- there's very little that's better than a post-snorkel shower.

    Late entry from yesterday- we were so wiped out that we went to dinner early, ate half of our dinner, went back to the room to watch TV, woke up at midnight, and couldn't believe it was actually 6:30 when the alarm went off this morning.

    Interesting fact- English was one of my college majors. I was taught not to write run-on sentences.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    More Moorea

    December 9, 2022 in French Polynesia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Wow. Again. Wow.

    We departed Papeete late last night, and returned to Moorea-. We did a similar snorkel trip- again the sharks and rays, and coral gardens. I tried to get some pictures, but the phone camera didn't love its new case- so I figured I could either try to take pics, or enjoy looking at all the cool stuff. Cool stuff won out.

    We stopped at the island for lunch, and again cracked coconuts, made ceviche and had yummy lunch of fish, chicken, taro, tapioca root, pineapple, coconut bread, and ceviche.

    Darla sat in the water, and soon attracted a shark and four rays. They sidled up against me- and their underside feels like velvet!    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Mora Mora Bora Bora

    December 11, 2022, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    We had a wonderful rerun of our Bora Bora day. Thierry was our boat driver, and Julie narrated our trip around the island. Wayne chose to enjoy the ship for the day.

    First stop was with sharks and rays. At one point there must have been a dozen black-tipped sharks (they don't bother humans) and a bunch of stingrays. There were lots of tropical fish- such beautiful colors- again, I could either enjoy them, or try to take pictures. I opted for the former.

    We proceeded to the coral Garden- so many more types of fish- every time I thought I'd seen them all, I'd spot another that I hadn't seen before.

    Thierry urged a huge eel out of the coral. It was at least a yard long- green and shiny, and a bit shy.

    We headed to another lovely Polynesian lunch- suckling pig and all the fixin's cooked in the ground. Darla, Judy, and I relaxed in the shallow water, while Thierry and Richard braided headbands for some of the travelers.

    Then to the sandbar- for a swim and some wine shenanigans.

    Back to the ship- quite a sensation when you're not completely dry, and you hit the air conditioning-- WOW! Then that nice warm shower. Aaaaah.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Apia, Samoa

    December 14, 2022 in Samoa ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    We walked from the ship to the beautiful blue church we saw from the ship. It is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. (Some people on the ship said it was a Methodist church. I suspected otherwise, but didn't want to argue.). Mass was in progress, so we stayed until the end. There was a wonderful breeze going through the church. I had to sit after awhile, because the kneelers were wood, and my sweaty knees combined with the sunblock made me slide around. The singing was beautiful. The ceiling is wooden- intricate designs, and the stained glass windows on either side of the church depicted the Stations of the Cross.

    We went in search of a grocery store for the purpose of picking up cans or bottles of Diet Coke or Coke Zero for Wayne. We stopped at McDonald's- iced coffee for me, and DC for the Big Guy. We finally found a grocery- interesting- lots of rice and canned corned beef, and just about anything else you could need or want- except no sugar Coke. I found sarongs- $10 Samoa (less than $4 US). I bought a bunch.

    It was hot, so we caught a taxi back to the ship. Our driver, Leo, got us inside the gate-as far as any vehicle could go. He was so nice.

    All the people were lovely. A lady in the grocery store helped me with the sarongs, and the check-out lady thanked us for shopping in the store.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Sea Day- Love Me a Sea Day

    December 15, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 2 °C

    Woke up crazy early- got up, and the sun beat me to it. I found a nice place on the Deck 11 fantail and enjoyed being outside, doing needlework. I moved up to the multi-function room and was joined by Berthe, whom I met on the pre-Covid cruise.

    Wayne & I had lunch in Windows-, and were seated next to Glenn & Judy. Then some LCR, followed by Naptime.

    Dinner at Le Bistro, then the Blazing Boots production show.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Lautoka, Piti Levu, Fiji

    December 16, 2022, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Had an early morning- but still missed sunrise.

    We had a nice excursion to an orchid farm, some shopping, and a visit to Sabeto Village where we experienced a native welcoming ceremony, and traditional singing and dances.

    Dinner was at Cagney's. The lamb chops were yummy.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Dravuni, Fiji

    December 17, 2022 in Fiji ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Had a nice day at this tiny island- with population of about 250. Wayne dipped his feet, and I went for a swim. The locals did some traditional dances for us.

    We had a bit of excitement, as a ship's passenger was medevac'd. Helo landed-it's been awhile since I flew, and I forgot about the prop wash, so we got sandblasted. The patient and his wife were brought from the ship in a tender, and were loaded onto the chopper. The police turned out in force- reminded me a bit of the team from Ste Marie on Death in Paradise. I wasn't able to get a picture of the women's uniform, but with a white skirt rather than the jagged sarong look.

    After a shower and lunch, I stitched a bit on the aft outdoor lounge, til the drowsies got me, and a nap was in order.

    Dinner- at Onda    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    More Sea Days- Getting Christmas-y

    December 19, 2022, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    I woke up in time for sunrise, but it was a bit of a bust. Stitched for awhile with Judy, then Zoomed with family since it was Saturday Cookie Bake back in the States. I was really glad to be able to see family.

    We had worship service, run by Glenn & Judy in Taste restaurant. We faced the water, which was a great backdrop. I did the gospel reading from Luke about the Annunciation. It hit me while reading, that the last time I was in Spirit, we visited Nazareth, and I was at the place!.

    After a bit of lunch we had LCR, and then a nap. That got us ready for dinner. Wayne had fun in his Santa getup- and I decided to wear my matchy dress.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Sea Day, and Rick's Birthday Celebration

    December 20, 2022, Coral Sea ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Had a busy Sea Day- stitching, lunch, LCR, and a wonderful Le Bistro dinner where we celebrated Rick's Birthday- which is on the 22nd- when Rick & Darla will leave on a different adventure.

    Hard to beat Le Bistro. Conversation was lively.
    Manoel arranged a ricotta cheesecake that was absolutely delicious.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Sydney! I Love Sydney

    December 21, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    We had a great day. We entered Sydney, went past the Opera House, under The Bridge, and past Luna Park. (Catch the creepy face). The ship docked at White's Bay because Majestic Princess was in our berth.

    Judy and Glenn joined us -we took a ferry ride to Watson's Bay where we had Fish & Chips at Doyle's. Judy started talking with a couple from Melbourne who came to Sydney for the day. We joked about coming over for Brunch on Christmas. As we waited for our return ferry, Emma asked if we would like to ride back to Circular Quay. What a fun time. There were adult beverages, great music, and views that couldn't be beat.

    We then walked to the Opera House, and continued on to the Christmas market.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Eden- Bushwalk

    December 23, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Our excursion today was to Beowa ( "bee-wah") /Ben Boyd National Park.

    On arrival we saw a Goanna- great big lizard- they get up to a meter long.

    Our Guide was Graham- his mother is indiginous and he grew up learning all the native traditions and healing. He did a Welcome/cleansing ceremony before we walked on the sacred land.

    We did a bit of a bushwalk, and saw a couple of kangaroos. They were pretty far away, but trust me- they're 'roos. (We also saw plenty of roo poo.) We had a treat of tea and biscuits (cookies). We learned about the role of fire in regeneration of the forest- and in particular, the need for fire to pop open the seed pods in the cones, so that the birds can eat the seeds,poop them out, and the cycle repeats.

    Joyful.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Tazmania- Stanley and The Nut

    December 23, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    A bit crazy getting off the ship.

    Visited Highfield Historic Site. It was similar in many ways to US sits of athe time- (1820s) The house had the typical rooms, with the kitchen attached to the side of the house.There was a chapel on the grounds that had the schoolroom upstairs. They had honey sales- sadly, we couldn't get any, because we can't take it off the ship in New Zealand.

    Lunch was at the Bistro at the Stanley Hotel. Seafood Chowder recommended by tour guide was really good, and I had squid which was quite tasty.

    We had a lovely Christmas Eve dinner at Cagney's with Judy & Glenn, and then the evening Christmas Eve service which was wonderful.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Christmas Day in Melbourne

    December 25, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We called the kids because we'll be at sea tomorrow on their Christmas. Greg & Meg are with her parents, and Julianna and "The Boys" are tucked in at home.

    We had a lovely breakfast, and enjoyed sharing Christmas greetings with fellow passengers. We took a tram into the city to just walk around a bit. No need for Myki Cards today-- public transport is free for Christmas

    We went to the Myers Department Store to see the Windows- celebration of Disney. Pictures aren't great- glare and people standing up close despite chains for distance. Oh Well...

    We had a marvelous Christmas dinner with Judy and Glenn in Windows, then listened to John Milligan, and headed to the room. We were treated to "It's a Wonderful Life" on the room TV.

    A memorable Christmas.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Sounds and Fjords and Other Wonders

    December 28, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Went to the Spinnaker to watch our entry into Milford Sound- a 9-mile Fjord. The light was great, and I made progress on stitching the Nelly bookmard. After lunch, I hung out on the balcony as we transited Doubtful Sound.

    We had a lovely afternoon snack of fruit canapes delivered to the stateroom.

    Hit dinner in Taste-,and I saw Blazing Boots again.    Read more

  • Holidays in the South Pacific

    Dunedin- Larnach Castle and Albatrosses

    December 29, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Our excursion took us to Larnach Castle ("The Camp") which was built by Larnach, who came to Dunedin to be a banker during the gold rush. We had a nice lunch in the Ballroom, followed by a tour of the castle.

    From there we went to the Royal Albatross Center where we saw nesting Royal Albatross. The wind wasn't strong enough for them to fly, but since it was pretty hot, they turned misters on to cool them.

    Then return to the ship, with great narration by the driver. Hoping that the albatrosses are flying when we get underway.    Read more

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