French Polynesia - crystal clear blue waters

All is going well in paradise. Our group of 13 are enjoying the activities, scenery and fabulous dining. Tonight we made arrangements with the ship photographer for a  group shot. As soon as I am able I will load that photo on the blog. We are having lots of fun. 

I've been trying to type a blog and would have posted sooner but the internet is very intermittent. Here;s my update.  Short and sweet but I must type quickly before I lose the connection.

Jan 23.  Three of us left Toronto for our exciting adventure. Lori, Colleen and Lena. The rest of the gang left before us. Total of 13 people. We overnight-ed at the Crown Plaza hotel located near the Los Angeles international airport.  The rooms were comfy and accommodating.

We spent the next day in LA  where we took a bus tour of the city which took us by many of the famous spots and  we stopped and got off at a few places. We saw the famous Hollywood sign, the side walk where the star's sign their name, Rodeo Drive and Venice Beach to name a few. 

Jan 24. We departed  Los Angeles at 11:00 pm on Air Tahiti for an over night flight to Papeete Tahiti, arriving a 5:00 am. Paul Gaugin's representative was there to greet us and transfer us to the fabulous Intercontinental hotel where we had a lovely day room..  We spent the day relaxing at the beach until we departed for the ship. The Intercontinental Hotel has the famous over water bungalows and two of our couples enjoyed a pre cruise stay in the huts. They enjoyed their stay and said it was Very romantic. 

Once on the ship we could relax, unwind and unpack as this was going to be our home for the next 12 days.

First stop Huanhine Society Islands, French Polynesia.
Huahine is located 175 km North-West of Tahiti within the Leeward islands or better know as the " Society Islands". The island is made up of two mountainous ranges of Huahine Nui(high) and Huahine Iti (small). The population of 6,000 people live among eight villages with the main town being FARE, the image of a sleepy Polynesian port town. Settled in the 1830's this former whaling port was established for those ships going North and South during the months of May and June. 

Each of us took different day trips that included a trek along an ancient pathway used by the ancestors before the missionaries arrived. Some had a pionic in the ocean, Yes, I did say in the ocean. The tables and chairs were set right in the ocean.

Jan 27 was a day at sea. There were many activities onboard. Lectures, jewelry making classes where we made bracelet's and earrings. Eating. Cooking demos, Solo Travellers lunch, fashion show, ballroom dance class, port talk. Eating. Showtime. Dancing and did I mention Eating? Everyone is having so much fun!

Jan 28 Aitutaki

Aitutaki is often referred to as "the bora Bora of the Cook islands" because it consists of a small, hilly island at the apex of the triangular barrier reef dotted with skinny flat islets. Some of the tours included swimming in the crystal clear water, jeep safari, and just plain relaxing. By now most of us are bright red from the sun. Hopefull it will turn into a tan before we return home. Every thing here is very expensive, but on a positive note that might  be a good thing as we are spending less and not buying too much.

More to come. Stay tuned...........