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...........

Fench Polynesia Cruise - Cook Islands and the Society Islands

Lori and the gang are heading to Tahiti today.  Hopefully she'll have wifi available so she can post photos during her 11night journey through French Polynesia on the luxurious Paul Gaugin ship.
On this South Pacific Odyssey, they'll discover the isle of Huahine, renowned for its spectacular rain forests. Next, they'll experience the unique majesty of the Cook Islands. Arid Aitutaki is virtually flat-so much so that you can spot the ocean from nearly any point on the island, sitting in sharp contrast to sister island Rarotonga's jagged peaks and deep valleys. Rarotonga's fertile slopes of red earth and sparkling aquamarine lagoon call to mind the classic Victorian ideal of paradise, which the island was called by its first European explorers. They'll return to the Society Islands for days in alluring Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, and Papeete.
Their days will be filled with a variety of activities to choose from;

• Learn about the natural and cultural history of the destination through a lecture with one of the on-board naturalists
• Explore the ocean’s surface via paddle board, kayak or windsurf, or Tahiti’s underwater wonders while scuba diving and snorkeling.
• For the ultimate relaxation discover the luxury spa
• Relax poolside in a lounge chair with a good book and a beverage from the pool bar 
• Watch spectacular performances, such as an electrifying Polynesian show featuring the arts of the islands.  

Winter Fun in Canada's Capital - Ottawa

FACT: Canada's capital city has the largest ice rink in the world.

The Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, Ontario is the largest skating rink, 

running from the Parliament Buildings through to Dows Lake.

The rink is nearly eight kilometres long. It typically opens in January or 

February depending on weather conditions, and it’s busiest during 
Canada’s Winterlude. 

WINTERLUDE runs from Fri, January 31, 2014 – Mon, February 17, 2014

The event features an ice carving competition at the Crystal Garden, 

an outdoor art gallery, a snowflake kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park, 

sporting events and much more. Winterlude offers 3 fun filled weeks 

of excitement and activity for the whole family. 

Winterlude official website: http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1379086957550

What to do there: Dining, museums and galleries, family activities and more.

http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/visitors/what-to-do

Hotel Deals: Book before Jan. 31, book 2 nights and get the 3rd night free.

https://www.hotels.ottawatourism.ca/English/ 

Keep Burglars Out of Your Home while you are away on vacation.

Winter has arrived, which means many people will be making plans to getaway from the cold and snow.  I received these great tips from my insurance company on how  to protect your home from burglars while you are away.   Let burglars know you're home, even when you're not! Above all, don't Don't disclose the dates of your trip on social networks or leave a message on your answering machine that reveals you're away. You'll also need to do a few things to create the impression that someone is home to protect your home from potential intruders. Here are some examples: * Ask a neighbour or relative to shovel your driveway, move your vehicle from time to time and collect your mail. * Install a safety bar on patio doors or place a stick in the slide to prevent opening. * Deactivate the garage door opener and activate the alarm system. * Install a timer to turn lights on and off inside your home. * Use motion sensors to trigger outdoor lighting. * Put away any outdoor items that could be used to break into your home (ladders, tools, benches, etc.). * Empty your garbage cans and recycling bin. * Put your luggage in your car quickly just before you're ready to leave. The definition of a good trip includes finding your home just as you left it! Dipping your toes in warm waters is a great pleasure while you're away, but it's not much fun to be doing it when you get home. To avoid water damage and fire, you should take special care to: * Turn off the water and drain all systems and appliances. * Unplug electrical and electronic devices (computers, televisions, space heaters, Christmas lights, etc.). * Shut off the electrical supply to your hot water tank. * Leave a spare house key with someone you trust so they can periodically check to see that the heating system is working properly and verify the general condition of your house. * Contact your home insurer to inform them that you will be away for a while. Protecting your home while on vacation Planning a holiday includes taking steps to ensure that everything stays in order in your house and remains in order in your absence. Paying careful attention to prevention can increase the likelihood of finding help to ensure that you'll find your home exactly as you left it: comfortable and safe place for you to plan your future trips!    It's time to plan your winter getaway. January sales are now available! Contact the travel professionals at Womens Travel Network.ca 905-771-8338 or toll free 1-888-419-0118 Email: info@womenstravelnetwork.ca

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Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh formerly known as Saigon

The cruise comes to an end in Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon.  The ladies spent their last couple of days exploring this fascinating city.   They shopped at a Chinese Market in Saigon, enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant and had drinks on the roof top of the Rex Hotel which is listed as one the the 1000 places you should visit before you die. The bottom picture is the famous spot where they picked up the last people to get out of Vietnam when the war started.

 

Vietnam, Mekong River - markets and life on the river

The ladies have been cruising on Vietnam's Mekong River.  They've experienced life on the river, visiting a local  markets, including a floating market. Anyone for snake wine?

 

Cambodia: palaces, temples, street life