Papeete, Tahiti

In Papeete we teamed with friends Dan, Kay and others and took a tour around the island.  Our first stop was the black sand beach followed by the blow hole, gardens (which were amazing) and the grotto.  After the big tour Dave and I went shopping about town and I found a black pearl at the handicraft market.

Joanne

Raiatea, French Polynesia

On a cloudy day in Raiatea, we opted to bum around town enjoying the handicraft stalls and shops.

Joanne

Bora Bora (Part 2)

Of course, we couldn't be on a boat without getting in the water!  So in we went and it was amazing.  It is always interesting to find something you've never seen before anf here we found clams embedded in the coral with various colored growth on them - browns, blues, purples.  It was great fun!

The Admiral for the Day

Bora Bora (Part 1)

In Bora Bora we chose to sight see the way we know best.  We rented a skiff for the day and cruised around the island.  The mountainous terrain created its own natural weather patterns.  The front of the island was sunny, the backside held a cloud which covered the area in shade.  By boat we were able to get some awesome photos including close up shots of our cruise ship.

The Admiral for the Day

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

In Rarotonga we paid $5 pp for a ride to the beach where we spent the day enjoying the sun and sea,

Joanne

Alofi, Niue

In Alofi we met fellow cruisers Dan and Kay at the rental car counter and opted to rent a wreck, I mean car, for the day.  We explored the western part of the island but our favorite section was definitely the northwestern portion of the island where their were caves, caverns and water to explore.  We stopped at several places to snorkel and discovered an interesting phenomenon - salt water and fresh water don't mix.   The ocean water was salt but fresh water seeped from the rock strata into the areas we were snorkeling this mixture of water created a wavy blend on the surface of the water.  Unfortunately, the camera lense doesn't pick it up.  It was truly bizarre.  Nonetheless we had an awesome time and it definitely made the list for our favorite snorkel island on the trip thus far.

Joanne

VaVau, Tonga

In VaVau, Tonga we teamed with friends Bev and Joel and took a taxi tour of the island.  We saw all the scenic spots on the island, stopped at one of the schools and saw many of the villages.  After a bg day touring we opted to stop at a local beach bar for a Steinlager.

Joanne

Nuku Alofa, Tonga

In Nuku Alofa we enjoyed our tour around town seeing the Royal Palace, Royal Tombs and the local girls college.  The highlight, however, was the floral.  Lots of beautiful flowers and the community even repurposed old tires to use as flower pots.

Joanne 

Dravuni Island, Fiji

After days either at sea or busy in port, we took in a beach day.  It was Sunday and Dravuni's residents were in church leaving us their lovely beach to enjoy.

Joanne

Suva, Fiji

In Suva we found a bustlintg city.  We walked around town enjoying the park but were particularly taken by the size and scale of the market.  

Joanne

Apia, Samoa (Part 2)

Across from the Cultural Center sat a spectacular cathedral.  It was bright and welcoming.  Its windows were stunning.  Its ceiling and dome brought together the amazing architecture of the church with the traditions of the Samoan culture.  

We've seen many cathedral's throughout the world but the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception is truly a sight to behold.

Joanne

Apia, Samoa (Part 1)

In Apia we were greeted by music and dancers on the dock.  Our first stop was the Robert Louis Stevenson home/museum where we toured the home and grounds,  After that we bummed around town finding the local fishmarket with lots of varieties fish we had never seen before.  Later, we stumbled on the Cultural Center where we sampled native foods and learned of some of the Samoan traditions such as the making of kava bowls, the making of paper from bark and more.

Joanne