Day 97 sailaway and Marg's Birthday

As we sailed away from Pago Pago, we celebrated Marg's birthday. Great night, and a birthday Marg won't forget. She had the most appropriate pair of glasses on. We went to a magician!! oh dear we left after 5 minutes, and had coffee with Marg and Roy till the wee hours of the morning.

pics of party

 

Day 97 Pago Pago

I woke today with the sore throat and head cold, its doing the rounds again big time. This did impact on what we did today however we did get a feel for the small island. The people are so big and so friendly. Its not geared toward tourism, but after the tsunami 1 year ago, the people need every dollar they can get. The first thing that struck us wa these amazing colourful buses. Well I say buses but really not the type you have in mind. No glass in the windows, just bench style seats, the driver appears to be almost on the road as he is so low. The music was blaring from most of them, flowers adorn the inside. There were plenty of them so for any future WC, don't book a tour just do your own thing. The destruction from last year is still evident as only a few shops still standing. We just walked around the stalls on the pier and up along the main street. It was very hot and humid so didn't do much for my stuffed up head.

 

Day 94, 95 & 96 Sea Days

We are having the gorgeous calm seas and sunny days at the moment. This will not last much longer so we are making the most of it.

We had a lot of fun at Formal night last night! Firstly it was the Captain's Circle one so that meant free drinks that actually contained alcohol, and El Captain mingled with the people. He is a very lovely man. So at dinner, Derek left to visit the little boy's room and George suggested that when he got back, we should all sing Happy Birthday to him. Let me say now, it was NOT his birthday (so if his family read this, don't panic). We sang and Derek played along with it and before we knew it, out came the birthday cake and all the waiters gathered round the table and sang THE song. Joyce was crying with laughter. Just a bit of fun and a great night.

We had coffee afterwards in the Horizon Court and late to bed....around 2 a.m.

Day 93 Paradise found....Moorea

Its between Kusadasi and Moorea for the most beautiful place on earth. We went to the secret door for our sail into Moorea, and as I opened the door and caught my first glimpse of the huge mountains and scenery of Moorea, it took my breath away. Absolutely stunning. The weather was perfect, we had to get ashore by tender (our last one!!), it was a very smooth process this time. I hope this photos give you an idea of this place. Once again there was lots of locals offering tours etc. We just missed out on hiring a buggy but we chose a swimming and beach tour. It cost us $50 each, once again less than half the ship's similar one. The boat took us past the little thatched roofed huts on the aqua water, just as you see in the postcards. Now part of this trip involved swimming with the stingrays and sharks, mmm well this was a bit terrifying. The boat stopped and yes all around us were stingrays and sharks. The thought of Steve Irwin kept popping up , but the guide assured us these ones were friendly and not deadly. The sharks were not so friendly he said but just push them away. Yes ok! I could lie and say I swam with them but the truth is that I stood. terrified, as they SWAM around me. George on the other hand did touch the stingrays and was calm. What an experience. We arrived at the private beach, free beer and soft drinks and some time to swim. We had the best day and would love to come back for a holiday. By the way the little huts cost $1000 per week.

Oh well only 2 more ports and that's it.