Nov 1 2020 Tonga

Our car tour of Tongatapu Island continued.

We started with a visit to a local beach.  Ot was on the South side of the island and looked so pretty with breakerq rolling in. 

Of particular interest were graves which were present beside the road.  These seem to be mounds of sand which are covered in afghans!  In one notable example there were also quilts on the ceiling!  A different custom indeed.

We tried to stop at many attractions but found that they were often hidden behind tall grasses and iffy tracks, making them difficult to find.  We finally ended up at the blow holes. 

These are a remarkable series of hundreds of blow holes along the shore stretching in both directions.  The sea would erupt through them giving a wonderful show all along the coast line.

Finally we drove to the Westerly point of the island where we learned that Abel Tasman had landed.  The event is marked with a plaque but tsunami damage made it impossible to approach.

Released from Quarantine

As we had had no further symptoms we were let out of jail...I mean quarentine...just in time to arrive in Tonga.  We docked in Nufa Alufa the capital.  We had arranged to rent a car...but had trouble finding the headquarters.  When we finally did ...there were no cars available, despite having made a reservation.  A very helpful lady found another car at a different location and arranged for her son to take us there.  Unfortunately they did not accept credit cards and as this is the way we get insurance, we could not proceed...so back we went to avis.  It seemed futile, when they found a  solution.  We could rent the salesperson's business car!  What a surprising turn of events....and so we were off to explore the island of Tonga.

The whole thing caused us to walk from place to place...seeing some interesting things along the way

Our car trip was astonishing.  Firstly the island was devastated in 2021 by a tsunami and ash cloud from an eruption on a neighbouring island.  We saw signs of the devastation.  Secondly, the island is underdeveloped, so it was still in its pristine state in many ways with its ways of life preserved.  Dogs are everywhere, as well as chicken, horses and pigs.

We followed the coast road which was marked as a major road...and were totally surprised as the road was...well...rough.  At one point a pot hole full of water served as home to a duck!

The Voyage (and the woes) Continue

We faced another day at sea.  Although we have both spent many days at sea in our early careers and we know the feeling of long stretches of nothingness, time was starting to hang heavily.  Our schedule called for one day at sea, one day on Raratonga in the Cook Islands, two days at sea, two days at Nuka Alufo, the capital of Tonga.  

The terrible cold we had contracted continued with a vengeance.  A lot of coughing jags that were totally uncontrollable.  For me, some two weeks after it started, the symptoms had started to diminish, but for Paul who started a week after me, it is still at its height.  Even with that, we were looking forward to a visit to Raratonga an island we had stayed at for a week in the past.  

When we arrived at Raratonga the ship had to anchor outside the protective coral reef as the harbour is too small to accommodate a large ship.  The swell on the ocean was quite high and a 25 knot wind made it even more rough.  The captain soon announced that operating tenders to ferry us into the island was unsafe due to the weather, and so he was forced to weigh the anchor and leave...thus another and unexpected sea day.   (Heavy sigh)  We did circumnavigate the island and so...we saw it from a distance at least.

Then...we made our way toward Tonga.  We crossed the international date line, skipping Oct 30 altogether, bring us to the 31st and my 65th birthday.  As if to remind me of my advancing age and my entry into the senior citizens' world, I developed a serious gastro problem.  I could keep nothing down, or in.  So...a second visit with members of the medical team who tell me I have contracted Norovirus and then put me, and Paul into quarantine.  Who knows how long we will be confined to our cabin!  I know this is to protect others from contracting the same thing and know also that it is necessary...but really who could have guessed this would happen!  Paul's comment between coughing fits..."This is the last time we will be on one of these disease boxes"!

I usually look on the bright side...but it is difficult!   I guess I am lucky to have a balcony so I can sit outside and our fourth Covid test has come back negative...so...there is that I suppose.

Papeete Oct 26

Another overcast and very hot day.  Papeete is a very buy city.  We hit the pharmacy again for more meds and then found a market where we made a few purchases.  Then we found a café with internet before returning in time to sail away for two days at sea.

Moorea

Moorea is a lovely volcanic island with high cliffs and mountains.  We took a tender into a sedate landing spot where there was nothing at all.  We discovered that the town centre was 5 km away, so we grabbed a taxi and went off to explore.  The town centre was very, very small, with little of interest so we turned back and returned to the ship.  

The weather was inclement, and this island is a diving and snorkeling mecca....but the day was not conducive with rain and high winds!

Raiatea

We arrived in Raiatea still suffering from whatever the affliction we have contracted.  I have had it for 2 weeks now and Paul for about 6 days.  Our first order of business was to find a pharmacy.

Once we had made our purchases, we decided to take a trip out to a Motu (tiny island) for a swim.  We were able to take a dip in the ocean, enjoy the tropical beaches and have a bit of freedom.  It was lovely despite our hacking coughs!  We even saw a small, harmless shark swimming close by!

Bora Bora-Oct 23

It has been a dream of mine to visit Bora Bora.  At the beginning of the cruise the visit was cancelled and then to my delight it was put back on the itinerary!  Then we got sick and our plans for snorkeling with the stingrays had to be cancelled.  We decided instead to go into town and find a pharmacy to replenish cold medication supplies.  To our dismay...it being Sunday...everything was closed.  The result...quick in and out to the island followed by more recuperation time.  That said....the weather is beautiful and the scenery lush and green with beautiful sparkling waters!

  

At Sea Oct 17-23

Usually sea days are very quiet with nothing to report.  The routine becomes reading, playing bridge, competing at team trivia, a show or movie at night.   Five days melt away slowly and peacefully.

Unfortunately, the cough/cold that started for me on the 12 th just got progressuvely worse.  I ended up in the medical centre with acute bronchitis...and spent most of my time flat on my back.  After a round of antibiotics, steroids and an infusion...I am still not 100 percent some 10 days after it first started.  I have been tested 3 times now for Covid and the tests have been consistently negative...so that is the good news I guess 

To add insult to injury...Paul has come down with the same cold and is suffering its worse symptoms now...as we approach Bora Bora.  Looks like we will be having a quiet visit.  

October 17 -- Hilo Hawaii

Another hot and humid day met us in Hilo. 

In the early morning we could see the onser alors buildings at the top of the volcano.

We disembarked and grabbed a taxi into the old city centre.  It was interesting, the old style metal clad buildings lining zhat was once the old city centre.  

There was a hippie vibe to the place

We found a small cafe and used their internet.  

We wandered the streets for a bit and then made our way back to the ship.  A relaxing day all around.  

We have another four days at sea ahead of us...then Bora Bora.

October 16 2022 -- Kona

It was a very hot day in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.  We had to use tenders to get into port and we arrived just at 11:00.  Wee had no specific plans for Kona, having been here for two weeks not so long ago.  We opted for a "business day" starting with laundry.  

Finding a laundromat was not easy, but we managed to find one in the back corner of a strip mall.  It seemed like a laundromat for the locals.  While our laundry washed we looked for a cool spot to wait and came across a most interesting bar called Dolphin Spit where the football game was on TV.  

(You may be wondering, as I was, who the heck is Verne Troyer?  He was an actor, 2 ft 8 inches tall who played mini-me in Austin Powers...who knew?)

This was a good thing for Paul who had been missing football.

It was an interesting bar with an eclectic array of decorations.

We had a short day in Kona with all aboard at 4:30 so we bid the city adieu and carried on to our next stop.

Enroute we joined our trivia team and for the first time we won...the prize? A picture with the "trophy".

Saturday October 15 -- Maui

The ship arrived in Kahuali, Maui and once we were able to leave the ship we made our way to the airport via a friendly Uber driver.  We picked up a rental car and we were off to explore.

Our first stop was Wailea a lovely beach with the beautiful blue waters sparkling in the sun.  We went for a cooling dip and enjoyed the rolling surf.

Then we found, quite by chance a famous fish restaurant called Coconut's Fish Cafe.  They serve fish tacos that have 2 types of fish, 14 ingredients (including mango salsa) and 7 layers.  Paul ordered these and believe me, Paul needed both hands and several wet naps!  He told me they were the best fish tacos he had ever had.  

I had exquisite fish and chips!  The tables were cute...wooden surf boards.

After lunch we still had a few hours before we had to be back to the ship and so we decided to take a drive to the top of Haleakalā, a dormant volcano which soars over the city of  Khaulai.  We drove for about an hour and a half and ended up at the summit, above the clouds.  It was other wordly...

On the way down we saw two Nenes, the national birds of Hawaii and a spectacular rainbow!

October 14- Not too touristy

A full day ahead of us in Honolulu which gave us an opportunity to see some of the places we visited during our honeymoon 42 years ago.  We decided to stay in the Waikiki area although it is very touristy.  The beach is lovely and very crowded.

By the time we arrived it was close to noon and the sun was beating down.  We needed something in the shade which was difficult to find.  Paul came up wirh a great idea....a Chinese style foot massage.  After a 15 minute , very hot walk we arrived at the Zen Foot Massage and Sauna.  What followed was a one hour session of intense, deep tissue massage of the feet and legs.  It was heavenly!

Then we jumped on the city bus and went to Duke's-a long standing restaurant on the beach.  

We had a late lunch and then went for a swim before returning to the ship.  Diamond head towers over the beach...so picturesque!

October 13 - arrival in Hawaii

After the COVID-19 tests we were told we could stop wearing masks.  Several passengers had positive tests and have been quarantined, but apparently there are very few who are infected.  

We had another day at sea with an expected arrival at 7 pm.  I have developed a bad cough and so have remained mostly in my cabin and on my balcony.   It was pleasant watching rhe ocean roll by in the tropical heat!

 In the early evening land came into view...a welcome sight indeed! 

Finally...at 7 pm right on schedule we arrived in Honolulu.  We got off the ship and walked to the local Walmart to purchase a few things...and a pillow for Paul as the ones on the ship did not suit him.