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.

At sea Oct 12 2022

We have now been at sea for four days.  It is so astounding to me that on a trans Atlantic cruise we would now be preparing to arrive at our final destination.  This stands as proof of the vastness of the Pacific ocean!  We will be arriving in Honolulu on October 13.

Our days on board have been quiet.  We have been taking advantage of the gym which is well appointed.  Classes are offered and I have been taking those.  We have also taken some bridge lessons and played in tournaments. 

 Other than that we have watched some movies, taken in some shows and relaxed on our personal balcony.  

One thing that surprised us, we have had to wear masks.  We had expected that negative tests prior to boarding would have been enough to let us all be mask free, but not so.  

Today the entire ship will be subjected to rapid antigen tests, and then a decision will be made as to whether we all must continue or not.

On to Hawaii!

Day one at sea

October 7 2022

We boarded the ship.  Always a stressful day for me as I inherited the worry gene and so want to be early, with all papers in hand.  I discovered early in the day that I had forgotten to print boarding passes...which caused me anxiety and promised to be a big problen at the boarding gate.  Fortunately, and with the use if the hotel's wifi I was able to download an app which saved our bacon!

A word on packing...I travel with a carry on and a small backpack.  Many don't believe this is possible and it is hard as many things get left behind...but I think it is worth it.  I can manage my own bags without relying on help to lift and carry and I don't bring things I would not use in any case.  It served me well this time as we ended up having to bring our cases on board ourselves.

The ship is lovely...carrying only 1900 passengers which is small by todays standards.  Our cabin is small but we have a nice véranda where we can enjoy the view and the fresh air.  

We unpacked, got settled and explored the ship.  We joined a trivia team and watched San Diego disappear in our wake as we left the USA behind us.

Here we go again

It has been a long two years since our last big adventure.  Since 2020 life has sent curve balls our way.  We had to postpone travel plans to care for my ailing parents, an all-consuming task.  The COVID-19 pandemic struck which affected the entire world and forced us into vaying degrees of quarantine .  Sadly, and during the pandemic both parents passed away. 

Then I was struck down by cardiac issues and had a lengthy recovery.  We purchased one condo, then purchased a second one whcih we renovated.  We welcomed two new grandchildren, Leila and Diego) into our lives...such joy; and we moved again and here we are in October of 2022.  It has been...well...busy.

Now that the pandemic has diminished and travel has opened up we decided to take on a new adventure...a trip to Australia.  We are starting with a 34 day transpacific voyage on the Noordam, leaving from San Diego and arriving in Sydney on Nov 12.

We arrived in San Diego early on Oct 7 and spent a quiet day recovering from jet lag. We had a wonderful mexican lunch; went to the Gas lamp district last night where the entire under-30 population had descended for drinks  (we beat a quick retreat); then hit little Italy where we had a lovely meal and then retired for the night.  We are in an older hotel across the steeet from the cruise center.  The bay stretches out in front of our balcony and we can watch the world go by.  Having been in San Diego preciously we don't have a list of things we really want to do.  We will join the ship this afternoon and then several days at sea en route to our first stop...Honolulu.