Day #26--last Sea day before the Bay of Islands New Zealand

Day 26 last sea day before the Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Sunday, January 31, 2016

I enjoyed another delightful Sunday brunch and we saw dolphins gleefully jumping in and out of the water while dined!

We were treated to a wonderful Maori lecture and performance by our Maori team and the main spokesperson a university professor whose entire body is covered in traditional tattoos. Later, we were wowed by an exciting Kapa Haka performances and and Te Matatini.  They used the poi balls like the ones we made in workshop a few days ago.

My videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cazKmZkY4z0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsPp42Xet-o

more information:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapa_haka

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=e6RlUYtSnLY

I did any time dining tonight and met Harvey and his wife and Jacob and his wife. Both couples live in West Palm Beach County Florida. They were good company and we did not discuss politics once.

Tonight's performer was Simeon Wood who is a versatile and funny musician.

You Are Temptation!

You Are Temptation!

Paul Theroux: travel author presentation and Q&A on world cruise.

 http://www.paultheroux.com/

My question from the audience:

I am Karla, from the country of Miami.

In all your world travels, what have you experienced
/encountered with solo women travelers?
I traveled solo my whole life and hope to reach 90 nations by end if this segment.
Also, I am a travel blogger.

His basic response is that it’s not so safe for solo women. He does not encounter women traveling alone. In many parts of the world, women are seen as temptation to men. Go with man or another woman. If he had daughter, he'd advise her not to travel solo.

That day, and over the next few days, many woman (and several men) came up to me and thanked me for my question. Most expressed that they hated his response.

I replied that his response is based on his lens of the world. He is who he is. We women solo travelers see ourselves as human beings traveling. Not as objects designed to serve men's needs.

A few women asked for info on my blog. I told several women about my solo women travelers Facebook group.

An Indian man came and sat with me after lunch and told me his daughter travels the world alone. She is young and pretty and is skilled at adeptly traveling solo.

An angry woman came to me and thanked me for my question. She said woman travel alone all the time and he cannot tell us not to. She resented him discussing college, Peace Corps, homes in Cape Cod and Hawaii. She said she wanted to ask who funded his lifestyle. He has led a very privileged life etc.

Here is a brief article written by another solo woman traveler:

 

http://motto.time.com/4243276/sarah-marquis-travel-world-alone/?xid=newsletter-brief

 

I find her perspective refreshing!

Day#25 or #26-sea day

Day #25--3rd of 4 consecutive sea days.  Sailing toward the Bay of Islands in New Zealand

Today's big deals were a talk and book signing by Paul Theroux, world travel writer and author of The Happy Isles of Oceania, a book we all received last week. He is an acclaimed author and wrote The Mosquito Coast.  

See my post about the author here:

 

http://worldcruisefirst36days.blogspot.com/2016/03/you-are-temptation.html

 

And, another line dance class. George did a great job, yet again. Was so much fun. I have bonded with more of the women who also enjoy line dancing.

Tonight's show was another performance by Bobby Brooks Wilson. Previously, he told us he had never planned a career in entertainment. He had served in the military and was living in Hawaii. After singing karaoke in a local bar, an agent of a family of entertainers discovered him and the family took him under their wings. That family, Bruno Mars and family, are like his family. He has even opened for Mars on several tours.  I heard he revealed in an interview that his Mom was 17 when she got pregnant by the late Jackie Wilson. He was raised in an orphanage, not knowing his birth family growing up.

 

Apparently, an older Motown performer saw him performing and recognized his close resemblance to Jackie Wilson.  He pursued this and eventually discovered the truth. Amazing!
 

 

I had an engaging conversation about Victorian dress and cancer treatment evolution from new friend, Charlie, born in 1926. His grandmother had a mastectomy and his Mom took her for secret corsetier appointments. They certainly lived in Downton Abbey era. As he walked away, I noticed the cane and the two prosthetic calves. Another 90-year old traveling solo!

Then, I spoke with Herb who's on his 2nd Amsterdam world cruise. His beloved wife with whom he loved to travel, passed 7 years ago and they had visited 90 nations and 27 states together. He brings some of her ashes and spreads them every place he feels she would have wanted to visit.

"Beef cheeks" were on tonight's menu.  They looked like rib tips.

We won both the AM and PM trivia games. Our team wins often! We are the best!

We played "name that musical movie trivia" with the piano bar entertainer, Debby Bacon. A mother and her two daughters (aged 10 and 13) joined us. They contributed absolutely nothing, and only knew to half answers. We did well but did not place.

Since our dinner table conversation is dominated by US politics lately, I think I will quietly bow out and switch to anytime dining.

Day 25--we lost a day

Day 25---crossing the international date line en route to New Zealand--sea day

January 29 of 2016---tonight was our fourth formal night.

Today's big activities were:

A classs learning to make "poi" by Maori instructors who boarded the ship in Tahiti (after the French Polynesian team left). Poi is a ball attached to a rope that is used as a tool by women to keep hands flexible for weaving and by men to train for strength and coordination in battle.  They put a large stone in a bag and swing the attached rope to strengthen arm and wrist muscles.

Yesterday, the tattooed Maori team gave lessons on the Ka Mate Ka Mate dance and a popular folk song.

Our team won 5PM trivia.  I enjoy contributing many answers unknown to others.  My favorite was "What is Prince's last name?@ I know it is Nelson.

4th formal night: Bowlers (derby like hats) and Bumper Shoots (parasols). They supplied these items during dinner.  The dining room was festive with alternating gold and black bowler hats for us at each seat and London patterned parasols were suspended from the ceiling throughout the room. The waiters were greatly challenged by the low hanging props because they still had to navigate through the "jungle of unbrellas" while holding trays loaded with 8 or more meals.

Unfortunately, table talk was mostly about politics, spurred on by one person  who is enamoured with Trump! Horror of horrors.

After dinner, I spent time in the Crowe's Nest to enjoy the sunset, which is happening later and later, in fact it was after 8 PM. Our first day, the sun set just before 6PM.  I forgot about dancing and the live band there so I danced upstairs with Bob and Rob before the show. Rob showed me a new dance, west coast 2-step.

For tonight's show, I sat with Asia and her parents, Raymond, Steve, and sailor Patrick. The duo, La Musica, performed opera songs and he played the piano. They have lovely voices!

After, a group of us moved in the Ocean Bar to ballroom dance.  The dancing is getting better and better, more and more fun, as we loosen up and get to know each dance host's idiosyncrasies.

The band ended at 10:15 so we moved up to the Crowe's Nest. Erin was spinning popular tunes including a Pitbull hit. I told her I love Pitbull as I jumped around with her and one other couple. She told me the man was Pitbull's lawyer. I shouted to him, "I love Pitbull."  That (much older chic) couple was singing all the lyrics to the song. Next, I asked Erin to play Pitbull's ,"Dont stop the party" and Black Eye Pea's, "I've got a feeling". We stayed on the dance floor and sang at the top of our lungs the words to those songs. They even knew the words to " It's all about that base"..... and were sticking their butts out.  I laughed so hard…..lol!

When a slow dance song (I cant help falling in love with you, by Elvis....) played, 3 couples got up to dance and Judy said I cant let this song go to waste, I'm going to find a man to dance with me.  She dragged a young bar man (in uniform and hat) onto the dance floor and twirled around with him.  She is a woman who knows what she wants and goes for it!

The crowd who saw the 2nd show came up as the band started their 11Pm set. The energy intensified as many of the "cool people" joined the party. They included HAL CEO's wife and daughter, performer Bobby Wilson, the French mom and sons, some officers, and more. I danced free style to contemporary music and ballroom danced with Bob and Rob to classical tunes. At the end we did the electric slide and wabble (line dances.)

It was so much fun. I must have danced 20 songs in a row. I felt alive!!

Skipped Day 24-Crossing the International Date Line-We Lost Thursday!

Crossing the International Date Line

We are part of an exclusive group among billions worldwide who did not have a Thursday. Yesterday was Wednesday, January 27 and it seems today is Friday, January 29, 2016. My watch and our daily newsletter say different.

They even gave us a commemorative certificate.

Day 23-sea day 4 days till New Zealand

Day #23-sea day 4 sea days till the Bay of Islands, New Zealand

I had an active day with Qi Jong, walking a mile around deck, a lecture on the peoples of the South Pacific---(Polynesians, Melanesians, and Micronesians), a tour of the ship's floral arrangements, both trivia games, and of course, 3 meals, fun ballroom dancing, and a production show of Elton-John themed music and dance. I am truly disappointed with the design of the shows, the weakest I have seen. The singers borderline skilled and there are only 3 female and 2 male dancers. The overall quality of the production is lackluster.

After winning trivia, we discovered a contest many had been playing since yesterday evening: list all of the names of bands with a one word name. Even though we began one day later, only 2 hours before time to turn it in, obsession and focus helped us produce 150 group names including Aerosmith, Abba, Journey, Bangles, Oasis, Platters, Wham, Jacksons, Stylistics, Eurthymics, Monkeys, and more.  We won 30 DAM dollars, the most at any seating.  I love thinking games that draw upon my knowledge of pop culture.

It was slightly cooler today, devoid of humidity.  I signed up for a kayaking tour in Bay of Islands, our next port of call.

I danced until the Ocean Bar closed and had a nice conversation with Robert Slabach (from Idaho) the gentleman host dancer. He has danced on several world cruises including this ship and a Crystal Cruise ship.  He found out about gentlemen hosts positions almost by accident.  Several years ago, he stepped in to serve as a dance contest partner (on very short notice) for a friend whose original partner did not show up. They later discovered the other gentleman had died. That man, Bob learned, had been a gentleman host dancer.  Having retired, Bob decided to explore this opportunity so he brushed up on his ballroom dance steps and made the right phone calls to agencies.

Karla and Bob Slabach

Bob told me about his careers. First he was a respiratory therapist then grew tired of that. He taught sciences for 5 years (6 courses at a time) and found the workload grueling and overwhelming. His work was never done with grading papers and designing coursework.

He also worked in several African nations including Ghana, Sudan, and Chad. I will ask him to elaborate on his time in Africa later. He said as a child, he always wanted to go to Africa.

I look forward to 3 more relaxing yet activity-filled sea days.

Day #22-Cook Islands, New Zealand

Cruise World Day #22-Rarotonga Cook Islands, New Zealand   Tuesday, January 26, 2016

 

We almost were unable to visit this port and the captain had warned yesterday the swells might obstruct a tender operation. Apparently, ships miss this port 75% of the time.  Our captain was determined to make this visit.

 

Rarotonga, one of the 15 Cook Islands, is surrounded by a sapphire blue lagoon and dominated by a soaring dormant volcano, with year round warm weather.  Its beauty rivals that of Moorea. 

Of note, Rarotonga is the most populous of the Cook Islands.

 

After enjoying a spectacular, scenic sail-in, I took an early tender in and headed to the island bus depot to take the local bus that circles the island.  There were at least 25 of us from the ship who had the same idea.

 

 

The Cook Island bus circles the island and takes approximately 50 minutes. One bus leaves every hour from the Cooks Corner terminal in Avarua, going either clockwise or counterclockwise. The cost is five dollars one-way; eight dollars for the trip.

 

The bus driver was funny and dramatic.  He told lots of Maori (local people) jokes and it took me a while to realize he was saying Maori men NOT married men! Ha! 

 

He also informed us the longest Maori word is: 

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu.  It has 85 characters and he pronounced it very well.

 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu

 

 

 

I saw Graves in front porches of homes reflecting the tradition to keep family together, for eternity!

 

I saw several Seventh - day Adventist churches

 

I saw many very lush tropical plants.

 

From 12:45 till 12:55, I took the clockwise bus to the main town, Avarua. I walked around town for about an hour; there were a few shops and cafés to visit; and I took the 2:00 bus back. I arrive back at the tender area at 2:38. 

 

Rarotonga and the Cook Islands Quick Facts:

 

·         In the early 13th century, two Warrior Chiefs from Tahiti and Samoa Concord the island Kings.

·         James Cook explored the islands in 1773 and 1779.

·         The bounty with Fletcher Christian searched for sandalwood on the Cook Islands likely in 1790.

·         1821--British missionaries began converting Cook Islanders to Christianity.

·         In 1888, with the King's acceptance, it came a British protectorate in response to fears of French colonization.  In 1901, Britain ceded The Cook Islands to New Zealand. That year, the southern and northern groups were joined and became known as the Cook Islands.

·         In 1965, the Cook Islands became self-governing "in association with New Zealand."

·         It has struggled to maintain fiscal balance since achieving independence.

·         The Cook Islands received television service in 1990.

·         English is the primary language, they drive on the left side of the road. 

·         The New Zealand dollar serves as the currency.

·         There are 15 Cook Islands.

·         Tourism is the islands’ only industry.

·         The population of the Cook Islands is 18,000 but 80% of owners live overseas. More than 50,000 live in New Zealand and half that number in Australia.

·         Cook Islanders carry New Zealand passports and they are allowed to live and work in New Zealand and Australia.

·         Avarua is Rarotonga's only real town. With twin harbors, a main market, the Paro O Tane Palace, and the National Museum.

 

 

Biggest drama of the cruise thus far: 

There was a long line up and a crowd watching an event. I discovered that a tender boat had run into a reef and was stuck there!!!!! It was a large monstrosity jetting out of the water. No one could go back onto the ship until arrangements were made to ensure our safety taking a tender back. In the meantime, some guests were still trapped onboard. A few actually waded away from the boat into the water onto the shore, wearing lifejackets and no shoes. Others, however, were unable to leave the stalled tender boat without help. Because we were on a remote noncommercial side of a small island, there was little help available. I saw the captain shaking his head saying he will never come here again. We eventually saw a small boat pull up to the stranded tender and they began to lift folks out and bring them to shore. In all, some were trapped inside for at least 3 hours. A tugboat eventually came to the rescue and pulled the tender from the reef.  Fortunately, we did not have to leave it there!

 

People looked frazzled but grateful to have been rescued!!

 

It was nice to see that the Captain waded into the water to assist.  Everyone was impressed that he was hands (or feetJ) on!  I ended up sitting across from the captain in the first tender back to the ship.

 

Of course, it was the talk of the ship the whole rest of the evening. All about those who were stranded and rescued and about the captain's reaction. I even spoke with some folks who were stranded for three hours or so. They said it was hot inside but they brought them food and reassured them they would be OK.  Those who were stranded were given a $250 onboard credit, and of course, four bottles of wine.

 

Why do they always think the best way to reward people is by giving them liquor? What about those of us who don't drink alcohol???

 

I will avoid Lifeboat 9 just in case.

 

Tonight’s show was Bobby Brooks Wilson, the son of Jackie Wilson. (I write more about him in a later post-day#25—January, 30.)

 

I cannot believe that the movie that they showed in the theater three times today was Castaway, (starring Tom Hanks) about a man who was stranded on a remote island removed from human contact, for years. In my opinion, a poor choice of films to show on a cruise. But then again, no one asked for my opinion. Lol!

 

http://www.CookIslandsholidays.com/timetable.htm

 
Sent from my iPhone

 

Cook Islands---tender mishap

Cook Islands----tender ran aground!

This morning the captain, determined to allow us to visit the cook islands, maneuvered the ship from 7AM till noon to position the ship for tender. (It is a port often missed because of swells.) Most of us had presumed we would not make our visit today. Therefore, we were delighted when the captain announced we had docked and the tendering process would begin shortly.

I took pleasant circle island tour and came back to find a tender boat caught in the reef. 

Unfortunately, we were situated on a remote side of a very small, sparsely inhabited island. As a result, there was very little help available. 

Some guests left the stranded tender by jumping in the water and wading to shore wearing life jackets. Others were trapped and waited for rowboat rescue or tugboat pulling tender two hours later.  I would've been one of those who were stranded.

It was quite the harrowing experience for those who were trapped for more than three hours. It was nice to see so many people come to their rescue.

Below, is a photo of two of the women who were trapped the entire time. They were satisfied with how the cruise line did their best to rescue them.

I saw the captain shaking his head and promising he'll never come here again because there are often problems.

He came back to the ship in our tender. He seemed relieved the problem was resolved. Thankfully, we did not have to leave an expensive tender boat on this tiny remote island in the middle of the South Pacific.