officials. They boarded the ship and wanted to meet face to face with anyone
who would be leaving the ship. No worries - I have been cleared by customs,
my passport stamped and I am good to go for my arrival in Moorea on January
24th when I will be getting off the ship.
After we were cleared they allowed me (and all of the other passengers) to
get off the ship here in Raiatea.
This is such a beautiful place - not many cruise ships come here. When you
watch the sail away you understand why. It is amazing a vessel as large as
this can make it through such a narrow passageway. It is much more dramatic
in the sail away, then when entering the port.
I booked a Safari Expedition, which was a four-wheel drive tour to the
interior of the island. It was very informative and just beautiful. Last
year when I visited this island I had gone up the Faroe River and snorkeled,
so I wanted to do something different.
This evening after the sail away we celebrated Betsy's birthday. This was
our table's second birthday, and again the staff outdid themselves. She did
not have as big a cake as Geri, but instead she had two cakes. A smaller
boston cream pie and a cake edged in her favorite papaya fruit. In addition,
EVERY STAFF MEMBER of the dining room came and sang for her. It was really
spectacular and she was beside herself with all of the well-deserved
attention - she is a very special lady.
Tomorrow - Bora Bora!!!
