Happy New Year

I have now spent One Year and One Month aboard the Odyssey. I can't believe that I have visited 40 different countries and I have no idea how many different islands/ports/locations that we have visited. All I know is that I have loved waking up each and every morning to a new horizon. It is late January and we didn't have a January 25 because we crossed over the International Dateline and lost the day that we gained back in December.

Last week was a pretty hard time for all aboard the Odyssey. We lost a dear man who had been a resident since the very beginning back in Belfast Ireland. As we wish for everyone, Chaz had a wonderful day enjoying a birthday dinner with a friend, dancing in the Coral Lounge to music he adored and then strolled up to the bar to order a refreshing cocktail. None of us can understand the Why's or the When's, but Chaz had a massive heart attack and passed away surrounded by his friends. The Residents had a beautiful Celebration of Life and we all hugged one another more often and harder than normal. And a beautiful full rainbow appeared off the Port Bow as we all were leaving the Memorial. We will miss Chaz.

All this makes me all the more thankful, that my sister, Kay, likes to visit me here on the Odyssey. She arrived in Papeete, French Polynesia early on January 1 and much to my surprise got thru Customs & Immigration much earlier than I expected. But, off I went to meet her at the airport, without my first cup of coffee. Thankfully the airport was a short ride away and we were able to get her on-bard the Odyssey before the breakfast buffet and more importantly, the coffee bar closed. Kay is one tough trooper, as anyone who knows her can agree. Kay tripped on Christmas Day and hurt her right arm. Her attitude - Not a problem, I'm going to Tahiti and I'm going in 5 days. And she did! I was in Papeete for a couple of days before her arrival and my sinuses decided that they didn't like whatever was in the air. So, there I was, coughing and sniffling and Kay walking with her arm in a new sling that the Odyssey Dr felt would make her arm more protected. We called ourselves the "walking wounded" but we slept late, enjoyed the pool deck, ate lots of food, Kay got a massage and I went to the sauna, and we just chilled for the first couple of days. It was actually nice because we didn't feel like we had to rush off for tours and we could just enjoy each others company and catch up.

The ship stopped at several islands but was always at anchor which meant we would have had to transfer from the ship to our "tenders" for the ride to shore and back. Depending on the sea swell, this transfer can be a bit tricky, especially if you are using only one hand. So we waited a few days and then we both decided that it was time to go ashore.

The first island was Tahuata, or in their native language, Hapatoni, in the Marquesas Islands. I think everyone, male and female, who lives in the Marquesas, has a tattoo. Kay talked with this gentleman and he said that as he grew up, he realized that the history of his island and family was being lost. So he told the stories on his body. From everything I have heard about getting a tattoo, he must have been in a lot of pain for a long time.

The Marquisas are also known for their wood carvings. Thank you Wil (brother in law) for my Christmas present. I love my new bowl.

Kay and I walked a lot looking at plants, a beautiful church, a telephone booth, and yes, a pig. We really enjoyed getting some exercise and being on land.

It is always fun to learn things but this was really unusual. When some coconuts fall to the ground, they will sprout new growth at the top of the coconut. If you plant this coconut, you will have a new coconut tree in a few years. They grow very fast here in this climate. But interesting things are happening inside the coconut. The new growth (leaves) need water for their roots, so they begin to use the internal coconut milk. My friend from Hawaii, knew all this. If you shake the sprouted coconut and you can't hear any milk sloshing around, then it is ready to eat. Lori took two coconuts over to a local and he had the equipment to crack and peel it and gave them back to her. You can just break off the coconut which is now softer, chewier, and tasty. It is called "Navara". The texture is spongy but a slightly different flavor.

We were so confident after yesterday that the next day we went ashore again. This time to Taiohae, or Ua Huka in Marquesan meaning "Two Holes". (why I have no idea). The land of Tiki's. It is one of the quieter, more rugged islands of the Marquesas and is located in the far northeast of French Polynesia. It is the smallest of the inhibited Marquesas Islands with only 300 residents. It was visited by Captain James Cook in 1774. The walk was nice. Lots of unusual Tiki's and have no idea their meaning either. There was a beautiful church with wooden doors and a nativity scene that was all hand carved. It was called Notre Dame Cathedral.

While waiting for the Tender to unload one morning, we saw the Crew unloading a huge number of Tuna on board. It turned out that Chef Victor had gone into town yesterday and talked with the fishermen. I don't know the details but they brought 24 Tuna on board each weighing 80-100 pounds. The Galley team spent all day cleaning and preparing fresh Tuna for our dinner. They grilled Tuna Steaks any way you wanted them out on the Deck Grill. OMG they were amazing. Over the course of the last couple of weeks we have had some wonderful tuna creations. Tuna salad made with fresh tuna. WOW.

A couple more Sea Days. One day, I volunteered Kay and I to help with a Clothing Drive.

All Residents were encouraged to clean out their closets, bathrooms, storage containers, etc and donate any and all items they don't want, can't wear anymore, or over-bought. We even had brand new clothing items that Residents had bought and then brought to donate. We brought everything to one area, got it sorted and then gave our wonderful Crew a one-hour head start on finding things they need or wanted for themselves or their families. Everything was free to the Crew. They got to start at 2:30 but by 2:00 they were checking everything out so they would know what to rush for after the count-down ended. There was about 15 pairs of fancy flip-flops that the young ladies were really eyeing. We had sunglasses, toothpaste, shirts, dresses, slacks & shorts. Even suitcases. When the count-down started we had 50 Crew standing ready to charge. They were laughing and talking in their languages but we could tell they were having a great time. It looked like a hurricane had gone thru after the hour and almost 75 percent of the stuff had been taken. We loved that they were happy. Now, all the Residents could come down and see what they wanted. We asked for a $ donation from the Residents if they took anything. Kay & I both found a couple of things - one dress still had the price tag on it, so it obviously had never been worn. It was really cute on Kay. Kay got a couple of dresses because she discovered that with her arm, it was easier to dress in a dress than shorts and a top. I got a couple of new blouses. Then we took a picture of all us "workers" and the remaining stuff went to a non-profit church in our next stop-over.

Have you ever heard of an AquaBana. Well, neither had any of us living on the Odyssey. Evidently VVR and AquaBana got together and we are now the 1st cruise ship to have one. It is a floating raft, swimming pool (the big black spot in the middle with a net in it so we can swim in the ocean but be safe), lounge deck, and kayak docking station. We were at anchor and relatively no wind and the Crew spent about 6 hours setting this up. It was fun to walk across but our Crew was a bit concerned that us old folks would have a problem getting from the Ship, across the AquaBana, and into the Tender, so we got a little help. They took it back down the next day. We hope to see it again. Supposedly several inflatable kayaks came with it.

And we finally arrived at an island, Rangiroa, where we could take the tender ashore and go snorkeling. There was one Resort close by that was beautiful right on the ocean, had nice shoreside lawn chairs, a restaurant & bar, BUT they did not have a Day Resort Pass. But we ere desperate to get in some Pacific Ocean water so we rented a Bungalow for a half day. What was nice was that we had a private bathroom and our own hot tub on the porch. Now, that was living. We immediately slipped on our flippers, facemask and snorkel and we in the water for about 2 hours.

Time for a rest-up in the hot tub before heading over for a cocktail in the Bar which had see-thru floor so you could watch the fish & sharks swimming around. We ordered a Pizza only to discover the kitchen was closed. Damn! But we did get the best Panini we had ever tasted. After lunch & cocktails, we walked over to the Infinity Pool. Life was getting better every minute. Another hour of snorkeling for Kay & lounging for me and it was back to the Odyssey.

It was a good thing that yesterday was so relaxing because the next day was a full one. We were still on Rangiroa. We found a lady Taxi Driver that was willing to show us around her island and then drive us to both tours (drop off and pick up), and also take us somewhere for lunch. So we settled on a price and off we went. There really wasn't much to see on the island, which is one of the world's largest atolls. It is all about blue waters, marine life, and relaxed island rhythm. My kind of place. Our driver did show us her simple church and said there are many many churches, of all denominations, on the island. The outside little alters were all made of shells.

Then it was off to our Pearl Farm tour. It was fascinating to learn how they begin the process, let the oysters grow for 2 years, then insert a small seed and a piece of the colored rim of another oyster, which is actually native to the Mississippi River. This is how they can make the different colors of pearls. This was really interesting and we both learned a lot. I'm much more appreciative of the amount of work, time, and rules & reg's that there are just to grow one pearl. The Farm had some gorgeous pearls and jewelry for sale but we were not in a buying mood that day.

By now we were ready for lunch and she drove us to the other Resort on the island. Small bungalows and a very small pool. Again the kitchen was closed but she managed to get them to take our Pina Colada drink and sandwich order. Not as nice as yesterday but the view was gorgeous. After a quick lunch we were off to a Wine Tasting.

 It turns out that a rich european decided he could grow wine in French Polynesia. I think he as been trying for 20+ years and in my humble opinion he is wasting his money. I think of the 20 or so Odyssey residents who went to the Tasting, no one bought any wine. But we supported their effort.

One disappointment did occur during these two days and that was there was a developing Low Weather System in the Cook Islands. We were going to be at Anchor during our stay there which meant we would again be using our Tenders to go back and forth to shore. This situation was not going to be safe for the Tenders or the Residents in 45mph winds. So, the Captain and the weather guru's decided that we would not be going to the Cook Islands. Well, that would be fine except that Kay was supposed to fly out of the Cook Islands back to Houston. OPPS. We, actually and luckily, were heading back to Papeete to re-provision in two days. Kay could fly home then or she would have to wait for another 10 days and fly out of Tonga. Kay's husband leapt into Travel Agent mode and discovered it was a lot more expensive and longer flights to leave out of Tonga.

More plans cast in jello and moving all the time. But we were going to get an extra 2 days in Papeete. It turned out that we could do an all day Tour in Papeete before Kay would leave the next day. We had a very nice tour and Kay got to see Papeete before she had to start packing to go home. It was certainly a fast & furious last couple of days but it was fun. And we saw pictures on Facebook of other Cruise ship Tenders being tossed around during the Cook Island weather. Another great decision by our Captain.

After Kay & several other Odyssey friends all left on the same San Fran flight, I returned to the ship & took a nap. The next day I went to the Papeete Market and wandered around a few other stores. I bought a new hat. I needed to use up my remaining French Polynesian money. Oh yeah, we are going over to Mo'orea tomorrow. But never mind, my credit card works.

I was in a Chill-down mode so I waited to go ashore until the 2nd day. There is a wine & Rum Distillery on the island. The nice thing is that they package Pre-made Cocktails in quart-size sealed containers (just like milk cartons.) I bought a Mohito, 2 Pina Colado, and One Mimosa. They last in the closet until you open and then keep in the Fridge. But I've got one chilling right now in case I need one PDQ. And I think right now would work. It is HOT outside. Thinking of all y'all in the snow and ice. Oh yes, it was delicious.

I am still in the Pacific Ocean, on our way to spend several days in Tonga, then Vanauatu, and then arrive in Cairns, Australia again the first week in February. Lots of days at sea to plan my, perhaps, land activities in both Australia and New Zealand. I've heard they have great wines there. That's all for today so you will see me next in Australia where they have Mexican food/Dos XX beer and really good pizza. Adios y'all.