Pago Pago, American Samoa

Pago Pago, American Samoa

Today we visited the beautiful island of American Samoa. It was again a perfect weather day with low humidity and temps in the mid 80’s.  The island was lush and green with a large pointed mountain peak on one side and several large but rounded mountains toward the other.  The landscape reminded me a lot of Hawaii, but with only 60,000 inhabitants total, it is much less touristy. They do receive about 2-3 ships a month during the tourist season and really enjoyed sharing the beauty of their island with us.

We started our day with a tour around the Northern section of the island and it’s National Park.  We drove up a steeply winding her side we went road to the top of one of the peaks for amazing views of the harbor below. As we came down the other side we went to a small village.  Because the mountains are so steep the villages are formed around single roads that follow the coast.

 

 

 

After our tour we headed toward the south east side of the island were we had planned a day at Tisa’s Barefoot Beach Bar.  The setting was beautiful and relaxing.  We were able to spend the day lounging, sunning, snorkeling, and sipping my favorite Moscato which I have not found since Hawaii 2 months ago. 

 

 

We had a traditional lunch which was cooked on the floor in banana leaves and rocks.  We had to make our plated from palm prongs which we woven together, topped by a large banana leave. We had fish, pork, turkey, shrimp, taro, sweet potato, fish casserole and spinach in coconut milk which was cooked in coconut half shells.  Everything was so delicious.

 

 

After another hour or so enjoying the beach we had to get ready to go back to the ship.  We had such a great day here. Truly one of America’s hidden jewels.

 

Next up Bora Bora....oh ya...

Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji

Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji

Today was a day I had been looking forward to, Fiji.  I have always wanted to visit here and today did not disappoint.  We had PERFECT weather, mid 80’s, blue skies with some high clouds, and a nice breeze. Lots of sunscreen will be needed. Since we have started into the South Pacific, the weather has changed from a majority of gloomy days to sun and blue skies.  It is a very welcome change and I’m hoping I can finally get a bit of a tan in the next couple weeks.

Today would bring us to Tavua Island.  We walked off the ship to a sailboat were we headed out on an hour’s sail to the private Island of Tavua.  This would be our playground for the day.  We had many activities we could participate in including toured snorkeling, glass bottom boat, scuba, fish feeding etc, as well as open bar and buffet lunch.  The island was ours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We found a nice spot under a palm umbrella to place ourselves for the day.  The water was warm and crystal clear. We swam, snorkeled, sunned, ate, drank, and walked the beach; a perfectly relaxing way to spend the day.

 Next up, Pago Pago, American Samoa

Luganville, Vanuatu

Vanuatu

Today we arrived in Luganville, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu.  Our tour would take us to Hibiscus Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon.

The weather was beautiful; sunny, warm but not too hot, and humidity was low. Perfect.  I was surprised by the look of such a tropical island.  As we made our way to the lagoon, it reminded me more of home than the equator. Many deciduous trees marked the landscape, though there are areas of planted coconut palms for farming.  Cattle roamed in many of these farm areas which took care of the low growth, making a neatly landscaped appearance.

 

 

The lagoon itself was amazing.  The hole was small I believe 160 X 60 and 60 ft deep.  You could see all the way clear to the bottom.  There was a hut set up with local crafts and snacks for us to enjoy.  The water was cool but very enjoyable. It was a great was to spend a sunny morning. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the lagoon we headed back to the ship. Tonight we had a big night to get ready for.  A couple days ago we received an invitation in our mail.

We were invited to have a private dinner with the Captain and his girlfriend Brooke at their table in the Pinnacle Grill (The fancy restaurant onboard).  It was a nice surprise and we were both excited to go.

 

 

There were four other “couples” invited to tonight’s dinner as well. The menu was very sophisticated and delicious and the wine was generously served with every course.  Ty tried all the dishes and ate many of them clean.  He was of interest to many at the table as he is the youngest onboard. We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed our time with our great hosts.

Honiara, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands

Honiara, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands

Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands and located on the northern coast of the island of Guadalcanal and includes a seaport at Point Cruz.  Guadalcanal is a high, rugged island with mountains reaching 7,900 feet.

The western and eastern coasts of Guadalcanal were the sites of many World War II battles. The Guadalcanal Campaign of 1942-3 is regarded as one of the most crucial Allied victories, if not the actual turning point of the war in the Pacific.  There are many historical sites from the war that can be visited here including, Bloody Ridge, Henderson Field, Mataniko River, Red beach, Western and Eastern Battlefields, and the huge number of dive-able shipwrecks and aircraft.

Today we did not have a tour planned.  We set off to see what was available close to the port.  Our first stop was a small craft market called West End Market.  There were many beautifully carved ebony masks and statues of men, turtles, sharks, eagles and fish. There were also many items of shell jewelry which are used for currency (Malatian Shell Money) as well as dyed clothes in many different colors and patterns.

 

 

 

After leaving this market we walk about a mile to the Central Market.  This was a local market which was used for locals to buy and sell fruits, vegetables and fish as well as jewelry, clothes, cloth and trinkets.

 

Again after walking and browsing hours in the hot, humid weather, we were ready to get back to the ship for a cool shower. Again the people were very welcoming.  They are not used to seeing white skinned people and we were continuously getting stared at, with many, many, “hello, American” getting yelled to us with waves.  After the rural-ness of Papua, New Guinea, I was surprised by the urban-ness of Honiara.  It was a small city with cell phone stores, convenience stores and little strip malls.  II would have liked to travel a bit more outside to the villages to get a feel for what the true culture and history of this island stows.