A day around Bora Bora

Even though the first segment ended at Papeete, I have included Bora Bora as part of this segment. Michael, Larkin and I didn’t want to do the usual climb on climb off a Le Truck on the island which I hear was more like an open air bus in this century versus the 1980’s when I visited for the very first time when they were much more for locals and very truck like. Many of the water tours we were interested in were full and since Larkin had never been to Bora Bora, we rented a car for five hours and drove first clockwise then again counter clockwise around the island. It only takes an hour to circumnavigate the island and there were plenty of stops to make with its vastly different cloud enshrouded Mt Otemanu.

• 

• 

The island seemed much cleaner than the last time Michael and I were on Bora Bora with the band and the Oceania Marina in 2013. As we drove around there was little traffic and we didn’t notice our other fellow passengers in their Le Trucks until after our lunch at Bloody Mary’s. I got to drive the little stick shift black car and pull over anywhere we wanted on either side of the road. Larkin didn’t get car sick as the speed limit was about 30 mph! We had the island to ourselves! It was sad to see the Hotel Marara closed or being remodeled and of course the Hotel Bora Bora is still shuttered but life goes on. All the upscale hotels are a boat ride away to the outer islands. However, I like the vibe of the island proper. The heat and humidity seemed so oppressive but our little car had air conditioning!

Thanks to Jane S. who suggested we collect magnets, these are our first segment collection! Each time Larkin and I find a store with souvenir magnets (only one island, Fakarava, didn’t have any!), we look at them all and almost always have individually chosen the same one. Most people put these type of things on the door to their cabin, but our door is different and doesn’t seem to hold them so we have put ours on the inside wall at our entry. It took Michael over a week to even notice they were there – but he does like them!

As our first 18 or so days ended, we found out our ship is not allowed into Samoa or American Samoa. The islands just feel they want to be isolated for the Corona virus and don’t feel they can check us all out etc. So sad we can’t buy those 3x or 4x shirts those big Samoan’s need for Michael. We now have two extra days at sea BUT they have requested an extra port in Fiji and the front office in Miami has gotten approval. We’ve heard it will take 7 hours to clear customs….probably looking at each passport!

Its amazing how things can get messed up and jumbled with the crossing of the date line in a day or so along with a new port of call, mixed up excursions and on top of all that there is a big storm brewing. We have heard the captain is trying to skirt around. Well we have an extra day to do it in! As I write this we have just passed through a big rain shower. Here now, gone in minutes. The seas were glassy this morning but have started to churn a little more as they day has progressed.

Larkin and I have been joining a native Hawaiian, June to make kukui nut necklaces and bracelets. Men and women are enjoying this creative outlet. I wasn’t sure how much fun it would be but when I finished, I realized I wanted to do more!

Michael and I are now on lesson 7 in Italian and still enjoy them!

A side addition to this blog is noticing that almost every dog looks alike no matter what French Polynesian Island we are on. Scrappy, mid sized, brown and skinny. Then the oddly shaped little white fluffy dogs. All male dogs still all their parts hence the plethora of dogs!

Although I have no photos, Larkin and I both commented and notice how almost all males have a tattoo on their legs at least. The beautiful brown skin with individual tattoos are stunning. Sometimes tatoos just work!

Happy Valentines Day and my apologies for two blogs in one day. Second segment here we come. Fiji awaits!