Moorea, French Polynesia – Feb 1

Moorea, French Polynesia – Feb 1

We have only done a Motu here and wanted to see the rest of the island. It is really a gorgeous island.

I posted these on the Tahiti post as well from our last visit.

Tahiti to Moorea: https://photos.app.goo.gl/BfxQvQJiK9TJWDyD8

Morea snorkel: https://photos.app.goo.gl/c94YY3p6Kycd8DHT9

Today we are joined by Cathy & Tom, Bob & Phyllis, Roberta & John, June, and Tom. We met Tom & Cathy on the 2017 and 2019 world cruises. (they also moved from Erie, Pa to our neighborhood in Port St Lucie, FL) Bill & Cherie and Tom were new for us. 

Our day started out a bit rough. After 3 phone calls speaking with Bill & Cherie who were to join us today, they did not show up on time. The tender tickets had been given out and our numbers were called to follow the elite leader to the tender, and they still weren't there. As we were walking out (Greg is always in the back of the line to make sure we are all together) Greg said Bill came in as we were leaving and said "my wife isn't here yet, she's on her way". We were to meet at 8:00 at the latest as with our full day it was imperative that we get on the first tender) He was there at around 8:05 without his wife. We couldn't wait since we were being led down to the tenders where seats were held for us. 

The previous night my first phone call was to him saying the tender lounge for elites had changed and where to go at 7:30. Next phone call was saying it was way too early to meet since the Patter said tenders would start around 8:30. I had us meeting at 7:30 since it was an 8:00 arrival, but since they said 8:30 I said let's make it 8 since as soon as the ship is ready (could be early could be late) we need to be there to get the first tickets and many people show up to be "first". He argued that we shouldn't have to meet until 8:30 since that's what the Patter said. I explained the first come first served approach with handing out the tender tickets. I was told "that's not the way HAL does it". I didn't say "you aren't on HAL now, are you?", but I didn't. (and YES they do also use a number system after meeting in the special lounge) My 3rd phone call I got his wife on the phone, and she was thrilled that it was now 8:00 instead of 7:30 and the extra half an hour was a big difference since she's not a morning person. Those who know me know that I'm NOT a morning person either, but for tours I get my lazy butt out of bed. Jim and Jennifer, I can see you smiling (or laughing out loud) from Panama. Herding cats.....

So, with the time and lounge change, those I couldn't reach by phone we ran around and put notes on everyone's doors for the change. I also emailed and left phone messages. Since I spoke with Bill & Cherie, I didn't need to do that for them. Everyone else was early or right on time. So, we proceed ashore, and I took the group to meet the guide and Greg stayed near the tenders waiting for them to get off and join the tour. (another 30 minutes) We finally said we have already lost too much time in our day and left without them. He literally was asking each guy "are you Bill?".

Max (same guide as yesterday) was so patient and said we'll now only have 30 minutes at the snorkel beach (15 in the water and 15 for shower and change), which of course was way too rushed, but we made it work. 

He told us that he would save 2 of our first stops for last and if we had time we would do them at the end since they were close to the ship. He kept us moving throughout the day without trying to rush us too much. 

In my opinion Moorea is one of the most beautiful islands on earth with the most gorgeous waters I have ever seen. Having seen it from land and sea, I do prefer seeing it from the water, but I'm glad we saw the island by land as well. 

Today was a pleasurable island circle with the extended crossing of two amazing valleys along the gorgeous "Route des Ananas" (Pineapple Road). Valleys of Opunohu and Cook's Bay are breathtaking. 

Max once lived on Moorea but moved to Tahiti after having children for ease of them going to school.

from tender - view of the ship

welcome group

our vehicle for the day

Our first stop was a panorama view from Belvedere Point on Mount Tohivea, looking towards Opunohu Bay on the left, and Cook's bay on the right, separated by Mou'a Rotui and Mou'a Roa is on the left. while Mount Tohivea is the tallest, Mount Rotui is more "famous".

Our next stop was Temae beach for snorkeling or beach time. It was too rushed to really enjoy. It wasn't great snorkeling, but some interesting soft corals we hadn't seen before. One fish was taken with Greg's GoPro. Greg said he could probably see his reflection. He kept swimming closer and closer and finally hit it as he swam by. Greg got video, but can't edit it until we get home, so will add that later. He did extract some stills to post here.

this was the little guy attacking the camera

Our next stop was for a white sand beach at Opunohu Bay

Opunohu Bay

back in the van

Pearl Shop

We had requested to not have a Pearl Factory shop, but the driver insisted. Max explained we didn't want one, but the driver said he had something to do for 10 minutes, and Max bargained him down to 5. Most of us went across the street for the views. We were enticed in with the promise of free juice or sodas.

lovely views across the street from the Peal Shop

views from the van

photo stop of the huts over the water

map of Moorea on the mountain

views from the vehicle

Tiki Village (manufactured)

ladie's restroom sign

I don't think this was for sale here....

young girl who probably danced in the show there (we were not scheduled to see it)

old photos of life many years ago

the missionaries came to the islands to teach them "values" (and put clothes on the ladies)

area where the dance show was performed

real pearl shells on the wall of the shop

lunch stop

Max had chosen another fantastic place for lunch again today. Beautiful setting and great food!

Cathy & Tom, Phyllis & Bob, Tom at the back of the tacle, June, Roberta & John, Annette & Greg

Cathy & Tom toasting their beer

Poisson cru au lait d coco

trio - Poisson cru au lait d coco, Tartare de thon, Sashimi de thon, Sauce-maison

views from the restaurant

cabanas for rent if you stay on the island for vacation

bird's nest

more views from the vehicle

Rotui Juice Factory

she served us several shots of various alcohols that they sell and then at the end we had some juice made at their factory

No SEx for Butterfly - now, that's what I would name a wine....

pineapples growing

Our next stop was for gorgeous views of Cook's Bay.

Omai became the first South Sea islander seen in Britain. In his early twenties, Omai became the darling of the London scene. He was introduced to the King and Queen, wined and dined in high society circles, and painted by the great artists of the time before being returned to his native home in 1776. He was on a Captain Cook Exploration.

views of Cook's Bay

Bob & Phyllis, John & Roberta, Tom, Annette & Greg, Cathy & Tom, June

fruit & jam tasting stop

fruit plate (Greg & I shared)

jams that were very interesting, but we didn' buy any

we did buy a Red Dragon Fruit smoothie that was to die for

Back at the tender port in d'Opunohu Bay. This temple is the main attraction in Papetoai and is also known as the Octagonal Church, due to its eight sides. Protestant missionaries constructed it between 1822 and 1827 deliberately on the site of a former marae in an effort to assert the new religion. The buttercup-yellow church with a red roof was rebuilt in the latter part of the 19th century but remains the oldest European building still in use in the South Pacific. Just one spike-shaped stone remains from the days when it was a marae. 

sail away

We showered and went to the Lido for dinner. They had a Mongolian station set up which had a long line but was worth the wait. 

The evening show was Aiden Soon, from Malaysia that played Harmonica. After years in classical training as a pianist and saxophonist he was still drawn to the harmonica. So Aiden incorporated his years of musical training on the instrument of his youth and began winning harmonica championships around the world. He has now become one of the most widely awarded and critically acclaimed harmonica players in history.

What an awesome show. Don't think Blues/Bluegrass harmonica (though he does a mean Orange Blossom Special), he plays everything from classical to rock. You hear each single note. He's funny and dances along as well. 

For larger photos (snorkel video after we are home)

 https://photos.app.goo.gl/EsPSmwWHDGAf2VGd9

We now have 2 Sea Days until Pago Pago.