MS Noordam anchored in RussellOur cruise on the MS Noordam seems so long ago This photo was taken during our shore excursion in Russell, New Zealand. The trip was part of our 40th anniversary celebration, and it was wonderful. On this particular day, we came ashore from the MS Noordam using a tender on which we were crammed in like sardines. We then spent part of the day … [Read more...] about Our cruise on the MS Noordam seems so long ago
Travel
Travel Journal – May 8 – We (almost) did Diamond Head
In all the trips we’ve made to Hawai‘i, we’ve never hiked Diamond Head. With four days in Honolulu after our cruise, we decided to get adventurous and make the hike up Diamond Head. We’d heard stories about the climb and read up on what to expect. I would have liked to have done this hike earlier in the day, but we took the Hop on, Hop off bus to get here and were limited by … [Read more...] about Travel Journal – May 8 – We (almost) did Diamond Head
Travel Journal – May 4 – last day at sea
We’ve apparently survived the long journey from Sydney to Honolulu via cruise ship. Last night was our final gala night—and we missed it. There were lots of people dressed for the evening—for the men it was suits or sport coats and ties, and for the women it was cocktail or evening dresses. But, there are also many passengers who don’t participate in the gala evenings. Some … [Read more...] about Travel Journal – May 4 – last day at sea
Travel Journal – May 2 – Lautoka
Lautoka was a pleasant surprise—so lush and green and the people were very friendly. Our tour took us to a community center where we were greeted by a group of locals who sang and danced for us. As is the custom in this part of the world, our bus elected a chief, who spoke for us after the local chief welcomed us. This was also a kava ceremony, which is a local drink that’s … [Read more...] about Travel Journal – May 2 – Lautoka
Travel Journal – May 1 – New Caledonia
We’re on our second of five sea days to Honolulu and the end of our cruise. Two days ago, we were in Pago Pago, American Samoa and took a tour that took us around the island in a local-style bus. The only air conditioning was from lowering the windows which, by the way, did not roll down but had to be lowered by repositioning the glass in a slot. The tour was another of those … [Read more...] about Travel Journal – May 1 – New Caledonia