FIRST DAY AT SEA ON OUR WAY TO BORA BORA

 DAY 26/138  Sunrise 6:13 AM   Sunset 5:07 PM 

Sailing the South Pacific Ocean.  Vessels have been sailing the indigo waters of the South Pacific since prehistoric times.   As far back as 3000 BC, island tribes migrated or explored by long-distance canoe, spreading their cultures and their languages.   Throughout the 13th century, the maori people made their way from their islands of irigin here to New Zealand; their culture endures in that nation today.   Some 500 years later, french and Spanish ships traveled along these waters, claiming islands for their Crowns, delivering supplies and settlers and bolstering trade in spice and crops such as the breadfruit tree.  British explorer Captain James Cook also explored the south Pacific, famously discovering the group of islands that bear his name.

While waiting for the last four passengers to get back on board last night after the "All on Board" of 5PM I took photos  on a higher deck and was fortunate enough to see some parasailing.  

 

And not much later I saw another beautiful sunset.  

Today the weather is cloudy and gray. 

The ship today seems very laid back; maybe everyone is sleeping. This morning John and I went to a lecture by Dr. Ann Carroll Burgess: "The Pathway of the Birds"  Discover how early Polynesian navigators relied heavily on seabirds to find their way across the Pacific.  

Fran has been attending Photography Workshops with Mr. James Fraser.  He was a professional newspaper photographer in Great Britain.  He has a very gentle, self-depracating manner and is very positive when anyone asks a question about their cameras or smart phones.  

We've been watching birds from our cabin balcony and here is one that just flew by:  a masked booby 

We're both attending another talk this afternoon by Mr. Lennart Resenbro, MSc: Meteorology in the Pacific" learning about major drivers of weather and why hurricanes never cross the Equator plus much more.  

Another program at 6:30 PM  Guest lecture with Mrs. Olivia Cox called "Eating for England: Diplomatic Dining Round the World".   Savor a personal, light-hearted account of a British diplomat and trailing spouse's culinary experiences.  

I might just add to today's blog by saying that there is a lot of discussion with other passengers on board about the future of our cruise because of the conflicts going on in the Red Sea and Suez Canal.  Currently there is not one cruise ship in that area because companies have cancelled cruises going through the Suez Canal.  Most unfortunate for Egypt because the Canal is a major revenue source for them. And this would be our way into the Mediterranean Sea. If we divert, it will involve going around most of the entire coast of Africa.  Itinerary would change for sure.  This ship must be back in London on May 6 because most passengers disembark that day and more come on to continue on to Norway, etc.  

And another note of importance:  I plan to fill in the other days that I've missed posting - just waiting for a little more dialogue and photos.  It's called Procrastination and I know it well because I am the Queen of Procrastination.       👑 Fran.