Note: I’m finally posting journal entries that I couldn’t post because of limited wifi while I was in French Polynesia. I’m home at the moment. This is the only port where we stayed overnight. It’s totally fine with me. Even though it is the most visited island in French Polynesia, apart from Tahiti, it doesn’t feel crowded. It’s large enough, … Read More
Bora Bora, French Polynesia – Day 1
I woke at 5AM for sunrise and to watch as the ship neared Bora Bora, circled around the reef to the only entry into the lagoon. The entry to the lagoon was constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers during WWII. They also brought electricity, built an airport, roads and other infrastructure. The Bora Borans are very fond of … Read More
Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia
The sky had just brightened when I opened the curtain and had my first glimpse of Nuku Hiva. It is the largest island in the Marquesas Island group, which is not to say it is a huge island. I stood on the terrace entranced by the scene before me—high, foliage covered peaks meeting turquoise sea. For a good thirty minutes … Read More
At Sea- French Polynesia Day 2
We spent the day cruising to our next destination island. Fortunately the sea was calm and it was smooth sailing. Apart from eating, which I did a lot of–the food on the ship is delicious–it was a very full day. In the morning, I listened to a talk about the formation of these islands and their coral reefs. I wrote … Read More
Fakarava, French Polynesia
The weather has improved immensely. We now have that postcard perfect view of turquoise water and blue skies. It’s always a thrill to arrive to a new destination, especially when it’s one you’d never even heard of. That describes Fakarava. It is a protected biosphere atoll. Very long and narrow. There are a total of about 850 inhabitants. Until recently, … Read More
At Sea- French Polynesia
I’m on board the Oceania ship, the Nautica, sailing through French Polynesia. The operative word today is THROUGH. The ship departed from Tahiti last night and arrived early this morning near Moorea. Last night I watched a video about Moorea, and it looked gorgeous; towering peaks set against turquoise water. The botanical garden filled with exotic flowers I’d never seen. … Read More
Medellin, Colombia – Day 6
Yesterday was my final day enjoying beautiful and WARM Medellin. My flight was late in the afternoon, so I had time to explore a bit. I met Phil and his friends Roy and Jim for breakfast. Then Phil and I headed to the aquarium. It’s part of a delightful science center. Kids and kids-at-heart enjoyed the outdoor exhibits that made … Read More
Medellin, Colombia- Day 5
Today began with only the briefest of plans—I wanted to see a local food market. Phil took me to Plaza de Mercado, Las Americas. It is one of the smaller markets in the city, but close by and of a manageable size. The other markets are enormous, requiring loads of walking and steps. I love going to food markets wherever … Read More
Medellin, Colombia- Day 4
Phil had some things he needed to do today, so I went exploring on my own. What’s nice about getting around the city is that it is very easy–Uber is readily available and inexpensive. The most I’ve paid for any ride was under $5, and most rides are just one or two dollars. You can’t even open the door of … Read More
Medellin, Colombia- Day 3
oday was a tranquil respite from exploring the city. Phil and I each had a leisurely morning, then met to go to the Medellin Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden). Phil knows that I’m a frequent visitor to the New York Botanical Garden and warned me this wouldn’t be as impressive. But that wasn’t my takeaway. Like most gardens around the globe, … Read More