Tahiti.......

After 5 days at sea it was exciting to see land and thought for sure we would have sea legs but no we were as steady as on land. After an early breaky, we were summons into our groups for the tours. Ours was one of the first off the ship and into the back of our 4wd vehicle. Bench seats seating 6. As we walked down the pier we looked up and waved to Sue and Brian who were on their balcony. The tour took us to one end of the Island and through a valley of potholes, hills, greenery and hydro stations. They think their waterfalls are wonderful but they havent seen Ours in NZ. Honestly.....we have better ones just in the Manawatu Gorge. But we had a wonderful guide, a very nice young french tahitian!!!! He kept us laughing and was very informative. We had the company of a couple from Auckland and 3 Aussies. After being dropped back at the ship which looked massive parked up right at the base of Papeete, we went back onboard and had lunch and changed out of our togs. There was a market and few shops open so went for a walk. Was bloody hot, We stopped for a cold drink and ice cream but that ended up costing us over $10 NZ. They had warned us that Tahiti was expensive. The town was in a relaxed Sunday mode with families and tourists biking and walking. We went back to our ship and ended up in the spa for a couple of hours and found Sue and Brian so had a catch up and few drinks. We couldnt be bothered going to formal dinner so just went to the buffet. BBQ lamb chops, mashed spuds, gravy and veges. Was yummy. Last night was the earliest we have been in bed since we boarded this ship. 10.30!! The ship actually left Tahiti at 4 this morning and arrived at Moorea at 8am. Just around the corner!!! Vaughan and I werent thrilled with Tahiti and felt it was run down, dirty and not as exciting place as were led to believe. Had another Alpha alert last night....they are falling like flies!!!! Today we woke to find we were berthed in the most beautiful bay I have ever seen. OMG!!!! this island is awesome....We had booked a day at the beach, lined up to leave the ship at 9am. We were tendered into a small pier and onto a catamaran. It took half and hour to weave through the coral to get to Motu Islet. We passed million dollar plus resorts, the ones with the bures out in the ocean. Arriving at our beach we walked off onto pristine sand and an area set aside just for our group. We had taken our beach shoes (thank god) cos the coral was everywhere. We just walked into the water and were immediately surrounded by the most georgous fish. Then we all got to meet the sting rays!! And the sharks!!!. I was very brave and allowed a ray to come up to me while I stroked its back. Wow! That was a highlight of this trip. Hopefully I can down load that photo!! We just sat in the water and enjoyed the sights. We were given a bbq lunch and beer and drinks. We walked down to the next beach and found Brian and June. So had catch up with them. Brian was bathing his very sunburn legs which are healing fast. We were brought back by catamaran and while waiting for our tender ship to the big ship we browsed through all the local markets. I brought a couple of cheap pieces. Back onto our Dawn Princess and we collapsed into the spa at the back of the boat. We left this beautiful island at about 5pm, drinking cocktails and watching Moorea disappear in the sunset. Just awesome. So now we are back at sea for a couple of days before Pago Pago. The time has flown. We love the sea days and feel we could easily cope with a longer cruise. Bingo is only on on sea days so that will be back on tomorrow. Brian (from Oz) loves to play. But he gets annoyed with people winning and not him. He blames the fact that he doesnt have a dobba( a felt pen)to mark his bingo cards. So we all thought we might get the lady that runs it to present him with his very own tomorrow....he will be so embarrassed!!! Pricey has had 2 good wins at bingo....but we have had no more since the first one on day one. Well its time for a few drinks before dinner (loving my Zibbibo)and thought we might go to a show tonight as a new one is on. But we I will also check out the shops on the way and see what is on special tonight!!!!!!