Fifty days at sea. I can not believe how quickly this trip is flying by. We are coming up on it being halfway over. Especially since we are losing Wednesday. Poof, a whole day of the year gone. Today we awoke and we are in beautiful Papeete, Tahiti. We took a scenic driving tour around the West side of Tahitit Nui (the large part) of Tahiti. At one point we could see the mountains of Tahiti iti (the small part) in the distance. We also got great views of Moorea Island across the waters. Time did not allow for us to visit there this trip. We did visit a private garden at the Government Assembly headquarters. We also visited the Valpahi Gardens and saw many beautiful tropical plants. The Fern Grotto Caves of Maraa was so mystical as it had just rained before we had arrived and the mist on the water looked mesmerizing. We also visited two Moai statues and an alter at Arahurahu Marae where they believe human sacrifices used to take place. That was a little creepy, but part of the culture and the beliefs that were once here. We also bought and enjoyed a bag of breadfruit chips. We had heard how much these taste like potatoes and when they are dried and sprinkled with salt, yes they do!!! After we returned to the port we still had a lot of time before we had to be back on the ship so we opted for some retail therapy. We walked a block up the open-air market and bought some treasures. Valerie bought a silk flower head lei, we all purchased some loose Tahitian pearls to turn into jewelry pieces when we get home and of course we also bought magnets. It was so incredibly humid that by the time we finished shopping we were melting and ready to get back on the ship. We were back on in time to grab some lunch and then relax for the rest of the after noon. We have two beach excursions coming up and the girls are super excited. But tomorrow is sea day. I am fighting a little cold and I fear I may have shared it with Megan. It will be an early to bed evening for me again. Tomorrow is Sunday and they do a lovely brunch on Sundays when it is a sea day. We will also get to meet our new Maori Ambassadors tomorrow too. Sweet Dreams to you all. Debra
Live Vicariously Through Debra 
Time is flying by. You have had so many wonderful adventures. Hope you feel better soon. 😘
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Tahiti sounds a little boring compared to your other posts! Hahaha..just kidding! We were on winter break last week and everyone but me had a cold! Terrible way to celebrate Dylan’s birthday. But today will did “ifly” (indoor skydiving)! Sooo fun. Hopefully you can fight off that cold you have. Those pesky viruses linger! I am still using google maps to track your journey. It must be so weird when you starting heading sooo far from land. How those peeps on Easter Island and the other one do it, I don’t know. and half way over?? Time really does seem to go faster but you guys are going to enjoy these memories your making for a lifetime. Question..will the girls Club HAL director have to end his shift mid-cruise? and what in the world does HAL mean? Miss you. Have fun!
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Thank goodness, Geoffrey, the director, is on the for the entire cruise. HAL – means Holland America Line. Miss you too. Thanks for your comments! You make me feel like I am staying connected. Hugs!!
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