Jan 22nd , 2023 Day 20 of 128

Moorea, French Polynesia

Good morning from overcast Moorea, French Polynesia. Last night (technically 4:30am this morning) everyone had to be back on board so we could make the 28 mile trip from Papeete to Moorea. Yesterday we saw it in the distance, this morning we woke up to it in front of us larger than life. I woke up earlier then I wanted to so I went ahead and got a workout in before heading back to the cabin and waking up Megan for the day’s adventure. I don’t usually workout on port days. but I have a goal to meet so I made it happen. We grabbed a quick breakfast at the Lido and headed to Main stage to meet up with our excursion group. Today is another tender port so we waiting for our group to be called and we got to “cut” the line of people waiting for the tenders so our excursion could get out on time. Much like yesterday we were off the tender and instantly onto our tour boat for the day. Our group of 40 and a second boa, also about 40, pretty much did our adventure together all day. We had a scenic and educational tour of the harbor, lagoon and mountain range of Moorea. We next went around the waters of the abandoned Intercontinental Hotel. Beautiful bungalows all boarded up and abandoned as the property awaits a new owner. There are a few bungalows being utilized by employees who are currently still running a turtle rescue center for green turtles and the dolphin cove where the dolphins still live. Next we arrived a particular busy and popular spot in the lagoon. There we got off the boat and swam with sting rays, which I was expecting per the excursion description. What I wasn’t expecting was the black tipped sharks that are also prevalent in this area. Now they don’t like people and didn’t bother anyone, but I couldn’t get the thought out of head that I voluntarily got into the water with my 14 year old daughter into shark infested water. It was quite and experience and I have no regrets doing it. We got back on the boat after about an hour in the water and made our way to semi private island where parts of it can be rented out for large groups such as ours. We had an hour to relax, snorkel, and do whatever we wanted to do. A rainstorm came crashing though about 30 minutes after we arrived, it lasted about 10 minutes and then it was gone. Next we had a ceviche demonstration and then it was the for lunch. After lunch we had more free time, got hula lessons (for the men and the women), had a Parea tying lesson, and enjoyed some wonderful live Tahitian music. It was a relaxing and full day. On our way back on the boat we inquired where we could acquire some Dr. Pepper and we were directed to the store to the left, right outside of the pier entrance. Sadly the store was either already closed for the day or closed because it was Sunday. We haven’t had any luck finding Megan any Dr. Pepper yet, but the quest continues! We walked back through the local market and I picked up a magnet and Megan found and bought a bracelet she liked. We got back on the ship and went straight to our room so we could shower off the salt water from the day and so I could watch the second half of the 49er game. What a game. I’m so glad they won!! We decided to go to the Lido for dinner dinner as it is Chinese New Year, Happy Year of the Rabbit, and we know they do it up big. Holland America did not disappoint. Ramen station, stir fry stations, the most amazing sushi display I have ever seen on a ship, a whole roasted pig, whole roasted duck, all the traditional dishes. It was amazing to see, experience and taste. Glad I went to the gym this morning!! After dinner we went to the Mainstage for a comedy show called The Biddy’s. They were three cheeky ladies from Ireland that must’ve just gotten on today. I have a feeling we will be seeing them again. After the show we were back to the room to get ourselves ready for tomorrow. Weather forecast is for rain and thunderstorms for the next two days. So we will plan accordingly. Onward we travel this evening. We are on our way to Raiatea, French Polynesia. See you all tomorrow from our next island paradise.