Auckland, New Zealand day number 2. Yesterday we drove around the north side of Auckland and today we drove around the south side. Auckland means the city of sails. There are so many marinas and yacht clubs around Auckland. They said that one in three families here owns a boat. Last year Auckland won the America’s cup race. Next year, they get to be the host country. They are putting so much work into the infrastructure in Auckland that there is road closures and construction going on everywhere in preparation. They actually dug a deep tunnel through the entire downtown area so that an underground train could be constructed. They went so far as to pick and move a three story historical landmark hotel, constructed the tunnel, filled it back in accordingly, and then put the hotel back where it was originally. It will be amazing when it is done, but the growing pains are being felt by locals and tourists alike. We got to cross the Harbor bridge again today and then turn around and drive right back. The highlight of the day was the Auckland Museum. It has the largest collection of Maori and Polynesian artifacts in the world. There were docents there dressed in full Maori attire who gave us a tour of the museum in small groups and then we were led to the theater for a Maori performance. After the performance we had about an hour to look around the world War I and World War II exhibits around the museum. Megan is a big history buff and wanted to spend the whole day there but sadly, time did not allow. We did take some free time this afternoon to get off the tour bus early and walk through some shops before we walked back to the ship. Mom found some great new shoes, we all enjoyed some Dunkin Donuts (so good), and we purchased some locally made chocolates. All aboard was 3:30pm today. Then we had our third muster drill of the trip. Yesterday marked the end of one of the “legs” of the world cruise. There are about 200 passengers that get on and off every month or so, so we have to go through all the mandatory drills when they get on. Tonight it is going to be early to bed for me tonight. We have dinner at 5:15 and then I intend to come back and get a bunch of photos uploaded for all you wonderful people. Fingers crossed. I will post a special post to let you know what dates to go back to and look at the photos. Also, we got an invitation from Cruise Specialist today for a second safari that wasn’t previously offered out of Tanzania. We sadly “lost” a safari that we had scheduled for Kenya since we had a change in our itinerary. So we are going to book this one and keep our fingers crossed that we can do two safaris yet again. Good things come to those who wait. Hugs and love from me to you all. Debra

Auckland, New Zealand day one of two. This morning we awoke to the voice in the sky (Hamish the cruise director) telling us all the do’s and don’t as the passengers prepared to get off the ship on their adventures for today. Pretty much only prepackaged bottled water allowed off the ship still. Today there is a $400.00 fine if you don’t comply. We grabbed quick breakfast in the Lido and then met our cruise specialist group as our tour today was booked through them. We took a scenic bus ride around central Auckland and the port area near the ship before heading across the New Zealand bridge to Devonport. This area was formed by many volcanoes and as they needed more space for development, they filled in the harbor with volcanic rocks and built it up. We saw so many different types of architecture today, from the modern skyscrapers of Microsoft and Ernst and Young at the harbor to quaint cottages on the North Shore where people used to go to vacation and now live there full time. From the top of Mt. Victoria we could see 360 degree views over the North Peninsula, Davenport and Auckland.   From Davenport we returned across the bay by ferry to Auckland and the ship port which is right next to the ferry station. We all got back on the ship for ship lunch and then mom and I got back off for an evening excursion. We took a ferry ride to Waiheke Island about 40 minutes away. Waiheke Island is home to over 30 wineries. We got to visit two of them, Stonyridge and Batch Winery. We enjoyed wine tasting at both wineries and a very nice family styled dinner at the second winery. It was a relaxing evening and a great way to celebrate life and give a toast to Don on this the fourth anniversary of his passing. The girls got to spend a great evening on the ship with Geoffrey, having dinner in the dining room without us, and having some of Geoffrey’s friends and fellow staff members join them as well. We watched the sunset from the Batch winery, which is the highest elevated winery on the Island, before we headed back to the ferry. As we approached back into Auckland we got to see all the lights of the city from the ferry and most amazingly to me, the ship all lit up. It was our first time off the ship in the evening time and it was a beautiful sight to see. Now it’s into bed for us all. Tomorrow we have a third excursion here in Auckland before we leave this city and head to another port who’s name escapes me right now as I have been drinking wine. LOL. Hoping, hoping, hoping, I can get some photos up for you before we leave here tomorrow. Love and Hugs. Debra

Happy March everyone. We are rolling with the changes as things are starting to get settled down after the big upheaval of the other day. We are still awaiting what availabilities we will have for excursions through Holland America. We did get a sheet from Cruise Specialist today already with a couple of options from them for excursions in India. Still keeping my fingers crossed an overnight to the Taj Mahal will be offered. Time will tell.  Tomorrow we will have a chance to get off the ship and get to spend a night in Auckland. We have three excursions over the next two days. I can’t wait to tell you all about them. This morning I slept in a little, finally. Next, we made it to crocheting group and got a chance to work on our blankets. Since today was Sunday and a sea day they served Sunday brunch today. A fun service of seven or so tiny portions of appetizers, entrees and three desserts. We call it tiny food day. At 2:00pm we had our final performance and lecture from our Maori Ambassadors. They get off the ship tomorrow as we have returned them home to New Zealand. After their performance there was an interesting lecture on marine turtles and whales of Polynesia. The girls had a wonderful opportunity to have dinner with all the ambassadors tonight. They got to spend the evening just talking with them and enjoying their company. At the end of dinner they blessed all the guests in the dining room with a very special song to thank all the guests for treating them so wonderfully while they have been on the ship.   Mom and I had the opportunity to have dinner just the two of us at our normal table tonight while the girls had their special meal. It was nice and relaxing and quiet. We had time to talk and reflect on this time of year.   Tomorrow marks four years since the passing of my beloved husband Don. How far we have all come in that time. We are blessed from the sacrifices he made while he was with us here on earth. I miss that wonderful man very much. Mom started my day by sending me one of the most beautiful bouquets I have ever received, photo to come. We are here right now because of him. He touched the lives of so may people while on earth and in his memory and honor he continues to bless many more through me and our four beautiful children. I will continue to love him and remember him for all the days of my life. I pray others do as well. So if you get a chance tomorrow (3/2) or today for us, regardless if you knew him or not, reflect on something that makes you smile. Think of him. Give thanks for the life you have and try to do something that makes someone else smile today. He would love that you are doing that in his honor. Big hugs to you from all of us, Debra.

Happy Leap Year Day!! We are at sea today making our way to Auckland, New Zealand. We are still 21 hours ahead of you all and making our way slowly back toward the California time zone. Mom and I woke up early today. The time change has us up with the sun lately. We allowed the girls to sleep in and she and I met for a nice breakfast in the Pinnacle resteraunt complete with mimosas. After breakfast we had arranged for the girls to meet us in the main theater for a presentation with our Maori Ambassadors. They performed and then taught all of us a traditional Haka chant and the moves to go with it. Then we were off to our crocheting class. At noon the girls headed to Club HAL where Geoffrey had made arrangements for all the ambassadors to have 1:1 time with the kids. They made their own Poi balls and learned how to use them. They also got some good time asking them questions about their culture and how they came to work on cruise ships. Next it was time for arts and crafts, schoolwork and choir for Valerie. I spent the afternoon doing some cleaning around our cabin. It amazes me how much paperwork they give us every single day. I also got the chance to set up the girls’ schoolwork and lesson plans for the next four weeks. I correct their work weekly as well, just like a regular teacher. Tonight we had a gala themed after a New Zealand tradition of Boulders and Bumpershoots. Now don’t feel bad, I had to look it up too. The boulders, represents the traditional boulder hat worn. Bumpershoots is another name for an umbrella. So we were all given boulder hats to wear and there were umbrellas hanging from the ceiling of the dining room. It was very cute and a lot of fun to see all the staff dressed up as well. It was an early night in for me tonight as the girls went off to club HAL to have their evening of play and fun. I love that they can go there and just be kids and relax and play games. Such a blessing for them to have that space. I can not imagine what this trip would have been like without that available to them. Hugs to you all. Still waiting for the Internet to cooperate enough for me to post pictures again. I have many of them ready to go as soon as I can get them up for you. Stay tuned. Love…Debra

I have a lot to share today so I hope this post doesn’t get too long. Today we awoke in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. After grabbing a quick breakfast and packing up our beach essentials and water for the day we were off on our excursion. We drove by way of rustic, non air-conditioned bus around the island to see the blowholes. Now I’ve seen blowholes before. Maybe a few at each location. Here the blowholes go all the way up along the coastline and around the curvature of the bay. It was breathtaking to see and fun to hear. Next we drove to the Oholei Beach Resort and Hina Caves. Resort has a different meaning in Tonga. We did know what we were getting into though before we got there.   There was a staircase of 60 steps that led down to a beautiful beach where there was a large open-air structure that accommodated our large group to be able to stay out of the sun and to sit and later to eat lunch. The girls and mom and I grabbed our towels and headed straight to the water. We got to spend about 40 minutes in the ocean relaxing and staying cool. It was a great way to spend the morning being “baptized” by Tonga. We hopped out of the water when it was time to open the pit where they had cooked lamb, chicken and breadfruit the traditional “Hawaiian” way. The pig was cooked on a spit with a stick shoved through it from one end to the other (wait till you see the photos). Megan did not care to look at it any longer then required. Then we all headed into the shade to enjoy lunch, some music, and some cold beverages. I got to try a Tongan beer. After lunch we were led to the Hina Caves where we were entertained by traditional Tongan dances, singing and chants. The highlight was at the end they brought in two fire dancers that were amazing to watch. It was a quite a family affair at this resort. Multi-generations working, performing, watching and supporting one another, from the littlest ones, to spouses, parents and grandparents. It is a different culture here where family is always put first and then God second. A man had some heat issues and after they got him up an employee of the resort came over and called out to heaven thanking God for protecting him and us. It was quite a spiritual moment. Later when I was in the cave watching the performance I was quite emotionally overcome with the beauty of where we were, the sounds of the music, the smells from the oils the performers put on their bodies, the sights of the smoke rising up through the opening in the caves as the sun was shining in. I thought about how blessed I am to be here today and how much my beloved would have enjoyed being there too. It was a spiritual day for me to say the least. So we climbed back up those 60 stairs and hopped back into our bus and headed back to the ship our floating home away from home.

We got showered for dinner and then “THE ANNOUNCEMENT” came. We knew it was coming, but it is official. They have altered our itinerary and due to the coronavirus we are no longer going to any of our four ports in Indonesia, Singapore, Maldives, and Mombassa in Kenya. They added a second port in Seychelles, and an extra day in Tanzania, and three days in Mumbai, India. We are of course disappointed we will not get to see the places we had planned to go to. Kenya was to be one of our overnight safaris as well. But we have a second one already booked out of Mozambique. We know this all happened happened for a reason, we are still together, we are still on vacation and we are still living each day to the fullest and most importantly we are being kept as safe as possible.  I told the girls they could be disappointed for the rest of the evening, but that tomorrow was a new day to start fresh and new. So we will have new excursions to pick in the near future for our new adventures we are to have. They’ll work on reimbursements I’m sure. On top of our little “inconveniences” the ship has to readjust where we pick up supplies, fuel, passengers and staff. It must be a logistical nightmare for all of them and I pray that things go smoothly for all the Holland America staff as they are having to scramble now to take care of all the things we take for granted that are just handled. So there is our news from across the seas. Bottom line is our safety and well-being and yours as well. Take care of yourselves and one another. These are concerning times in the world, but I believe it will in some ways, bring us all closer together. Love and hugs from us to you. Debra

Last night the crossed the International Date Line.  We woke up 23 hours into the future from when we fell asleep.  It was a strange thing and I am not sure when and if this will ever happen again in my lifetime.  But we will slowly click back now till we are back in California time before our arrival back home in May.  That going to be a lot of time changes.  We started our morning in the Pinnacle where we had nice breakfast all together.  Then mom, Megan and I went to the Ash Wednesday service they had here on the ship.  The pastor made the joke that like the sign over the bar that says, it’s five o clock somewhere, it was Ash Wednesday somewhere (cause it is technically now Thursday here).  After wards Megan and I went to crocheting and I turned in my 4^th completed blanket for project Linus.  Update on the yarn:  the monies have been raised and the order has been laced for us to acquire more yarn when we get to Sydney.  Thank you all for your help and referrals.  After crocheting we grabbed some lunch, worked on homework and then did arts and crafts.  Lastly, Valerie and I went to the Service Club Members meet up where we meet with other passengers and network on what our organizations are doing and how we raise funds throughout the different communities we all come from.  They give us certificates of attendance and I am hoping when I get back I can turn them in to keep up my attendance record with Lioness.  We’ll see. That rounded out our afternoon.  This evening mom and I took the Security officer to dinner as he has been keeping us safe since we started the cruise and he is getting off the ship in Auckland in a few days.  We wanted to personally tell him thank you for all he has done for us.  It also gave the girls a chance to have a nice quiet “girls night” in.  They ordered room service, got a couple movies and had a relaxing evening in my room while we were having great grown up time.  Then it was in for the night so we could get ready for our adventure tomorrow.  We are going to the beach and we’re going to see a pig roast.  Sweet dreams from the Polynesian Islands to all our loved ones back home.  Stay safe and healthy everyone.  Blessings,  Debra

P.S.  Sorry I am still unable to post photos.  But I happy I can at least post the blog.  We’ll be in Auckland in a couple of day and I am hopeful we can get caught up then.

So I have to decide how to post for tomorrow. As it is a “non-existent” day for us. Tonight we set our clocks ahead 23 hours. They are going to have Ash Wednesday services for us on Thursday. At the lecture today they showed us a map of the International Date Line. That puppy is definitely not straight. My understanding is the monarchy of Tonga wants to be the first to see the “light of a new day” everyday so the line was modified to go around the Tongan Islands. I am going to try and post my photo, but I may not be able to. Megan and I chilled this morning on our patio as we drank smoothies for breakfast and worked on school. We packed up our winter gear and jackets into suitcases that are stored under our bed. We went to our crocheting group as well. Valerie had tutoring and choir today. Mom and I met at 2:00pm for the lecture on Nuku’alofa, Tonga, our next port of call. Tonight was a Fat Tuesday themed dinner in the Main dining room. There were beads and masks on the table for the guests and the staff were dressed in purple, green and gold vests and hats. We concluded the evening by going to the performance tonight. There is a juggler on the ship named Steven Ragartz that used to work for Cirque De Solei and he gave us quite an amazing performance. There is an undertone of concern around the ship with everything going on back at home in regards to the stock market and the coronavirus. With our chances of some of our scheduled upcoming ports being missed constantly increasing, we are all curious to know where we will be going instead and when they will let us know. Regardless everyone agrees we are in good hands and that our safety and well-being is being put first. I miss posting photos for you all and have a file ready to go when we are in a better place of Internet accessibility. I am happy I can get anything posted at all to keep you all up to date on where we are in the world. To use a term I have heard being used more and more lately, we are chasing summer. It is forecasted to be in the upper 80’s with the humidity its supposed to feel like 98 when we arrive in Tonga. I know those of you freezing in the heart of winter have zero sympathy for us…but it is going to be hot.

Missing those who are not with us as always. But living today like there’s no tomorrow. Love, Debra

Rarotonga, Cook Island. Today was we had a relaxing day at the beach in the Cook Islands. We were originally scheduled for scenic drive around the island and I mistakenly changed our excursion and when I went to change it back I couldn’t. So we decided it was meant to be and we left it. We did get a beautiful scenic drive on our way to the resort anyway. We were greeted by staff and directed to the beach area where we secured a couple of chairs and then grabbed snorkel gear and hit the water. The water was so clear. The resort had a protective reef that provided a large area between the beach and the reef to enjoy the water safely.   The resort staff brought stale bread into the water and everyone got to feed the fish. It brought them right up us and the girls delighted in the display of their beautiful colors. We saw sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and most excitedly humu humu fish, which reminded us of Hawaii. Megan had fun collecting lots of different types of coral, which we made her leave at the resort. After snorkeling fun the girls then had a chance to give standup paddle boarding a try. They took right to it like they have been doing it their whole life. Lastly, they both also took out kayaks and paddled around the lagoon. Mom took great delight in just being in the water. She has glittery nail polish right now and it attracted the fish to her hands as they thought it was food. She spent the morning just hanging out in the water paying with the fishies. At 12:30 we were served a lunch, which we had previously ordered on our bus trip over, and complementary sangria. I let the girls buy a soda to share, because it was $5.00 for one soda. I was shocked with the prices considering where we were, but much like other resorts, when you are there they charge you higher prices because you are “stuck” there. We had a chance to hit the gift shop and buy some magnets before we had to get back on the bus around 2:00pm to head back to the ship. It was an amazing day. Everyone had such a great time. The girls got to do some new and exciting things. Mom was in her happy place. I took great pleasure in just seeing everyone smiling and laughing and relaxing. My heart is full today. When we got back to the ship we made a group decision to have dinner at the buffet tonight so we didn’t have to get dressed up for dinner tonight. Although the dress code in the dining room isn’t too strict, sometimes it nice to just throw on shorts and a t-shirt and go to the buffet instead. So after we all took showers we headed to dinner. Then the girls went to spend time at Club HAL. At 8:30 they both participated in Music Trivia tonight as they were much sought out throughout the day today to join several teams tonight because the theme was Disney music. It’s good to be a kid sometimes. I am sitting on the patio now writing this blog for you all. Enjoying the fresh air as we sail across the sea to our next port of Tonga. We are still struggling with being able to post photos, but I promise I will post a something when we are able to once again. Thanks to all of you who are following my blog and commenting. You are helping to make me feel connected to home even while being so far away.   I love having the connection. Hugs and Love from us all. Debra

Another glorious and relaxing day at sea.   We started our morning with the opportunity to sleep in a little. Then we met the Maori Cultural Ambassadors. They performed for us and introduced us the history of the Maori people. They danced traditional dances, sang in their native language, and taught us a little of their language. Then I went to meet up with Megan so we could spend a little bit of time crocheting today. At 11:30 we all met up in the Main dining room for a fabulous Sunday brunch. Another selection of tiny fun foods. I love how much time and effort Holland America puts into making everything so very special for us. At 1:30 mom and I wandered to the spa. Mom treated us both to some pampering today and we both enjoyed a pedicure. They had massaging chairs and it was a relaxing afternoon.   We spend the afternoon working on schoolwork, tidying around the room and doing some more crocheting. Valerie had tutoring this afternoon as well. Today we also received another Coronavirus exposure form that had to be competed for our entry into Tonga. It another sign of the times. Things are different in the world right now and we are along for the ride. Again I will reiterate that I feel like they are consistently keeping our best interests and safety in mind. Tonight there was a Tropical Paradise themed event in the dining room. They had the room all decorated in green and yellow with “palm trees” hanging from the ceiling. They gave us grass hats to wear and it was a lot of fun. After dinner mom and I headed back to my room for a night cap. Tomorrow we are looking forward to a fun beach day in Cook Island. I am hoping to get you some pictures soon. The Internet has not been our friend. Love and hugs from all of us to all of you. Debra

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