Welcome to Mare, New Caledonia! That was the sign that greeted us on Friday, February 12. I had never heard of Mare, and to be honest, really had no idea where New Caledonia was. Captain James Cook discovered these beautiful islands during his second voyage of discovery from 1772-1775. (I doubt he packed as many shoes for three years as I have for 102 days!) If this is a familiar name, Captain Cook seemed to “discover” every island and land mass in this part of the world. He was a very busy guy! He called these islands “New Caledonia” in homage to his home in Scotland, and those history buffs reading this will recall that Caledonia was formerly known as Scotland. New Caledonia is an overseas French territory and are part of the Loyalty Islands. Mare is known for its striking blue-green waters and inviting beaches. There are about 7000 people living here in tribal villages, mostly Melanesian descent. The other huge draw is the gigantic coral reef, about 1000 miles long. This reef is home to a veritable panoply of sea life! Having beached out enough, we took the tender over to Mare and had one of the most charming experiences of our cruise so far. We met a group of delightful children swimming and jumping into a natural pool. They were very friendly, and in a combination of English and French, we were able to spend a fun half hour getting to know them. If you can see the photos in the montage above, you can see why we were charmed.

A short trip overnight to the largest island in New Caledonia brought us to Noumea. This is a place to return! It offers the beauty and relaxation of a South Pacific island coupled with the sophistication of France! The economy is driven by the nickle mines, and the executives lead a very comfortable life in new high rise condominiums. There are still vestiges of colonial homes if you look closely. The city is devoted to recreation on land, sea and in the air. We took an independent shore excursion on the “Tchou Tchou Train,” (half the cost of an identical tour offered by Crystal and much less crowded.) The “train” (actually a tractor pulling small, open train cars) took us all over Noumea, for 2 hours. This is how we can attest to the enjoyment of physical recreation. We passed a park, at least a mile long, with out door fitness equipment strategically placed. They were very popular. People were kite surfing and swimming in the lagoon and para and kite sailing up in the air. At the end of the tour, we went into a local supermarket, something we enjoy doing in foreign ports. The supermarket, interestingly named “Casino” was a big surprise! It was huge! Unsurprisingly, it was expensive! Locally grown pineapples were the equivalent of $9.00 US. Bananas were $2.50 a pound. However, the selection of pates, cheese and baguettes were wonderful—just the same as we have seen in France! We walked back to the ship and were drenched due to the temperature and humidity. After a shower, we headed for a delicious late lunch in Tastes. Our choice: Asian chicken salad and pot stickers! The entertainment that evening was intimate and endearing. The entertainment staff put together an abbreviated version of “South Pacific.” I love the score and the talented singers did a fantastic job. The highlight was the appearance of Rick Spath, the Cruise Director, in a grass skirt, wig and coconut bra!

Two days at sea followed our South Seas sojourn, and they were welcome. These are the last consecutive sea days on the World Cruise until after Tokyo. As you know by now, I LOVE sea days! There are so many activities and lectures to choose from, that sometimes my interests overlap and I have to miss one of my choices. On Valentine's Day, I had a hair appointment at 9:45—I hate to disappoint my fans out there who think I am a natural blond! It finished just in time to go to a Valentine's Day mixer in the Cove. Crystal knows how to through a party! The entertainment staff outdid themselves and Stacey, the World Cruise Hostess was dressed as Cupid. The Cove was decorated with red, white and pink balloons and almost everyone hit the dance floor! Trivia followed at 12:05 and afterwards we had lunch in Tastes with Kerry and Terry. Terry, who works for a Japanese firm, has been so helpful in aiding our plans for a trip to Kyoto. He is very familiar with Japan, atravels there several times a year. With Terry's guidance, we will leave the ship in Shimizu, Japan early in the morning and take the bullet train or shinkensen 1 ½ hours to Kyoto. We'll be able to enjoy the beauty of Kyoto's temples, shrines and geishas, shop a little and stay the night in a traditional ryokan. The next morning, we will take the train to Tokyo and rejoin the ship. Without Terry's guidance, we would not have thought to do this.

February 15^th found us rocking and rolling across the sea on the way to Sydney. Captain Vorland was attempting to avoid an intersection with Typhoon Tatiana. He had safely guided us out of Fiji and we missed Cyclone Winston with its 60 foot seas. We had our second Silk Road dinner in three days. The first was with Terry and Kerry where we laughed and ate and laughed and ate. I'm sure the staff had to go fishing to replenish the fish for the next night!

This morning we awoke to a sparkling sunny day in Sydney Harbor! Serenity is docked opposite the historic bridge and close to the iconic Sydney Opera House. We met Terry and Kerry at 9:30 am and took the ferry (these were used instead of tenders) to Dawes Point. We walked from there to the Circular Quay where we caught another ferry for the hour long trip to Manley Beach. We enjoyed the views and walked around there, and then caught a ferry back to the Circular Quay. We walked back to Dawes Point and, after a short wait, we caught the ferry back to the ship just in time for a Trident lunch.

Tomorrow, sadly, Kerry and Terry disembark. We have had such a good time with them and will miss them very much! But we still have one more day with them this trip. We will join them when they disembark and go to their home. From there, they will give us a guided driving tour of the Sydney suburbs and the Blue Mountains. Lucky us for finding such wonderful new friends!

Beautiful children on Mare Island New Caledonia

Mystery Island! 

 The name inspires thoughts of buried treasure, strange primitive ceremonies, hidden tunnels and Dr. No type facilities. In reality, this is a perfect little slice of paradise in the nation of Vanuatu. There are no residents and it takes 15-20 minutes to walk the circumference, but it has startling crystal turquoise waters and a center of jungle-like foliage. Today, Thursday, Feburary 11^th for us folks on this side of the International Dateline ( Wednesday, February 10^th for the rest of you) we anchored off shore to spend the day basking or baking in the sun and swimming in the ocean. Locals from the nearby island of Tanna sailed over bringing offers of rides in outrigger canoes, cruises to the island of Tanna and 30 minute walking tour and a variety of other local “excursions.” They also brought their music and lots of smiles all around.

David and I took one of the early tenders over, hoping to miss the most intense sun, and were rewarded with less people and a wonderful soak in the ocean. The temperature was only in the 80's and the sea water comfortably refreshing. We walked around the island and picked up some amazing shells: red and white, violet, rusty brown—small but perfect little treasures.

To back up a bit, I to go back two days when we visited Lautoka, Fiji. Lautoka is known as Fiji's “Sugar City,” because sugar represents one half of the islands' economic base, the other half is tourism.

For those who follow golf, Hall of Famer and former world number one golfer, Vijay Singh, grew up here in Lautoka. It is said that he practiced his game by hitting coconuts, since they were a lot more plentiful than golf balls. Another famous person who adopted Lautoka as his home was actor Raymond Burr, of “Perry Mason” and “Ironsides” history. He spent may years living at his home surrounded by gardens of orchids. About 40 % of the residents are originally from India, and their ancestors were imported by the boatload to work in the sugar cane fields. Many Indian families have immigrated away from Fiji do to the political changes and the desire of the indigenous Fijians to create a more balanced poplulation.

David and I took the shuttle into town and walked around. We browsed in an array of shops, many carrying Indian saris, jewelry, etc. The downtown area has a less than prosperous look to it, but the area that we rode through looked fairly well maintained. We did go into a local supermarket, one of our favorite things to do in a foreign port. 

 We saw familiar brands, but in unfamiliar packaging, and lots of colorful groceries that we had not seen before. There was no fresh meat, all of it was frozen or canned, similar to what we saw in Hawaii. Lots of multi-packs of mosquito coils. Insects are a problem in these islands.

We began our anti-malaria prophylaxis yesterday, because malaria in endemic in Vanuatu. We are to continue it daily until we are in China, where malaria is not an issue. Of course, just taking the medication is not sufficient protection and we are urged to use insect repellent and bug proof clothing, too.

Upon returning to the ship, we played some Hand and Foot, and David beat me badly. We used the only non-card table in the card room. The rest of the tables were reserved for bridge. I would guess there were about 50 people playing contract bridge when we were there.

After dinner and the show, “The Tourist,” which is a combination of light and high tech special effects, we hit bed hard. David caught a cold a few days ago and generously shared it with me. Fortunately, it seems to be short lived, but it is going around the ship.

Yesterday was a sea day, a combination of Ash Wednesday and Mardi Gras. Pilates was at 8 am, and then we talked with fellow guests until 10:30 am when Ocean Views was presented in the Galaxy Theatre. This was a panel discussion on current issues that we are all concerned about: terrorism, the refugee crisis, and the presidential primaries. The panel consisted of 4 of the recent lecturers who are experts in their field. It was moderated by Ken Rees. We were each given an electronic device to record our opinion about he issues. Terrorism and nuclear proliferation were the two things worrying most of the audience, and the panelists had different view points about the risks, management and future with these concerns. On the whole, not an uplifiting scenario. As far as the presidential candidates are concerned, the audience was backing Hilary, with surprising Trump support (though maybe not surprising given the demographics on a Crystal Cruise.) Bernie had a very small support.

The afternoon passed quickly, as it always does. David worked on his photos and I read and did some business on the internet.

We have friends on board Symphony now, who are circumnavigating South America and did Antarctica. According to my friend, they had to miss the port where provisions were to be taken on board, and consequently, the supplies are to be trucked or flown to Puerto Montt, the next stop. Crystal ships its supplies to specific ports all over the world. There are no fresh vegetables or salad components left—but fortunately, plenty of chocolate chip cookies. The seas have been very rough and there were some broken limbs. But my friend said she would do this itinerary again in a heartbeat!

Last evening, we met friends from our table, Sharon and Ken, for drinks in The Cove and were treated to a Mardi Gras celebration by the entertainment staff in full costume doing a typical Mardi Gras parade. The “Bourbon Street” Galaxy Orchestra, under the talented leadership of our friend, Raph, provided spirited Dixieland Music with vocalist, Sarah Hayes (a delightful and friendly performer—thank you, Ilene!) The entertainment staff passed out beads and masks and many of us took to the floor for dancing and fun. Crystal really knows how to throw a party!

The entertainment last evening was one that I was suspect about initially. It was a concert by the organist, Hector Olivera, who was billed as a “One Man Orchestra.” I am certainly glad that we went. He was fantastic! It is incredible the sounds that he gets out of the organ, and we look forward to another performance by him. (Peter and Brian, do look him up, I know you will be interested.)

Tomorrow, we are in our first of two stops in New Caledonia. Unfortunately, the weather report calls for rain. We have been so lucky with the weather, we really can't complain.

Lunch selection at the Lido Cafe

Stay tuned in two days for the next installment! Xoxo