New Year's / Bora Bora

~ Dinner ! ~

New Year's Eve ~ on the ship

Farewell to Bora Bora ... 

Bora Bora

Ahhhhh,  Bora Bora.   We've arrived !! 
Mt.Otemanu @ 2,400 ft dominates this island.

We took the tenders into the dock @ Vaitape.

...our "Village" welcome !

We drove around the island, our ship is parked in the lagoon.

Visitors fly especially to Bora Bora,

             to stay on the outer motus
                                        ...of these world renowned spas!

Fishing is important ...

and...selling their catch.

Found a swimming beach ...wonderful warm waters ! 
Colorful fish + couple manta ray shared our space.

Post card view of lagoon and outer motus.

Fanning Island, Karibati

Fanning Island, a coral reef, has an elevation of 10 ft. 

Discovered in 1798, no inhabitants. Land area about 13 sq.miles. 

A population of 2,000+ with no electricity or running water.

We have arrived !

Tenders took us into English Harbor...

Our arrival was special as very few ships stop here each year.

the Village Church chorus welcome...what energy + enthusiasm !

the Market set up just for us.

The Island School children's chorus 

Really !! .... Seaweed plantations.
In addition to coconut products, locals also harvest + export seaweed.

Looking across the lagoon, which is about 425 sq. miles.
50 ft at it's deepest, but mostly shallow waters.
This is probably as close as anyone could get to a...
"proverbial virgin tropical island". What a great experience !

Christmas @ Sea

~ a Merry Christmas to you ~

Honolulu Holiday!

Impressive !

Honolulu ! is a great place to see new construction,
as well as many historic bldgs. We walked about the downtown district and saw these places.....

Supreme Court of Hawaii /circa 1874 ...exterior above, interior is below

Fun to see all the Christmas decorations in their new...
and these historic bldgs.

Iolani Palace completed in 1882, w/ fabulous restoration completed 2011.

We had a great tour of USA's only Royal Palace...the Throne Room above

This church was used by Hawaiian Royalty.

Still used today ...
and during our morning visit there, the organist was "at practice"

 Honolulu Hale built in 1920's, is their City Hall

Hawaiian State Gov. Bldg

We so enjoyed their "old 'n new"...

...including the international historical area.

 our "Sail away"