Breakfast in Papeete
Ground Zero Site New York
Times Square on the wettest day New York has known for 106 years
Lunch is served
Wednesday, 18 April 2007
Home
Arrived home to-day at about 2.30pm to this lovely Spring weather. Julie kindly met us off the coach and is cooking dinner for us this evening. Lovely also to see Charlotte waiting for us who is blooming.
New York
We arrived in New York Saturday evening at about 10.00pm very tired after flights from Papeete via Los Angeles ( 16Hour journey) and went straight to bed.
Sunday saw the heaviest days rainfall in New York for 106 years ...and very cold with it...we looked out of the window and went back to bed. But at 3.00pm we were booked to see the musical 'Wicked' so at 2.00pm we took our brollies and legged it to the theatre which was really quite close to the hotel.
The show was excellent....worth getting wet....the stage effects stunning. Richard didn't quite get the story line since he hasn't seen the Wizard of Oz but that didn't matter.
We chose to stay at The London NYC Hotel because Gordon Ramsey has just opened his new restaurant in New York at this hotel and we managed to get a table by booking last November!
very expensive but well worth the treat.
Jane....tell Sharon that we were invited to tour the kitchen where we met the Chef who hales from New Zealand....it was very hectic and well organised...Jeannette was very impressed.
The weather began to improve after Sunday so we were able to fit in some sight-seeing....Times Square, Broadway, Central Park, Empire State Building and Ground Zero site....the latter being quite an emotional experience.
New York is very exciting, noisy and different with plenty of shops but we both feel that we have done it and would not particularly want to rush back.
Sunday saw the heaviest days rainfall in New York for 106 years ...and very cold with it...we looked out of the window and went back to bed. But at 3.00pm we were booked to see the musical 'Wicked' so at 2.00pm we took our brollies and legged it to the theatre which was really quite close to the hotel.
The show was excellent....worth getting wet....the stage effects stunning. Richard didn't quite get the story line since he hasn't seen the Wizard of Oz but that didn't matter.
We chose to stay at The London NYC Hotel because Gordon Ramsey has just opened his new restaurant in New York at this hotel and we managed to get a table by booking last November!
very expensive but well worth the treat.
Jane....tell Sharon that we were invited to tour the kitchen where we met the Chef who hales from New Zealand....it was very hectic and well organised...Jeannette was very impressed.
The weather began to improve after Sunday so we were able to fit in some sight-seeing....Times Square, Broadway, Central Park, Empire State Building and Ground Zero site....the latter being quite an emotional experience.
New York is very exciting, noisy and different with plenty of shops but we both feel that we have done it and would not particularly want to rush back.
Friday, 13 April 2007
Fish
French Polynesia is teeming with fish.......they all seem to be eatable and the locals particularly in the more rural parts live on fish with some chicken. Red meat is available but imported from New Zealand and expensive.
They eat raw fish, seared fish, marinated fish and cooked fish.
On the Haumana I think the owners relied on fish caught by the crew to keep costs down. Most days we had fish or shellfish caught by the crew prepared in all the above ways.
We did however make friends with the chef who was a frenchman and had worked in England and spoke english. He was very kind and slipped us a meat starter instaed of the raw fish.
But fresh fish straight onto an open fire barbecue is delicious.
They eat raw fish, seared fish, marinated fish and cooked fish.
On the Haumana I think the owners relied on fish caught by the crew to keep costs down. Most days we had fish or shellfish caught by the crew prepared in all the above ways.
We did however make friends with the chef who was a frenchman and had worked in England and spoke english. He was very kind and slipped us a meat starter instaed of the raw fish.
But fresh fish straight onto an open fire barbecue is delicious.
Pearls
Tahiti is famous for the production of pearls.These days they are grown on Pearl Farms.
A bead is inserted somewhere quite uncomfortable in the oyster which dutifully covers it with the paerl material. After four years you have a sizable pearl. Hundreds must be harvested each day and graded but the value occurs because only a small percentage are perfectly formed and coloured and large enough.
As you may think therefore Papeete has dozens and dozens of shops selling pearls.....we have visited all of them.....twice!
Richard
A bead is inserted somewhere quite uncomfortable in the oyster which dutifully covers it with the paerl material. After four years you have a sizable pearl. Hundreds must be harvested each day and graded but the value occurs because only a small percentage are perfectly formed and coloured and large enough.
As you may think therefore Papeete has dozens and dozens of shops selling pearls.....we have visited all of them.....twice!
Richard
Last Day in Tahiti
Last three days have been relaxing.
Wednesday we went to the capital 'Papeete' and shopped for pearls for a 40th anniversary present for Jeannette. and in the evening we were picked up from the hotel by Xavier who we had met with his wife Ann-Laurent on the Hamana and who took us to his home for dinner with other of their friends.....a very nice evening ....everyone tried to speak english so we were'nt left out at all . There house was high in the hills overlooking the sea and the neighbouring island of Moorea.
Thursday we hired a car and explored Tahiti......didn't take long ....we were back at the hotel by 3.00pm. ....but it poured with rain most of the day....so stayed in the car most of the time. We saw that it is a very lush tropical island.
Today we are sitting out in the sun but it doesn't really want to come out and the sky is overcast.
We fly at 10.00pm this evening 13th April (9.00 am british time on Saturday) 14th) for the 7 hour flight to Los Angeles and then after a break there of three hours we fly on to New York which will take a further 5 hours arriving at about 9.00 in the evening N Y time.
We will be really sorry to leave these islands ....the people are lovely and kind and I am sure one day we will return.
Wednesday we went to the capital 'Papeete' and shopped for pearls for a 40th anniversary present for Jeannette. and in the evening we were picked up from the hotel by Xavier who we had met with his wife Ann-Laurent on the Hamana and who took us to his home for dinner with other of their friends.....a very nice evening ....everyone tried to speak english so we were'nt left out at all . There house was high in the hills overlooking the sea and the neighbouring island of Moorea.
Thursday we hired a car and explored Tahiti......didn't take long ....we were back at the hotel by 3.00pm. ....but it poured with rain most of the day....so stayed in the car most of the time. We saw that it is a very lush tropical island.
Today we are sitting out in the sun but it doesn't really want to come out and the sky is overcast.
We fly at 10.00pm this evening 13th April (9.00 am british time on Saturday) 14th) for the 7 hour flight to Los Angeles and then after a break there of three hours we fly on to New York which will take a further 5 hours arriving at about 9.00 in the evening N Y time.
We will be really sorry to leave these islands ....the people are lovely and kind and I am sure one day we will return.
Tuesday, 10 April 2007
Haumana Cruise
Arrived back in Tahiti this lunch time after our seven day cruise in the lagoon of the Rangiroa Atoll.
After booking the cruise on the internet andpaying over money to an unknown there must always be some risk and a bit of unease that no-one will meet you but we were met and the Haumana was a gem. Not hugely luxurious but staffed by local polynesians ......and the interaction with them was remarkable.
Everyday was a new experience with offboard activities....deep sea fishing, snorkeling ( not Richard) with the sharks, sea kayaking(not Richard)....and generally exploring the beatiful islands that form the reef. Many photographs and many tales to tell.
Fellow passengers were all french speaking but all made a great effort to speak english.....we even have an invite to dinner on tahiti tomorrow evening with a french couple who live here.
The first four days of the cruise was really exclusive....only four guests served by a crew of 18. It was just like being on our own ship.
All in all a remarkable experience
After booking the cruise on the internet andpaying over money to an unknown there must always be some risk and a bit of unease that no-one will meet you but we were met and the Haumana was a gem. Not hugely luxurious but staffed by local polynesians ......and the interaction with them was remarkable.
Everyday was a new experience with offboard activities....deep sea fishing, snorkeling ( not Richard) with the sharks, sea kayaking(not Richard)....and generally exploring the beatiful islands that form the reef. Many photographs and many tales to tell.
Fellow passengers were all french speaking but all made a great effort to speak english.....we even have an invite to dinner on tahiti tomorrow evening with a french couple who live here.
The first four days of the cruise was really exclusive....only four guests served by a crew of 18. It was just like being on our own ship.
All in all a remarkable experience
Monday, 2 April 2007
1st April
Thanks for all your cards and messages. We opened the cards over breakfast on our decking along with the first bottle of champagne of the day followed by a relaxing day in bed....well almost.
In the evening the hotel put on a fabulous dinner for us....the table set up on the beach with the lagoon lapping a few feet away and surrounded by flaming torches.Cool or what ! We then had champagne again with scallop starter, lobster dish, followed by fillet steak and gateuu....wonderful.
Oh and the stars and moon shone.
We are just settling into the Bora Bora lifestyle but must leave tomorrow when we fly to Rangiroa to join our cruise ship. So probably won't be able to blog again until we arrive back in Tahiti in a weeks time.
So....happy birthday Callum ....... just in case.
In the evening the hotel put on a fabulous dinner for us....the table set up on the beach with the lagoon lapping a few feet away and surrounded by flaming torches.Cool or what ! We then had champagne again with scallop starter, lobster dish, followed by fillet steak and gateuu....wonderful.
Oh and the stars and moon shone.
We are just settling into the Bora Bora lifestyle but must leave tomorrow when we fly to Rangiroa to join our cruise ship. So probably won't be able to blog again until we arrive back in Tahiti in a weeks time.
So....happy birthday Callum ....... just in case.
Thursday, 29 March 2007
Bora Bora
Arrived Tuesday. The island is beautiful..a central main island peak surrounded by a reef which is 100 to 150 yards wide in places...;our hotel is on the reef ...;15 minutes transfer by boat to the main island.
We thought our overwater bungalow on Tahiti was fabulous but the one here is immense with separate lounge area, bedroom , huge bathroom, every thing overlooking the lagoon.
Very romantic.
Jeannette is going to swim under the bungalow to have her photo taken through the glass panel in the floor....she says!
One thing we did find offputting was two life jackets in the wardrobe..not sure what thats about so we wear them to bedjust in case.
Weather has picked up considerably ....last two days very sunny, but we seam to get a thunder storm each evening
Oh well must get back to the sun
We thought our overwater bungalow on Tahiti was fabulous but the one here is immense with separate lounge area, bedroom , huge bathroom, every thing overlooking the lagoon.
Very romantic.
Jeannette is going to swim under the bungalow to have her photo taken through the glass panel in the floor....she says!
One thing we did find offputting was two life jackets in the wardrobe..not sure what thats about so we wear them to bedjust in case.
Weather has picked up considerably ....last two days very sunny, but we seam to get a thunder storm each evening
Oh well must get back to the sun
Monday, 26 March 2007
Comments
Thanks everyone for your messages...we look forward to reading them especially when its raining. We have a palatial water bungalow here on Tahiti with steps down into the lagoon and a dramatic view over to neighbouring Moorea. Food is very french and delicious....wine can be a bit iffy but its along way to Provence from here.
This morning we caught 'Le Truck" into Papeetee (capital) which was an experience. Le Trucks are the local bus service....like seats on top of a truck really.
Hope to continue with the blog but not sure from now until we return to this hotel in two weeks time.
Love to all
This morning we caught 'Le Truck" into Papeetee (capital) which was an experience. Le Trucks are the local bus service....like seats on top of a truck really.
Hope to continue with the blog but not sure from now until we return to this hotel in two weeks time.
Love to all
Weird Weekend
Saturday evening was wet, wet, wet so we dined at the hotel with a few thousand other Japanese and had a very nice meal.
Next day up at 5.00am to ready ourselves for the 10.00am flight to Tahiti which was a fairly pleasant 7 hours.
But in Tahiti it was Saturday again and we were ready for our second evening meal that day.
The other odd thing was that we did not require immigration forms for Tahiti....it belongs to France....and we are EEC citizens. They eat, drink and speak France ...really quite nice.
Weather...well we have brought the Sydney rain with us and on our second full day here we have not yet seen the sun.
Tomorrow we fly to Bora-Bora....hope it improves.
Next day up at 5.00am to ready ourselves for the 10.00am flight to Tahiti which was a fairly pleasant 7 hours.
But in Tahiti it was Saturday again and we were ready for our second evening meal that day.
The other odd thing was that we did not require immigration forms for Tahiti....it belongs to France....and we are EEC citizens. They eat, drink and speak France ...really quite nice.
Weather...well we have brought the Sydney rain with us and on our second full day here we have not yet seen the sun.
Tomorrow we fly to Bora-Bora....hope it improves.
Bridge Climb
Sydney (Japan-On-Sea) is great.....we did the climb. I think we were both a bit nervous to start as you make your way along the lower cat walks and climb quite steep steps and see the upper structures towering above you but when you reach the upper arch....you walk along the top....nerves disappear as Sydney appears all round you. We climbed at dusk...the view was magnificent. Aftrewards we ate at Doyles on the Quay in the open with the bridge on one side and the opera house on the other....brilliant.
Saturday it pelted down with rain....quite a difference to Melbourne which is undergoing a drought....but hang on Melbourne...its coming your way.
Saturday it pelted down with rain....quite a difference to Melbourne which is undergoing a drought....but hang on Melbourne...its coming your way.
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
Sydney
Just arrived from Melbourne and waiting for our room at the Shangri La Hotel where we are staying for three nights.
Just spitting distance from The Bridge which we are climbing later this afternoon....the braveness of six months ago is beginning to fade fast as it looms hugely in front of us.
A lot warmer and more humid here in Sydney....hope it doesn'e turn to lightening.
Happy birthday to Sybil...49 today. Great to talk to you just as you were going to sleep!
Just spitting distance from The Bridge which we are climbing later this afternoon....the braveness of six months ago is beginning to fade fast as it looms hugely in front of us.
A lot warmer and more humid here in Sydney....hope it doesn'e turn to lightening.
Happy birthday to Sybil...49 today. Great to talk to you just as you were going to sleep!
Tuesday, 20 March 2007
Pillar Point
Pillar Point, Wilsons Promontory National Park (southernmost tip of mainland Australia). You won't believe the views!!!!!!! Tell you about it when I get home.
Apres lunch Hastings
This photo was taken after having eaten a huge lunch at The Westernport Hotel, Hastings, where Sharon is chef. Had to have the walk afterwards (and take five pieces of gateaux back to Jane and Mick's because we couldn't manage to eat it after the meal). Yes, I know there were only FOUR of us, but we couldn't choose! I wouldn't tell everyone this, but Mick didn't eat any of the dessert - yummie. Love Mum xxxxxx
Mums Update
Hello all, greetings from sometimes sunny Cape Paterson. We have enjoyed our stay here. Relaxed a lot and had some good days out.We leave tomorrow for Melbourne, stopping at a beautiful restaurant for lunch with Jane and Mick. They will take us on to the airport.Staying overnight. Whilst we are there, Chris and Jackie Crabtree are meeting up with us for a drink. Chris used to own the post office on Alfreton Road in Selston. Thankyou, Alan, Julie and kids for your good wishes by text for Mothers Day. Also Lyndon, Karen and kids for yours as well. So disappointed Lyndon, Dad could not retrieve the photo. Thankyou Charlotte and Chris for the beautiful cards,I had a little weep when i saw the one for Granny, so cute. Lovely to receive your email, Adrian with news of home. Hope all is going well - not long to your holiday now. Have a great one! All my love to you all. Mum xxxxxx
Sea Breeze Hotel
Unfortunately our holiday with Jane and Mick comes to an end today. ....well not quite ...they take us to the airport tomorrow but hopefully we will have a nice lunch on the way. We are staying overnight at a hotel at Melbourne Airport and catching a morning flight to Sydney on Thursday.
The Sea Breeze Hotel is pictured on the right and Mr and Mrs Denton continue to provide their quests with excellent quality accomodation and food.
They act also as first class tour quides and have shown us the beauty of their part of Australia.
Cape Paterson beach is a ten minute walk away and is usually as crowded as in this picture.
Weather has been on the cool side but has really encouraged us to do quite a bit of walking and probably seen things which we would have been too exhausted to attempt on hotter days.
Thursday, 15 March 2007
My little Possums
Well possums.......whats this?
Yes, its Jane's nightly visitor arriving for its evening meal.
Message from Granny
hello lauren hannah callum jordan anais george edward and bump ,
missing you lots.we are having a lovely time though.sorry you have not had any cards yet. I posted one to each family on monday at the airport in Cape Town. I will buy some tomorrow now we are in Aus. we have met Rocky..... The Poodle. A real cutie . Yes George Granny and Da Da will sponser you for five pounds. Hope you enjoy the bouncing. Your holiday is getting nearer Jordan and Anais , have awonderful time.Hope the football and rugby is going well Callum. What about the Sats Hannah.... are you doing lots of homework for them/. Lauren, I hardly dare say this..... no spiders as yet. I bet Edward will be saying lots more words by the time we return home. And Bump, I hear you are letting your mummy know you are there. Hope you are not keeping mummy awake too much. Tea and cakes are ready now ....must go.
All my love Granny.xxxxxxx
missing you lots.we are having a lovely time though.sorry you have not had any cards yet. I posted one to each family on monday at the airport in Cape Town. I will buy some tomorrow now we are in Aus. we have met Rocky..... The Poodle. A real cutie . Yes George Granny and Da Da will sponser you for five pounds. Hope you enjoy the bouncing. Your holiday is getting nearer Jordan and Anais , have awonderful time.Hope the football and rugby is going well Callum. What about the Sats Hannah.... are you doing lots of homework for them/. Lauren, I hardly dare say this..... no spiders as yet. I bet Edward will be saying lots more words by the time we return home. And Bump, I hear you are letting your mummy know you are there. Hope you are not keeping mummy awake too much. Tea and cakes are ready now ....must go.
All my love Granny.xxxxxxx
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