Vacation of a lifetime Part 4

While this series of blogs will focus mainly on the exciting ports of call visited and unique objects, I would be remiss if I did not mention some events on board ship.

The equator, lines of longitude and lines of latitude have always been merely lines on a world map as far as I was concerned. I was on a course to learn about the significance of these ‘lines’ as our cruise ship proceeded southerly.

On October 2, 2009, as our ship headed toward Bora Bora, we crossed the imaginary line that divides the northern hemisphere from the south called the equator. But the crossing was not left to our imagination. The captain and crew held an “Equator-crossing” ceremony that was next to none! Hundreds of passengers gathered on the deck to witness the affair. Suddenly, sedate, dignified crew members and passengers transformed into wild party animals! From deck 14, a voluminous male crew member, dressed as King Neptune in a togo and head dress sashayed down the stairs to the Neptune’s Reef & Pool accompanied by a full entourage. Then began the most incredible ceremony as King Neptune passed sentence on many accused. Spaghetti and food colouring were plastered over many participants’ faces and they dived into the swimming pool to cool off. Some had to kiss large raw fish to obtain forgiveness. Our handsome captain strutted about in his lily-white sailor suit and cap with a necklace of colourful artificial fish around his neck. It was the wildest party on board so far.
A prize was given to the first person to spot the row of equatorial marker buoys in the ocean. Crossing the equator now has significance!

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Vacation of a lifetime Part 3

Church in Moorea, French Polynesia

As I toured the South Pacific Islands, I was impressed by not only the exquisite waterfalls in Hawaii, Samoa and Milford Sound, and by the exotic flowers seen at every turn, I was also fascinated by the churches. Besides the natives, the population of the South Pacific Islands includes Asian, Indians and Caucasian. With the immigration of these groups, came religions of all types. The islands are now dispersed with some of the most exquisite, quaint places of worship imaginable. One guide mentioned that the strongest, safest buildings on the islands are the churches. Take a look:

Catholic church in American Samoa

Church in Western Samoa

Temple in Maui

Vacation of a lifetime Part 2

Bird of Paradise, Hawaii

Poinciana, American

Samoa

When one thinks about the South Pacific Islands, one conjures up picturesque landscape, exotic fruits, beautiful women, buff men and azure waters. This is what I envisioned and the Islands did not disappoint. I am always fascinated with flowers, one of God's many fantastic creations. The flowers in the South Pacific Islands were healthy and sensational. Let me share some photos with you:

Bougainvillea, Hawaii