First thing I did was see that my Luggage was, allegedly. still in LA. So I sent message to Air France asking why. They said it was shipped to Tahiti and should be on the island. Hmm
Went to reception desk to ask about laundry ( I have run out of clothes), and the lady at the desk told me that Air France called that morning and that my luggage will be delivered Monday. Why Monday and not Today? Because the contract carrier they use to fly to the different islands, would arrive too late on Sunday for us to still be there. OK, what ever.
Had the buffet breakfast an went on my Safari. Took my first tender to the island. and then got on the truck in the picture with 5 other people from the ship. It was just a trip around the island with a very good English speaking guide. We saw/learned about the fauna, learned how pearls are made and how vanilla is made. Had a cup off real vanilla ice cream, with real crushed vanilla beans. Learned history of the island, saw the blue eyed eels and very clear water. Decided not to stay and go into town, because it was Sunday and from our drive I knew most things would be closed. Got back to the ship and had buffet lunch.
Tried to make reservations at the restaurant from last night, but the maitre'd was having none of as I was asking for a single. When I mentioned the lack of luggage, and thus no long pants, he suggested I ask Reception to find a pair from the crew. He also mentioned that they try to make sure everyone on board gets a chance to eat at the restaurant during the trip, and my singleness took away a table, and I had already eaten there. I look forward to repeating this in the comment card we are to expect.
Went to the On-Board boutique and did find a pair of long pants (this is the bill Air France will get for up to 100 Euro inconvenience). There was a gathering of single people, apparently there are 15 singles on the trip. 11 showed up . Only 1 other guy, and 9 divorced or widowed women. It was an interesting chat,
Then the Capitan's welcome and dinner.
The band playing at the Captains welcome was a standard 4 piece combo(piano, drums, guitar, bass), but their accents were decidedly not American, and that made the songs sound just, weird. Especially the 60's classics they played during their set.
When I got to the restaurant they asked if I wanted to shard a table, and I was fine with it. I sat with a couple from Texas, a couple from Switzerland and 2 of the single women I had met earlier. I had the Duck L'Orange for dinner. In my two dinner meals, I have found that the serving size is very French and not American restaurant size portions. I applaud this compared to Viking.
As I sit her typing this, I knew I was under the Performance theatre, and I can here it.
The seas are rough tonight, but to me it feels like turbulence.
留言