We crossed the international date line last night. Went to bed on Tuesday, 22-Jan and woke up on Thursday, 24-Jan. I’d complain about someone owing me a day somewhere, but I’m on a luxury world cruise, so I’m getting over it rather easily.
Rarotonga
We visited Rarotonga the other day, and once we stepped off the tender several guests mentioned they were a bit confused, but couldn’t say why. Then I pointed out the cars drove on the left side of the road. Previous islands were part of French Polynesia, but Rarotonga is part of the Cook Islands, which is a self-governing set of islands associated with New Zealand. You knew you were on a different kind of island when there is a car rental place right off of the pier.
About 40 of us rode two buses to Muri Beach on the south eastern part of the island for snorkeling. We boated out into the lagoon aboard two glass-bottom boats, which I have not really traveled in before. Flippers and mask/snorkels were provided. I’ve snorkeled since I was a child, but it has been over 10 years. I allowed everyone else to leave the boat and enjoyed looking thru the three large panes of “glass” at the bottom of the boat. Once I jumped in it took several minutes before I felt comfortable in a mask again. There were not any amazing fish, but the clams were larger that rugby balls. Several guests brought their own gear, and I saw a total face mask that I had not seen before. I need to try that.
After swimming they took us to a little island across the lagoon and we had a fabulous fruit buffet and they demonstrated how to climb coconut trees. No, I did not attempt it.
Caviar
The other night I decided to dine in my cabin, and ordered some caviar. It came within a unique serving platter. The tin of Oscietra fish eggs – sorry, “roe” – is in the middle within an ice bath. Clockwise from 12:00 there are finely diced red onions, finely diced chives, some blini (buckwheat pancakes), finely diced hard-boiled egg yolk, finely diced egg white and sour cream. I’m probably doing it wrong, but I run out of blini after only 1/4 of the tin.
Our kids have full face masks & I have used Rachel’s more than she has! It is fantastic, because it’s much more comfortable and enables better vision, but I haven’t figured out how to dive under and clear it without removing it
Funny, your missing day is tagged at the bottom of this post! I’m enjoying your narrative and pictures; I can hear your voice as I read, lol!