Pitcairn Island

This is one of the World's most remote inhabited island. It is half way between New Zealand and the Americas. People of Pitcairn are a unique community of Anglo-Tahitian descent evolving from the famous Bounty mutiny. Today there are approximately 60 residents with only 47 being permanent and the rest are transient. Their main source of income is tourism (through cruise ships). They make wooden carvings and small paintings. As a souvenier we purchased a small carving of the H.M.A.V. Bounty, 1790. To this day most of the inhabitants are direct decendents of Fletcher Christian and the mutineers. We were able to meet two of them, one David Brown, the other Pawl Christian. What an amazing day! Unfortunately unable to tender in as there is no place to dock on the island...much to dangerous, which is why Fletcher Christian destroyed the Bounty and stayed. We are having the most incredible voyage.

Easter Island

After 4 days at sea we arrived at Easter Island. The seas were calm but the swells were huge. It became very difficult to board the tenders. At times the tenders fell 2-3 feet below the ship. They suspended service and we thought we may not get ashore. However, after a while it was resumed. We hired a private car and Gary and I went to see several of the Moai, the giant stone monoliths. There are 3,400 inhabitants but they think that the society that produced the great stone Moai no longer exists. The inhabitants are mostly Polynesian. At one time there were many South Americans on the island. They lived in harmony for man years but began to fight when the island became overcrowded. The South Americans were all killed. Easter Island is part of Chile and the people speak only Spanish. Their main source of revenue is tourism. The Island was once lush with palm trees & rain forests. Now it is very desolate with the only vegetation surrounding the town. Hundreds of horses run freely and now outnumber the people. To see the Moai was an experience we will never forget. The people that built them still remains a mystery.

PERU & SAN BLAS ISL

Our ship, The Pacific Princess, was built in 1999 for Renaissance Cruise lines. Unfortunately, they went out of business a few years ago due to 9-11. The ship is small but elegant. It weighs 30,000 tons, takes 688 passengers and the crew numbers approximately 370. There is fine art and sculptures throughout. The library is extensive and the boat kept immaculate. Dark wood, leather sofas and beautiful fabrics. The wait staff in the dining room is great and the food has been excellent. The cruise director, J.J., was on the Royal Princess with us when we went to Antarctica. This type of cruise attracts an older group of people. Those that have just retired or have been retired for sevral years. All have worked very hard to be able to enjoy this luxurious lifestyle. Most are fit and energetic but some are not well and unable to do some of the strenous side trips ashore. Others simply chose to take the time off for the experience. Some are only doing a segment, Florida to Sydney. There are also young children on board. Our routine has become to workout first in the fitness center, have breakfast and sit at the pool, swiming or reading a book until lunch. There are always lectures, the computer room or conversations with new acquaintences. We are on the late seating for dinner where we have a table for 4 but block out the other two seats. When we meet someone we enjoy, we invite them to dine with us. The Maitre D, Renzo, has been great and very accomodating.

Wonder of wonders I ran into a girl that was a friend in high school. Of course neither of us has changed a bit. Her husband is a retired Delta Airline pilot so he and Gary had a lot in common.


From Grand Cayman, we went to Kuna Yala, San Blas which was very interesting. The people live in straw huts with dirt floors. It is very poor but the people were friendly. The following day we went through the Panama Canal which is always amazing. It takes all day from 5 A.M. until 4 P.M. We had 2 days at sea then docked in Manta, Ecuador. Manta is a large seaport but there is not much to see in the city.

San Blas

San Blas

San Blas

Inca Kola?  Love it!

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We are now in Mira Flores which is just outside of Lima in Peru. We have a car that will take us around and we will spend 2 days in Peru. We have been here several times and have seen most of the places of interest. The city looks beautiful and has been cleaned up considerably since we were here previously

Great Restaurant - La Rosa Nautica (above & below)

Grand Cayman

We finally made it! Right now we are in an internet caft in Grand Cayman. The airport was a breeze - worried so about the luggage but did curbside check in and it went right through. The ship is lovely as is our cabin and balcony. Met the Captain last night and spoke to him for quite a while. Since he is also a sailor and has several motorcycles (two of Gary's passions),we will be having dinner together very soon. We are trying very hard to keep our food consumption to a minimum but it's very hard. We worked out yesterday and will try to do so daily. Gary says making lots of love will keep us both thin...should I believe this? Will keep in touch.

Ready To Go

Well, the time is finally here. It's 5:30 p.m. on the 9th and we are all packed and the suitcases are by the front door. I never thought we would get to this point, but looking back, it doesn't seem like we have been counting down the days for almost 1 year. If we clear the weight restrictions we'll be home free (really anxious about that). Hard to believe that at this time tomorrow we will have just left Ft. Lauderdale en route to Grand Cayman. I will do my best to keep up this blog and am looking forward to doing so. So long Chicago, see you in the spring.