Having technical difficulties, so just click on the link below to view them larger
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Trying to leave Tahiti
We were officially delayed 5 hours out of Tahiti (on Air Tahiti Nui), making our plane leave at 4:30am Monday morning, as opposed to 11:30pm Sunday night. We tried to get a hold of Singapore Air to change our flights from LA to Tokyo, since we would now miss our connection, but didn't have any luck. When we finally arrived in Papeete (Tahiti), all ticket counters were closed, so we were really SOL. Mike and I took a cab to the Intercontinental and booked a room...due to this disaster, they only had rooms with 2 singles bed in them, but we didn't care. We finally got to a computer and were able to get numbers to call SA to change our flight. We were scheduled to arrive in LA at 11am and then leave at 3pm on Monday to Tokyo, but we were able to change it to the next day because our delay was due to the Icelandic volcano. How, I have no idea, but that is what we were told.
Damn volcanic ash. We grabbed some quick dinner, and then it was time to get some sleep because it was going to be a long morning. We woke up and got to the airport by 1:30am to check in and what not. We got through everything and were finally sitting in the area and see that our plane is just sitting out there.
- Time continues to pass and at about 3:30am, Mike decided it was time to start drinking again.
- 4:30am hits and no sign of us boarding the plane anytime soon.
- Slighly after that, someone makes an announce that we weren't going to board until 5:15am...Mike is still drinking and ran into our Price is Right couple while getting another beer
- 5:15 and still no boarding and lots of angry people. Someone comes on to apologize and than says the only open food/beverage counter will be giving complimentry drinks and food to all guests. Well that line sure got long, fast. Mike was happy he had just bought a beer.
- 6am and Mike was much happier drinking; however, I was not.
- 6:30am and we were finally boarding.
As we walked out to get on the plane, we noticed that it was the same plane that was sitting there since 1am when we showed up. So, it obviously was not delayed inbound from the volcano. Yet that it was Air Tahiti Nui kept blaming. It worked out for us since we could switch our flight to the next day, but I think they're just idiots and used it as a good excuse.
As I climbed the stairs to get into the plane, I knew my seat and had put my ticket stub in my passport and gave it to Mike. As I reached the flight attendant I said "16 A" and continued to walk on. She grabbed my shoulder to stop me and said "Ma'am it is not my fault we are delayed. Do not take it out on me." Ooooo, I was pissed because I didn't do anything to warrant such behavior or tone especially since I knew where I was going and wasn't holding up the line. She ended up being the person who served us and didn't do a great job. She managed to open a champagne bottle right where we were sitting and it sprayed all over us and the couples in front and to the right of us. She didn't even apologize, but said some stuff in French. Upon arrival in LA, she continued to be rude. While taxiing, well just sitting on the runway, she went through the aisles to make sure everyone had their seat belt on and was mean about it. Then the couple in front of us were on the phone getting their messages and she told them they couldn't be on the phone. And then made it a point to get on the PA system and announce it again to everyone. She was B-OTCH, to say the least. Air Tahiti flying home sucked, literally and the ticket counter at the LA airport refused to give us any vouchers or compensation for the night before and for the extra night we were staying in LA. Needless to say, I was fuming, but got the girl's name and customer service info.
We finally made it on our SA flight Tuesday and arrived in Japan on Wednesday evening. WE had a fabulous time in Bora Bora, just not so much fun coming home.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Last day in Bora Bora
Sunday arrived way too quickly and it was officially our last day in Bora Bora. Mike and I woke up extra early to try to see the sunrise. To our luck, the day we finally did it, it was extremely cloudy, so no sunrise. From our picture, you can tell its quite early!
At 8am, it was time for breakfast and it arrived via canoe, which was cool. We opted for the traditional Polynesian breakfast, which included raw fish in coconut milk, fruit bowl, juice, coffee, and pastries. While they set up breakfast, the canoe man, took us on canoe ride, which we entered from our balcony ladder into the ocean. Breakfast was good and then it was time for our last adventure.
What better way to leave paradise, then completely relaxed from the spa treatments. We booked the private suite for 2 and each of us had a foot treatment, body scrub, and massage. It was so enjoyable. As we lay face down, there was a glass bottom allowing us to look at all the fish swimming underneath this cabana, which was cool. There were all kinds of fish, I especially liked the colorful ones! After our treatments, we had the suite for an hour to continue relaxing, which is what we did as we soaked in the coconut water bath. We even had complimentry juice and fruit while we sat on the deck and enjoyed the scenary. Unfortunately, it was time to go back to our bungalow and get ready to leave...tear
Our boat was schedule to take us to the airport at 3:30pm, however, we got to the reception area about 45 minutes early, to square away our bill. And that is when we that our flight out of Tahiti was delayed 5 hours, which became a big headache.
At 8am, it was time for breakfast and it arrived via canoe, which was cool. We opted for the traditional Polynesian breakfast, which included raw fish in coconut milk, fruit bowl, juice, coffee, and pastries. While they set up breakfast, the canoe man, took us on canoe ride, which we entered from our balcony ladder into the ocean. Breakfast was good and then it was time for our last adventure.
What better way to leave paradise, then completely relaxed from the spa treatments. We booked the private suite for 2 and each of us had a foot treatment, body scrub, and massage. It was so enjoyable. As we lay face down, there was a glass bottom allowing us to look at all the fish swimming underneath this cabana, which was cool. There were all kinds of fish, I especially liked the colorful ones! After our treatments, we had the suite for an hour to continue relaxing, which is what we did as we soaked in the coconut water bath. We even had complimentry juice and fruit while we sat on the deck and enjoyed the scenary. Unfortunately, it was time to go back to our bungalow and get ready to leave...tear
Our boat was schedule to take us to the airport at 3:30pm, however, we got to the reception area about 45 minutes early, to square away our bill. And that is when we that our flight out of Tahiti was delayed 5 hours, which became a big headache.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Villa Mahana
Saturday evening, our last evening in Bora Bora and we had a reservation at the best restaurant on the island, Villa Mahana. Our travel agent booked the reservation for us and we were really excited as we had heard such good things from everyone. When we told some of the people where we were going (including the NHL player), they told us they hadn't been able to get a reservation and were jealous. We boarded the boat to take us to the main island and 30 minutes later, we docked. We found the van that was to take use to the restaurant and hopped in.
We arrived at Villa Mahana and it was exactly as it had been described, this man's house with only 7 tables all outside. We walked in and gave our name and then were led to our table, up the stairs, the V.I.P. table, overlooking the rest of restaurant. It was awesome. I had to be careful as I climbed the stairs not to fall in my 4' wedge heels! Our table was great and we had a cushioned bench to sit on. The chef arrived about 10 minutes later to review the menu and take our order. What service, the chef, himself. First we started off with a glass of champagne to toast our last evening. Then Mike and I each decided to do the course menu and ordered a bottle of wine.
The food was magnificent and definitely worth going there. Our only complaint was that our beef course, which was literally a chunk of beef, with gnocchi, was too salty, but cooked to any meat lovers perfection, medium rare. Even the dessert was delicious! During dinner, we were greeted by a few lizzies that camped out on the lights. There was a big one just behind our heads in a little alcove. I think he was waiting for us to both get up and then was going to run out and eat our leftovers. After dinner, we headed back to catch out boat to the hotel.
Oh yeah, and we, well I, figured out that there were more stars staying with us at our hotel. Any CW fans will know who I am talking about. The guy who played Dean on Gilmore Girls, who now stars on Supernatural, Jared Padalecki, and his wife, Genevieve Cortese, also a star on Supernatural, were staying at the 4 Seasons and had dinner at Villa Mahana as well. We had the better table than them, hahaha.
We arrived at Villa Mahana and it was exactly as it had been described, this man's house with only 7 tables all outside. We walked in and gave our name and then were led to our table, up the stairs, the V.I.P. table, overlooking the rest of restaurant. It was awesome. I had to be careful as I climbed the stairs not to fall in my 4' wedge heels! Our table was great and we had a cushioned bench to sit on. The chef arrived about 10 minutes later to review the menu and take our order. What service, the chef, himself. First we started off with a glass of champagne to toast our last evening. Then Mike and I each decided to do the course menu and ordered a bottle of wine.
The food was magnificent and definitely worth going there. Our only complaint was that our beef course, which was literally a chunk of beef, with gnocchi, was too salty, but cooked to any meat lovers perfection, medium rare. Even the dessert was delicious! During dinner, we were greeted by a few lizzies that camped out on the lights. There was a big one just behind our heads in a little alcove. I think he was waiting for us to both get up and then was going to run out and eat our leftovers. After dinner, we headed back to catch out boat to the hotel.
Oh yeah, and we, well I, figured out that there were more stars staying with us at our hotel. Any CW fans will know who I am talking about. The guy who played Dean on Gilmore Girls, who now stars on Supernatural, Jared Padalecki, and his wife, Genevieve Cortese, also a star on Supernatural, were staying at the 4 Seasons and had dinner at Villa Mahana as well. We had the better table than them, hahaha.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Romantic Tour Saturday
So we signed up for something called "Romantic Boat Tour" for Saturday morning, not really knowing exactly what it was. One of the couples we went snorkeling with on Friday told us their friends had done it, and the guide videotaped them for a few hours. When they watched the video, it was mostly a tape of her boobs. So we weren't all that excited about it.
But when our guide showed up, he seemed really cool. He didn't have a video camera, and told us that he was going to take a bunch of pictures, similar to the wedding day pictures, just for our honeymoon. And it turned out to be a lot of fun. We started off with some pictures of us on the boat and various views behind us, either of the island or some of the surrounding motus.
Then we went to the coral garden, the same one we had visited on our own while we were at the Sofitel. We saw a bunch more fish this time. And again he gave us some bread, and was taking underwater pictures of us through the fish. So we do actually have some photos that you can see under the water and how cool it was with all the fish. And then, just at the end, there was this huge thing moving out of one of the rocks. Mike started poking me and pointing at it, and it kept slithering out more and more. When we got above water, I asked what it was, and he said "That's amore! Eel, that is." (Moray eel) He'd been waiting all vacation to use that one. It was probably about 4 feet long and swam out of the coral bed to another one. Our guide was too far ahead and didn't see it, so we don't have any pictures, but it was really cool.
We finished snorkeling, and then took the boat over to an area that had white sand on the ocean floor and was about 3 feet deep.
We jumped out, and then our guide showed us Amanda's favorite part. He pulled out a bottle of champagne, which we either didn't know or had forgotten was included, and then told us he had no glasses. So he pulled out a coconut, and showed us the coconut face and how to open it, and then did right in front of us. He gave each of us a half and we drank some of the coconut water inside (not coconut milk, you have to mix the skin up to get that). It wasn't very good, so we both dumped it out after a while. But then we got to fill it up with champagne! YAY!! That tasted much better. We now drank champagne out of a coconut while standing in the ocean that stretched everywhere we looked. Something that is a must-do if you come to the South Pacific.
But when our guide showed up, he seemed really cool. He didn't have a video camera, and told us that he was going to take a bunch of pictures, similar to the wedding day pictures, just for our honeymoon. And it turned out to be a lot of fun. We started off with some pictures of us on the boat and various views behind us, either of the island or some of the surrounding motus.
Then we went to the coral garden, the same one we had visited on our own while we were at the Sofitel. We saw a bunch more fish this time. And again he gave us some bread, and was taking underwater pictures of us through the fish. So we do actually have some photos that you can see under the water and how cool it was with all the fish. And then, just at the end, there was this huge thing moving out of one of the rocks. Mike started poking me and pointing at it, and it kept slithering out more and more. When we got above water, I asked what it was, and he said "That's amore! Eel, that is." (Moray eel) He'd been waiting all vacation to use that one. It was probably about 4 feet long and swam out of the coral bed to another one. Our guide was too far ahead and didn't see it, so we don't have any pictures, but it was really cool.
We finished snorkeling, and then took the boat over to an area that had white sand on the ocean floor and was about 3 feet deep.
We jumped out, and then our guide showed us Amanda's favorite part. He pulled out a bottle of champagne, which we either didn't know or had forgotten was included, and then told us he had no glasses. So he pulled out a coconut, and showed us the coconut face and how to open it, and then did right in front of us. He gave each of us a half and we drank some of the coconut water inside (not coconut milk, you have to mix the skin up to get that). It wasn't very good, so we both dumped it out after a while. But then we got to fill it up with champagne! YAY!! That tasted much better. We now drank champagne out of a coconut while standing in the ocean that stretched everywhere we looked. Something that is a must-do if you come to the South Pacific.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Snorkeling adventure on Friday
On Friday it was time to snorkel again, this time as part of an official tour. We signed up for a half day adventure, which ended up being with 2 other couples. One of the guys was an NHL player for Columbus, Antoine Vermette. I just looked him up, and he is apparently pretty good, as he's an assistant captain and was 41st in the league in points. Nice. We actually saw them some more as they were on the same flight as us out a few days later.
As for the snorkeling itself, it was great. Our first stop was out in the deep water trying to see a manta ray. They are apparently huge. I say apparently because it was too murky to see them. Murky is a relative term - we could only see about 30 meters down, and needed to see about 50m to see them on the bottom. So pretty darn clear water. Mike was first in the water, and the boat guide through him a chunk of bread. He was immediately surrounded by a bunch of colorful fish trying to eat the bread, or his hand, whichever they got to first.
We didn't get to see the sting ray and moved on to the next area. Now this is cool, we got to see about 8-10 spotted eagle rays wandering about on the floor. We had to keep quiet and not make too much noise in the water, as they would flutter away super fast. It was spectacular to see them swimming and so close. Another terrific thing to have seem.
Towards the end of the tour, we moved on to another area, which was a giant coral near the outer reef. We started venturing out by ourselves, since the water was only a few feet deep. Mike was first out of the boat and swimming, and after a few minutes of seeing a bunch of different fish, he pointed out an octopus. It was hiding in the coral, and so we called our guide over to see if he could get it out and show it to us. Apparently the day before he had taken one and thrown it at somebody and they got inked. He came over and started poking it with his snorkel. Unfortunately, the hole turned out to be a big cave under the coral so the octopus just went away and we didn't get to see it anymore.
That was pretty much the end of snorkeling. We saw a bunch of different fish but didn't get to take any pictures since the underwater camera broke. After that we just came back to the pool again and spent the afternoon in one of the cabanas reading and sleeping.
For the evening, we booked a private sunset cruise for 2. Mike and I enjoyed some canapes to start with, followed by a sushi plate, and then ended with dessert. Of course, when looking at the sunset, you must drink the bubbly, so that is what we did. The sunset was amazing and we lucked out since the past few days, the sunset was blocked by the clouds.
As for the snorkeling itself, it was great. Our first stop was out in the deep water trying to see a manta ray. They are apparently huge. I say apparently because it was too murky to see them. Murky is a relative term - we could only see about 30 meters down, and needed to see about 50m to see them on the bottom. So pretty darn clear water. Mike was first in the water, and the boat guide through him a chunk of bread. He was immediately surrounded by a bunch of colorful fish trying to eat the bread, or his hand, whichever they got to first.
We didn't get to see the sting ray and moved on to the next area. Now this is cool, we got to see about 8-10 spotted eagle rays wandering about on the floor. We had to keep quiet and not make too much noise in the water, as they would flutter away super fast. It was spectacular to see them swimming and so close. Another terrific thing to have seem.
Towards the end of the tour, we moved on to another area, which was a giant coral near the outer reef. We started venturing out by ourselves, since the water was only a few feet deep. Mike was first out of the boat and swimming, and after a few minutes of seeing a bunch of different fish, he pointed out an octopus. It was hiding in the coral, and so we called our guide over to see if he could get it out and show it to us. Apparently the day before he had taken one and thrown it at somebody and they got inked. He came over and started poking it with his snorkel. Unfortunately, the hole turned out to be a big cave under the coral so the octopus just went away and we didn't get to see it anymore.
That was pretty much the end of snorkeling. We saw a bunch of different fish but didn't get to take any pictures since the underwater camera broke. After that we just came back to the pool again and spent the afternoon in one of the cabanas reading and sleeping.
For the evening, we booked a private sunset cruise for 2. Mike and I enjoyed some canapes to start with, followed by a sushi plate, and then ended with dessert. Of course, when looking at the sunset, you must drink the bubbly, so that is what we did. The sunset was amazing and we lucked out since the past few days, the sunset was blocked by the clouds.
Jet skiing on Thursday
Thursday morning came so quickly and soon it was time for our next activity. We had breakfast early, so as not to have our stomachs too full when it came to jet ski.
9am came and it was time to head out on the jet ski around the island. We only rented one and guess who got to drive...not me of course. ARG Another couple was with us as well as our guide, who we followed around. We both had never been on a jet ski before and Mike needed to get the hang of driving. He overcame that learning curve quick, as he started to have way too much fun going faster than need be. I would say that we were able to see the island in a new light as we zipped by it on the jet ski, but we were going soooo fast and I had to hold on, that we really didn't see much of the island! About half way around, we stopped off in a shallow area near and motu and our guide let us play in the water and cut some fresh fruit for us. The couple we met took our picture wiht the background and offered to email us the pictures, but we are yet to see them arrive in our inbox...if they do, then that picture will go here____
We continued on the tour and about 3/4 of the way around the island, our guide gave the signal allowing us a free for all...Mike took this opportunity to go as fast as he could and we had fun going fast and going in circles. The tour ended, but what to do with the rest of our day....
We headed to the pool, which was beautiful and had somewhat of a swim-up bar area. The bar wasn't in the pool, but there were seats in the water, where you could read, chat, enjoy drinks...whatever you wanted. We ordered fruity drinks and sat there in the water to enjoy them.
I got the house special, archipelgo, which came in a coconut, that was as big as my head. It was delicious as it was made with coconut ice cream, rum and some other stuff.
Mike had some blue drink, which also good. For the next couple of hours, we just lounged at the pool.
Later, before the sunset, we headed over to the sunset bar, which had a great view of the sunset while enjoying drinks. Mike and I had a drink first while watching the sunset and then ordered the sunset bar special for 2, which was 2 signature drinks and a sushi roll. Even in Bora Bora, we couldn't get away from the sushi. During the time while the sun was setting, a couple walked in and sat maybe, 10 feet away from us on the bar. I looked at them and was like, they look really familiar and then it hit me.....I was so excited, it was LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian. I actually recognized him first and then when I saw her, I knew it was them. I was so excited and told Mike, who didn't believe me. I had to explain who the guy was and told him he should really keep up with this stuff. I wanted to go take a picture, but Mike wouldn't let me and put the camera in his pocket. I would have tried to get it, but that may have been too much for the public! Not sure if anyone else recognized them, as no one bothered them. I guess they did appreciate the privacy, but come on, when do I ever get to see stars...Here is where I would I have put their picture ____
For dinner, we just had a pizza delivered for dinner since we were so tired. A lizzie showed up to watch us eat once the pizza got there. We also watched a movie and even in hot degree climates, Amanda still managed to get cold, so here she is with the entire comforter around her!
9am came and it was time to head out on the jet ski around the island. We only rented one and guess who got to drive...not me of course. ARG Another couple was with us as well as our guide, who we followed around. We both had never been on a jet ski before and Mike needed to get the hang of driving. He overcame that learning curve quick, as he started to have way too much fun going faster than need be. I would say that we were able to see the island in a new light as we zipped by it on the jet ski, but we were going soooo fast and I had to hold on, that we really didn't see much of the island! About half way around, we stopped off in a shallow area near and motu and our guide let us play in the water and cut some fresh fruit for us. The couple we met took our picture wiht the background and offered to email us the pictures, but we are yet to see them arrive in our inbox...if they do, then that picture will go here____
We continued on the tour and about 3/4 of the way around the island, our guide gave the signal allowing us a free for all...Mike took this opportunity to go as fast as he could and we had fun going fast and going in circles. The tour ended, but what to do with the rest of our day....
We headed to the pool, which was beautiful and had somewhat of a swim-up bar area. The bar wasn't in the pool, but there were seats in the water, where you could read, chat, enjoy drinks...whatever you wanted. We ordered fruity drinks and sat there in the water to enjoy them.
I got the house special, archipelgo, which came in a coconut, that was as big as my head. It was delicious as it was made with coconut ice cream, rum and some other stuff.
Mike had some blue drink, which also good. For the next couple of hours, we just lounged at the pool.
Later, before the sunset, we headed over to the sunset bar, which had a great view of the sunset while enjoying drinks. Mike and I had a drink first while watching the sunset and then ordered the sunset bar special for 2, which was 2 signature drinks and a sushi roll. Even in Bora Bora, we couldn't get away from the sushi. During the time while the sun was setting, a couple walked in and sat maybe, 10 feet away from us on the bar. I looked at them and was like, they look really familiar and then it hit me.....I was so excited, it was LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian. I actually recognized him first and then when I saw her, I knew it was them. I was so excited and told Mike, who didn't believe me. I had to explain who the guy was and told him he should really keep up with this stuff. I wanted to go take a picture, but Mike wouldn't let me and put the camera in his pocket. I would have tried to get it, but that may have been too much for the public! Not sure if anyone else recognized them, as no one bothered them. I guess they did appreciate the privacy, but come on, when do I ever get to see stars...Here is where I would I have put their picture ____
For dinner, we just had a pizza delivered for dinner since we were so tired. A lizzie showed up to watch us eat once the pizza got there. We also watched a movie and even in hot degree climates, Amanda still managed to get cold, so here she is with the entire comforter around her!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Bye Bye Sofitel, HELLO 4 Seasons
Wednesday came so quickly and it was time for us to move to our next hotel, which was on the motu and a bit more private. We arrived at the new hotel about 11:30am and were greeted with shell leis. We squared away the important stuff and then were whisked away to our over-the-water bungalow, which was phenomenal. It was huge, with its own living room area, separate garden tub and shower, plus the balcony which had a table and lounge chairs, and not to mention stairs that led into the ocean.
Here is Mike enjoying the ocean beneath our bungalow.
We settled in and then booked some activites for the morning hours. We were suppose to take it easy here, but didn't do that. Next we went over to the Lagoon Sanctuary that was specially created for the hotel. You can take tours with the marine biologists or just snorkel it yourself and see all the cool looking fish and coral. Mike and I decided to do it ourselves, so off we went into the lagoon. We were able to see all kinds of colorful fish and some schools of fish. Again, couldn't tell you which ones. We saw this one long, thin, white fish that had a very long nose? maybe...i don't know, but it was cool. There's also an octopus in the lagoon, but we couldn't find it. They say when you take the tour, the guide finds it and pulls it out for you..hmmm
We headed back to our bunaglow and swam in the ocean around the bungalow, just because. We got ready and right before the sun started to set, we received our complimentry champagne and chef chocolates to enjoy out on the balcony. This hotel knows what they are doing as every complimentry item came at the perfect moment. Mike and I toasted again and watched the sunset. Mike even managed to get our picture by using the timer on our camera. I don't know how to work that feature, but I'm glad he does. It was a nice way to start off the second half of our honeymoon.
After the sunset we headed into the main restaurant for dinner. One thing about the hotel, it was so big that they had you call the front desk and ask for a ride in the golf cart. The restaurant was very nice, and we tried to get some pictures of the courses since they were presented so nice, but this is all I got for Mike's first course.
He was hungry. No savoring at all.
Here is Mike enjoying the ocean beneath our bungalow.
We settled in and then booked some activites for the morning hours. We were suppose to take it easy here, but didn't do that. Next we went over to the Lagoon Sanctuary that was specially created for the hotel. You can take tours with the marine biologists or just snorkel it yourself and see all the cool looking fish and coral. Mike and I decided to do it ourselves, so off we went into the lagoon. We were able to see all kinds of colorful fish and some schools of fish. Again, couldn't tell you which ones. We saw this one long, thin, white fish that had a very long nose? maybe...i don't know, but it was cool. There's also an octopus in the lagoon, but we couldn't find it. They say when you take the tour, the guide finds it and pulls it out for you..hmmm
We headed back to our bunaglow and swam in the ocean around the bungalow, just because. We got ready and right before the sun started to set, we received our complimentry champagne and chef chocolates to enjoy out on the balcony. This hotel knows what they are doing as every complimentry item came at the perfect moment. Mike and I toasted again and watched the sunset. Mike even managed to get our picture by using the timer on our camera. I don't know how to work that feature, but I'm glad he does. It was a nice way to start off the second half of our honeymoon.
After the sunset we headed into the main restaurant for dinner. One thing about the hotel, it was so big that they had you call the front desk and ask for a ride in the golf cart. The restaurant was very nice, and we tried to get some pictures of the courses since they were presented so nice, but this is all I got for Mike's first course.
He was hungry. No savoring at all.
The Price is Wrong, Biyatch!
Tuesday evening, after our shark and ray feeding adventure, we agreed to meet up with the other couples at the bar. We arrived first, and while we waited, we struck up a conversation with another guy at the bar. He told us that he was here with his friend (platonic, he stressed) who had won her trip on the Price is Right. Pretty cool story, right? It gets better.
Our friends showed up, so we joined them, sat around and had drinks and then went out to a pizza place with a few of them for dinner. When we were done, we decided to go back to the bar. We pulled a bunch of chairs together, and while we were sitting there this guy walked back in with his friend. So we called them over to join us. Another couple, overheard us speaking English and came over to join us as well.
During the course of the conversation, we asked how they had ended up coming together since they weren't dating. So it came out that this lady's husband had passed away in October last year, and this guy was one of his good friends. We asked Kim if she was okay, and she goes, 'yeah, I'm great'. Not the answer we were expecting. So the new couple, self-proclaimed blunt Australians, asked what had happened. It turns out that he was killed in a car accident. The driver of the car was his secretary, who survived, and who was the sister of the husband's best friend, and also his mistress. They were on their way to the family lakehouse. It was a very convoluted mess since the lady survived, and now has wrecked several families in the process. Our new Aussie friend summed it up well - "Congratulations!".
Moral of the story: Don't go on the Price is Right.
Our friends showed up, so we joined them, sat around and had drinks and then went out to a pizza place with a few of them for dinner. When we were done, we decided to go back to the bar. We pulled a bunch of chairs together, and while we were sitting there this guy walked back in with his friend. So we called them over to join us. Another couple, overheard us speaking English and came over to join us as well.
During the course of the conversation, we asked how they had ended up coming together since they weren't dating. So it came out that this lady's husband had passed away in October last year, and this guy was one of his good friends. We asked Kim if she was okay, and she goes, 'yeah, I'm great'. Not the answer we were expecting. So the new couple, self-proclaimed blunt Australians, asked what had happened. It turns out that he was killed in a car accident. The driver of the car was his secretary, who survived, and who was the sister of the husband's best friend, and also his mistress. They were on their way to the family lakehouse. It was a very convoluted mess since the lady survived, and now has wrecked several families in the process. Our new Aussie friend summed it up well - "Congratulations!".
Moral of the story: Don't go on the Price is Right.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Eco Touring
Tuesday was the all day Eco Tour excursion on our outrigger boat with 5 other couples! We started the morning out at 9:30 and had 3 things on the agenda. We also knew it would be sunny, so we packed all the sunscreen and reapplied as much as possible!
We headed out to an area where the guide does shark feeding everyday. The minute our boat was in the general area, we could see black tip fin sharks swimming all around.
Part of the tour was swimming with the sharks, so needless to say, I was kind of freaked, but excited. Once in the water with our snorkel masks on, we could only stay between the boat and the outrigger part attached to the boat, which didn't give us much room. Our guide told us, if the sharks bother you, just kick them. He failed to mention what to do if they had already chomped down on our foot though. However, it was really cool too see that many sharks in one area and they didn't even bother us as we watched them. Mike and I bought an underwater camera at the gift shop and he took it in to take some pictures. After about 4 of them, it broke...stupid camera, so we didn't get anymore pictures of them in the water. The lesson in this is to figure out how to use your new camera prior to entering the water with 4 foot long meat-eating fish. However, we did get some from inside the boat. We stayed with the sharks for about 20 minutes or so, and then headed on our way. We continued our tour around the island and learned some more stuff about the history. We finally made it all the way around and it was time for the next part...
Sting ray feeding, which was also cool. Again, I had to take pictures from the boat, but in some of them you can see the outline of the sting ray with its stinger!
So this feeding was definitely different as the sting rays were swimming all around us and as they passed by, they would touch us. Each time I had a sting ray slide by me, I would yell....they are slimy little buggers. Eww The guide told us we could also touch them, but to be carful about the stinger. I touched them a few times and they are really soft, which is not what I expected. However the underneath of them is slimy, which is what touches you. We spent a good while and it was cool. Then we headed over to a private motu for our picnic lunch, which was really good. The people that live there BBQ-ed some fish, meat, and chicken for us as well as providing a salad, rice, and drinks of all varieites. After lunch Mike and I spent some time just wandering in the water and sitting in it as we drank some Hinano beer. Unfortunately it was time to head back and on the way back, our guides now, sang and played some music for us using a drum and conch. We all passed the conch around to see if we could make some noise and both of us did after the 2nd try. It wasn't very loud, but hey, it was still noise.
All the couples agreed to meet for happy later that evening to continue getting to know each other. That's when it got interesting so to speak....
Bumpy, Bumpy roads & Bloody Mary's
Monday morning arrived as another beautiful day with the sun shining and another excursion planned. We decided to do the 4x4 Safari around the island, which was really cool and worth all the bumpy, bumpy roads!
We took the tour with another couple on their honeymoon, who were there from London. Our tour guide was funny and had the perfect personality to be a guide for one of these tours as he not only told us about the places and history, but added in his own anecdotes. At one stop, he made a point to tell us how much the Polynesians hated the French and loved Americans, because Americans brought hospitals, medicine and built roads, while all the French ever did was show up in the 1800's and say "Congratulations, you are now French!". It was pretty funny to hear him complain about them; I wonder what he says when he takes French people around.
We toured the island in a Range Rover jeep and mind you, there is only 1 road that takes you around the whole island. There were also other roads, well not roads, just paths of dirt and rocks, leading up into the mountains, which we took as well. AND had to hold on to dear life as we trekked up and down this rocky, dirt paths.
Now, no one likes bumpy paths, but as I mentioned, it was all worth it. We went up into the mountain at 4 different spots along the tour and the view was Spectacular...looking at the pictures, doesn't even do it justice, it was unbelievable.
And now we know where they take all those pictures that advertise for Bora Bora! Along one of the stops up, we got to see an old cannon that was left by the Americans back in the early 1940s. Mike thought it would be cool to sit on the cannon, so he did and I made him take some pictures.
Side history note:
The American army chose Bora Bora because there is only one port of entry into the dock. Everything else is surrounded by coral, which gave them the opportunity to see anyone/ship that was attempting to come into the island. When it was time to leave, the Americans just left it there because it was too heavy to move. I would have too!
Towards the end of the tour, we stopped at the black pearl farm and were able to see how the pearls are harvested. We made a final stop into the mountain and the view was gorgeous.
For dinner, we made a reservation at the famous Bloody Mary's restaurant.
We arrived and walked into sand as the whole restaurant floor is sand. All the food was set out on ice, so that we didn't have to read menus and the lovely hostess explained our choices.
In honor of the restaurant, Mike and I both, just had to try the signature Bloody Mary cocktail...it was delish with just the right amount of spice. Mike had the white tuna steak and I had the mahi mahi. While dining we also had a friend, white cat, who was not starving as it was fat, but eagerly attempted to get some food out of us and the rest of the diners. Not a fan of cats, so I was definitely not giving it anything. Dinner was good and we were really glad we made it here. We even bought some t-shirts, different ones of course, for each of us, but something that says, we were there.
We took the tour with another couple on their honeymoon, who were there from London. Our tour guide was funny and had the perfect personality to be a guide for one of these tours as he not only told us about the places and history, but added in his own anecdotes. At one stop, he made a point to tell us how much the Polynesians hated the French and loved Americans, because Americans brought hospitals, medicine and built roads, while all the French ever did was show up in the 1800's and say "Congratulations, you are now French!". It was pretty funny to hear him complain about them; I wonder what he says when he takes French people around.
We toured the island in a Range Rover jeep and mind you, there is only 1 road that takes you around the whole island. There were also other roads, well not roads, just paths of dirt and rocks, leading up into the mountains, which we took as well. AND had to hold on to dear life as we trekked up and down this rocky, dirt paths.
Now, no one likes bumpy paths, but as I mentioned, it was all worth it. We went up into the mountain at 4 different spots along the tour and the view was Spectacular...looking at the pictures, doesn't even do it justice, it was unbelievable.
And now we know where they take all those pictures that advertise for Bora Bora! Along one of the stops up, we got to see an old cannon that was left by the Americans back in the early 1940s. Mike thought it would be cool to sit on the cannon, so he did and I made him take some pictures.
Side history note:
The American army chose Bora Bora because there is only one port of entry into the dock. Everything else is surrounded by coral, which gave them the opportunity to see anyone/ship that was attempting to come into the island. When it was time to leave, the Americans just left it there because it was too heavy to move. I would have too!
Towards the end of the tour, we stopped at the black pearl farm and were able to see how the pearls are harvested. We made a final stop into the mountain and the view was gorgeous.
For dinner, we made a reservation at the famous Bloody Mary's restaurant.
We arrived and walked into sand as the whole restaurant floor is sand. All the food was set out on ice, so that we didn't have to read menus and the lovely hostess explained our choices.
In honor of the restaurant, Mike and I both, just had to try the signature Bloody Mary cocktail...it was delish with just the right amount of spice. Mike had the white tuna steak and I had the mahi mahi. While dining we also had a friend, white cat, who was not starving as it was fat, but eagerly attempted to get some food out of us and the rest of the diners. Not a fan of cats, so I was definitely not giving it anything. Dinner was good and we were really glad we made it here. We even bought some t-shirts, different ones of course, for each of us, but something that says, we were there.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Gone Fishin'
On Sunday we had an 8:30am excursion to go deep sea fishing. Mike really wanted to do this while we were here and since we had to move around some of the activities, this morning was perfect for some fishing.
Our guide picked us up, took us to the boat and within 10 minutes, we were off to fish. We were also on another side of the island, so we got to see more views and they were breathtaking. The water color wasn't too shabby, either. So we fished, well trolled, for the next 3 hours in hopes of a catching a fish. I got to (wo)man the boat for a bit while our guide fiddled with the rods. A little late Mike got to man the boat. For about an hour we followed the birds since they were suppose to lead us to the fish...I kept saying they were leading us astray and I was right. We didn't have much luck with the birds help, but did manage to get some nice bird swooping after flying fish pictures. On our way back, it finally happened....there a tug on the rod and we got something! Slowly Mike reeled it in and....
Mike caught a huge barracuda! Okay, it's not really that big, even for a barracuda, especially considering we were trying to catch some 100+ pound tuna, but look at the teeth on this sucker!
While the reeling was happening, I had to woman the boat and looked back every few seconds to see what was going on. After our guide got the club out and motioned to hit the barracuda, I turned around and just drove the boat. Hearing the clubbing was enough.
After fishing, we headed back to the hotel and spent some more time at the pool. Our guide was helpful in regards to restaurants to try, so for dinner, we did just that. We went to a quaint place, just down the road (can't remember the name) and had a really good and cheaper dinner than the hotel. The day was adventurous and fun-filled.
Our guide picked us up, took us to the boat and within 10 minutes, we were off to fish. We were also on another side of the island, so we got to see more views and they were breathtaking. The water color wasn't too shabby, either. So we fished, well trolled, for the next 3 hours in hopes of a catching a fish. I got to (wo)man the boat for a bit while our guide fiddled with the rods. A little late Mike got to man the boat. For about an hour we followed the birds since they were suppose to lead us to the fish...I kept saying they were leading us astray and I was right. We didn't have much luck with the birds help, but did manage to get some nice bird swooping after flying fish pictures. On our way back, it finally happened....there a tug on the rod and we got something! Slowly Mike reeled it in and....
Mike caught a huge barracuda! Okay, it's not really that big, even for a barracuda, especially considering we were trying to catch some 100+ pound tuna, but look at the teeth on this sucker!
While the reeling was happening, I had to woman the boat and looked back every few seconds to see what was going on. After our guide got the club out and motioned to hit the barracuda, I turned around and just drove the boat. Hearing the clubbing was enough.
After fishing, we headed back to the hotel and spent some more time at the pool. Our guide was helpful in regards to restaurants to try, so for dinner, we did just that. We went to a quaint place, just down the road (can't remember the name) and had a really good and cheaper dinner than the hotel. The day was adventurous and fun-filled.
Saturday, the first one
We woke up thinking it was like 9am, but turns out it was only 7am. 7am seemed to be the stable time in which we would wake up. Not sure why especially since its vacation and we were suppose to sleep in, but waking up and looking outside the window, I was not bothered that it was that early. However, before I got to the window, I discovered one of our friends crawling across the sheet. I screamed and Mike had to come and kill it for me. Just a beetle, but still. Bug 1, bug catcher 0.
On the agenda today, well we really didn't have anything planned since we couldn't do any activities. All activites had to be booked at least 2 days in advance, so we were stuck to figuring out what do. We started the day with a great breakfast complete with fresh. Mike headed out to the local convenient store to pick up lots of water (and beer) and then we lounged at the pool.
Such a nice pool, with it cascading over the edge and just about into the ocean. Just leaning up against it was great as our view was that magical blue water!
The pool was great, but we needed to do something other than just laying around. Mike and I took the boat over to the hotel's private motu (island) and decided to snorkel around it to see the coral reef. The coral reef was suppose to be amazing, but there was no great way for us to get there other than swim or have a boat drop us off. So swimming we went, which was great until we had to manuveur around coral so we didn't get scratched. After swimming for what felt like forever, we finally started to see some great looking fish. We worked our way through various coral mounds and saw lots of cool fish. I don't know anything about fish, so i can't really tell you what we saw, but I can tell we saw lots and lots of sea urchins. Now I don't know why, but I think sea urchins are the coolest thing ever. Maybe its because they are black or black with spikes. Either way, I think they are the coolest thing to see, which of course, Mike laughed at me when I told him how excited I was. We finally made it around to the other side of the motu, but didn't have a great path to get out of the water. I was annoyed since Mike led us this way, so we ended up walking, in fins, over coral with the current coming in. Not the best thing to do, but we made it on shore. As we were walking back, we stumbled upon a crab mound, which was cool. Thankfully we had no pinchers on our toes.
Good snorkeling excursion, which also geared us up for the next one.
For dinner, we decided to try the hotel restaurant and found out it wasn't that great. We decided to find a local place for dinner the rest of the nights. And as we laid out on the beach, in the dark, looking up at the stars, we got to see the moon rise again over the bungalows and it was AMAZING, again.
night
On the agenda today, well we really didn't have anything planned since we couldn't do any activities. All activites had to be booked at least 2 days in advance, so we were stuck to figuring out what do. We started the day with a great breakfast complete with fresh. Mike headed out to the local convenient store to pick up lots of water (and beer) and then we lounged at the pool.
Such a nice pool, with it cascading over the edge and just about into the ocean. Just leaning up against it was great as our view was that magical blue water!
The pool was great, but we needed to do something other than just laying around. Mike and I took the boat over to the hotel's private motu (island) and decided to snorkel around it to see the coral reef. The coral reef was suppose to be amazing, but there was no great way for us to get there other than swim or have a boat drop us off. So swimming we went, which was great until we had to manuveur around coral so we didn't get scratched. After swimming for what felt like forever, we finally started to see some great looking fish. We worked our way through various coral mounds and saw lots of cool fish. I don't know anything about fish, so i can't really tell you what we saw, but I can tell we saw lots and lots of sea urchins. Now I don't know why, but I think sea urchins are the coolest thing ever. Maybe its because they are black or black with spikes. Either way, I think they are the coolest thing to see, which of course, Mike laughed at me when I told him how excited I was. We finally made it around to the other side of the motu, but didn't have a great path to get out of the water. I was annoyed since Mike led us this way, so we ended up walking, in fins, over coral with the current coming in. Not the best thing to do, but we made it on shore. As we were walking back, we stumbled upon a crab mound, which was cool. Thankfully we had no pinchers on our toes.
Good snorkeling excursion, which also geared us up for the next one.
For dinner, we decided to try the hotel restaurant and found out it wasn't that great. We decided to find a local place for dinner the rest of the nights. And as we laid out on the beach, in the dark, looking up at the stars, we got to see the moon rise again over the bungalows and it was AMAZING, again.
night
Friday, May 14, 2010
BORA, BORA...Bora Bora
We left Tahiti at 9:50am and were on our way to Bora Bora or as it was originally called Pora Pora. I got a few snaps leaving Tahiti and then some as we landed on the very meager runway at the Bora Bora airport. It was a quick 45 minute flight and actually, longer than we expected, but didn't care since we were finally arriving on paradise. And yes, it was definitely paradise!
We were greeted by our first hotel with more flower leis, got our baggage, and hopped into a boat that took us to our first hotel of the adventure. As we arrived at the dock of the Sofitel Marara, there was a man playing a drum and whistling into a conch, welcoming us to the hotel. We needed to square some things away first with the hotel, so we had complimentry tropical juice and figured things out. Then they whisked us away to our beach view bungalow for the next 5 days. I must say the bungalow looked much better when we arrived as opposed to when we left! The beach and water were literally 10 feet away and we could just walk out there and lay around.
For those of you wondering, that white canopy above the bed is not just for decoration. It was a bug catcher. More to come on that later.
After settling in and unpacking a bit, we decided to have lunch at the poolside restaurant and then lay out on the beach for the rest of the afternoon. We even started out with the fruity drinks! It was the perfect way to start out the trip.
For dinner, we had more drinks and tapas. We continued to chat and then finally, I saw this bright, yellowy/orangy light start to appear from what looked like a mountain out in the dark distance sea. The light kept coming and then we saw the arc and a few seconds later, the brightest, fullest moon, we had ever seen. Words can not describe how manificent it was to see the moon rise, literally out of the darkness. For me, it was one of those life moments, like wow, when does this ever happen. I also have a great fondness for and I love the moon, so definitely an aha moment for me. Mike thought it was cool. I of course went camera happy and we got some good pictures of it, but wow.
good night
We were greeted by our first hotel with more flower leis, got our baggage, and hopped into a boat that took us to our first hotel of the adventure. As we arrived at the dock of the Sofitel Marara, there was a man playing a drum and whistling into a conch, welcoming us to the hotel. We needed to square some things away first with the hotel, so we had complimentry tropical juice and figured things out. Then they whisked us away to our beach view bungalow for the next 5 days. I must say the bungalow looked much better when we arrived as opposed to when we left! The beach and water were literally 10 feet away and we could just walk out there and lay around.
For those of you wondering, that white canopy above the bed is not just for decoration. It was a bug catcher. More to come on that later.
After settling in and unpacking a bit, we decided to have lunch at the poolside restaurant and then lay out on the beach for the rest of the afternoon. We even started out with the fruity drinks! It was the perfect way to start out the trip.
For dinner, we had more drinks and tapas. We continued to chat and then finally, I saw this bright, yellowy/orangy light start to appear from what looked like a mountain out in the dark distance sea. The light kept coming and then we saw the arc and a few seconds later, the brightest, fullest moon, we had ever seen. Words can not describe how manificent it was to see the moon rise, literally out of the darkness. For me, it was one of those life moments, like wow, when does this ever happen. I also have a great fondness for and I love the moon, so definitely an aha moment for me. Mike thought it was cool. I of course went camera happy and we got some good pictures of it, but wow.
good night
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Air Tahiti, up up and away
Thursday morning arrives and its time to catch our flight out to Tahiti. I was ubberly excited because it was finally here, although not as excited for the 8 hours we would be sitting through just to get there. Tahiti Air was great especially as the drinks kept coming, so I had my fill of champagne. The movies were great, so I also had my fill of that.
We arrived in Tahiti 8 hours later and it was humid when we deboarded. We got through the necessary formalities and met our travel agency to pick up our itinerary and our vouchers. We were greeted with traditional flower leis and flowers for our hair.
Then we headed to our first hotel to spend the night before heading out again. We checked in and were greeted with complimentry champagne in our room to celebrate honeymooning. before "Pop champagne" we changed and had our first fruity drinks at the bar. They were delicious along with the tapas that we ordered.
It was back to our room and we popped open the champagne out on the balcony and toasted to the start of our honeymoon. It was a great night!
We arrived in Tahiti 8 hours later and it was humid when we deboarded. We got through the necessary formalities and met our travel agency to pick up our itinerary and our vouchers. We were greeted with traditional flower leis and flowers for our hair.
Then we headed to our first hotel to spend the night before heading out again. We checked in and were greeted with complimentry champagne in our room to celebrate honeymooning. before "Pop champagne" we changed and had our first fruity drinks at the bar. They were delicious along with the tapas that we ordered.
It was back to our room and we popped open the champagne out on the balcony and toasted to the start of our honeymoon. It was a great night!
We're back
Mike and I are officially back in Tokyo after a wonderful and breathtaking honeymoon. We definitely enjoyed ourselves and to our surprise, didn't want to be in the sun anymore after the 7th day, but we made it through.
We talked about how we were going to blog about the days, like in one big blog post with some pictures, or in posts about each day with 1 or 2 pictures attached. As you all know, I can be long winded at times, so we opted for the each day post. It's Mike's idea to only post 1 or 2 pictures from that day because then you would just be looking at pictures and not reading anything. Our last post will be a link to all the pictures from the trip. I know some of you have asked for them and this way when you have time, you can go through all of them. I think there is about 600 pictures from all 10 days, plus another like 200+ from this romantic honeymoon tour we took.
Now its time to start writing about our days...be prepared, there are some interesting stories!
We talked about how we were going to blog about the days, like in one big blog post with some pictures, or in posts about each day with 1 or 2 pictures attached. As you all know, I can be long winded at times, so we opted for the each day post. It's Mike's idea to only post 1 or 2 pictures from that day because then you would just be looking at pictures and not reading anything. Our last post will be a link to all the pictures from the trip. I know some of you have asked for them and this way when you have time, you can go through all of them. I think there is about 600 pictures from all 10 days, plus another like 200+ from this romantic honeymoon tour we took.
Now its time to start writing about our days...be prepared, there are some interesting stories!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
