Can it be - no one has started a PEARLS Seamail thread yet! GOsh - I get to be first. Cool!

The LAMB/PEARLS gettogether was fantastic! Thank you Ngaire for putting that together. It was so GREAT to see so many of you again, and to meet so many new smiling faces.

What a wonderful group we have here - lots & lots of laughs. Arlene & Ruth are fighting over our Butler - they each want to bring him home.

Right now I am taking a few minutes to check onto LCT while arlene is getting a massage. Then - off on a special tour that we learned about from Ngaire.

Ngaire told us to go hear Mark Eddowes lecture. We did (At 9 AM - ugh). But he is doing a tour this afternoon on HUahine of no more than 8 people, going to some archeological & not oft-seen sites on Huahine. This should be most inteersting and I expect I'll have hundreds of pictures - he said there will be rarely seen birds & island views on this tour. That will make up for the Photo tour on Moorea we booked that was cancelled. Also, our Sail on Raitea has been cancelled - the tour operator has gone Kaput. We'll look for something else to do there tomorrow.

Last night Arlene & I decided to enjoy each other's company alone (briefly)the first night onboard & we had a delicious dinner for just the two of us. Of course, as we were leaving, we grabbed the LCT crew (or were we grabbed - Yeh - I think I remember being grabbed), and we strolled back out into town, and then back to the ship for some more fun & laughs.

Well, battery just about gone on computer and I need to get back to sunblock slathering. So that's all for now.

Great to hear from you, Gil! Sounds like you and Arlene are off to an awesome beginning! On Bora Bora (or was it Moorea?) we loved the snorkling with the sting rays....Have a sensational cruise...and keep the sea mail coming!

Yes! PEARLS seamail. Thanks Gil!

Thankyou for the seamail, I have been waiting for the first installment.....sound as if the fun has begun...enjoy and please keep the seamail comming.

Awesome! Thanks for starting this thread, Gil. Keep those cards and letters flowin'!

Mr. Weiner..thanks for the update...Col Weiner

It's good to hear from the PEARLies. Have a wonderful trip! Keep up the sea mail. Virtual trips to Tahiti always welcome ...

Cheers, Anne

Yeah - so glad to hear from you all. We knew you would be having a fabulous time already. It was great meeting everyone the other evening. Continue to enjoy.

Gil - thanks for your report and I'm glad you're having a good time so far. The tour with Marc Eddowes on Huahine should be great. He's a wealth of knowledge and we've learned a lot from his talks. We've toured with him on Moorea and Hiva Oa...I believe he lives on Huahine so I'm sure that will be really special. Looking forward to hearing all about it!

We've been on the PG the last two Decembers so we are really missing it right now. I'm sure the crew will treat you right - if you meet Junar or Noel at the grill, or Kelly or Randy the bar waiters, or Joselito or Elipidio in one of the dining rooms, tell them that Dena & Grant (Heathman) said hello! They may not remember us by name, but they are all super.

Enjoy! Looking forward to hearing more.

Dena

Thank you for reporting in, Gil! I am so thankful that LCT'ers are on board the PG leading up to our own PG cruise in a couple weeks. It feels like our vacation is extended!!!

You and Arlene have a wonderful time, and check back in with us when you have time! :)

This is Arlene. Gil left out so much. We arrived in Paradise with the rain. Our room at the Radisson needed some help because we think they never changed the bedding from the people before us. Finally they came to fix the problem. We then decided to get a late drink and as we were sitting there Russ and Debbie walked in with their friends Fred and Brenda and her family. A good time was had chatting and of course our five minutes of chatting turned into 30+ minutes.

The next morning we had planned on sleeping late, but it seems we were still on NY time. I did something I haven't done since I was 4 years old! I woke up without an alarm clock at 6:30. This from the person who didn't know that 6:30 AM existed. So we decided to hop on the 8 AM shuttle into town to go check out le Marche. On the way into town, the driver asked all of us in the van if we were cruising. We said yes as did the couple behind us. She then asked us if we were going on the PG and when we answered in the affirmative, she asked if we were possibly with the Brown and Keene group. Turns out it was Parislady (Ruth) and we had a great time getting to know one another and doing some shopping together.

That night was the Brown and Keene party and we headed to the Mariner to meet up with everyone. We had a great time and it was wonderful to finally put a face to all the names. After dinner, we headed up to the lounge. A group of us went outside to view the PG and figure out which rooms were ours. This lead to a discussion as to whether those of us in a butler suite preferred a male or female. Later we decided that it didn't matter as long as we were buttled.
Finally to top off the evening we were given a tour of Ngaire and Kens room. 2 br, 2 1/2 bth, bar area, 2 decks. Heck it was better than my first apt.

Next day we hung around the Radisson until it was time to board the PG. After finding our room, we headed to La Palette to enjoy drinks with Ngaire and Ken and all the others from LCT. Ruth and I are fighting over our very adorable buttle.

Today Gil and I went on the tour with Mark. He really is so interesting and informative. Only problem is we were planning on a tour with some walking and even some walking uphill. What we didn't expect was a steep uneven trail with mud and rocks. The view up top was wonderful. The problem for me was I am still healing from my ankle. But it turns out the massage I had this morning did help my ankle and other than my feet being sore from walking, I'm fine. Off to drinks and then dinner. Maybe karaoke later.

Love hearing from you, Arlene! 6:30am really does exist?! (I am SO NOT a morning person either!)

Continue to enjoy yourselves! It sounds so wonderful...keep the seamail coming, please!

What a treat! I love reading everyone's seamail. Thanks for posting Arlene and Gil and here's wishing you that the rest of the trip will be sunny skies and smooth seas. Enjoy!
Pat

Thanks Gil and Arlene for keeping us posted. I also found that with the 6 hour time change I had no problem getting up early in the morning while on the PG.

I hope that the sun comes out for you for the remainder of your cruise. At least you don't have to worry about freezing rain and snow.

Arlene again. We wound up eating with Russ,Debbie, her parents and friends and had a great time, at the expense of Gil's mother. Anyone for warm ice cream? After dinner we walked around and then headed to karaoke. Russ and Brenda (Debbie and Russ's friend) did karaoke. What they didn't tell us is they could sing! So of course no one else wanted to go after them.

The next day we were at Raitea and I had my biggest disappointment yet. In the morning we left the ship and went across the street to a small market where they had shell necklaces. There were two booths with beautiful necklaces and I couldn't decide between them. (I hadn't seen anything like them in Huahine or Papeete). So instead of deciding then, I instead decided to go with Gil (who was quickly becoming bored)to find a taxi to take us touring. We had a wonderful tour of the whole island and then came back to town. Gil headed back to the ship and I went to look at the small shops around the dock. Finally after deciding those shops had nothing, I went back to the market. Sigh...the one shop with 3 necklaces I liked was already closed even though the market supposedly didn't close for another hour. At the second booth, I tried on the other necklace I had liked but that one didn't fit. So I left emptyhanded.

However that didn't dampen my enthusiasm later when I watched the children dancing. What made the dancing even more enjoyable was seeing Debbie's dad Bill up there dancing with the children. (pictures to follow.)

That night we had dinner with an adorable new member of the staff from HR. HIs name is Richard Hopkins and he's no relation to Barry. I think we made Ruth jealous as he was definitely a cutie. (again, pictures to follow.)

A bit of not so good news was there seems to be some stomach flu on board and Brenda, Shawna and Jack picked it up. However it didn't seem to keep Shawna and Jack doing the hike to H*ll to the waterfall. They both deserve a medal.

Yesterday we were in Rangorea. We sailed through the pass, watching the dolphins and then when we dropped anchor we went on our snorkel tour. We loved it. Lots of fish and even one or two good photographs. Last night was the B & K cocktail party. It was great to meet those folks I hadn't met yet. All are great folks. Shawna and I tried to figure out how many strange places one could get sunburned in. We had no plans for dinner, so Russ and Debbie allowed us to tag along with their group.

The 10 of us sat at the captains table and Bill became the captain for the night. More discussions followed including those about me playing in a photo darkroom, the name of the wine that Gil made several years ago and of course poor Gil's mom and this time about kiddie pools. The best part of the meal was the laughter we all shared and we almost closed down the restaurant and would have if some of us didn't want to make the show!

Today is basically a sea day. We sail at noon. I have to go now to learn how to make a woven bracelet.

Sounds like you're having such an awful time...Doug and I are praying you recover...

...Now, if Jean were there, she could add to the Mother stories (I think we concluded her and Gil's mother were separated at birth)....

Glad Gil got over his snorkle-phobia ..Give Russ and Debbie a big hello, don't stress yourself on those woven bracelets...

And remember, whenever Gil gets fussy and acts bored when you want to shop, just buy it.

Here's a few pictures from the trip. Not sure if it is wise to post this one, but what the heck - I'm doing it anyway.

The ladies out on the town the night we boarded. Brenda, Debbie & Arlene. Notice Ruth on the right pretending she doesn't know this trio.




And here's the first picture taken on our first snorkel trip off of Rangiroa. The fish were swarming.



If I decide to stay on, I think I may have lined up a gig with the Gaugines.

Thank you Gil! Finally some pictures from someone on a cruise! Our LAMBies are seriously behind in their picture posting duties.Enjoying all your sea mail from Paradise.

Gil - great pics! Love seeing everybody having fun!

Masaki

Great pictures! Hope the flu has passed. Great reporting, Arlene! The dinner at the captain's table sounds priceless.

As to the necklaces .. what Andi said. I have learned if I like it that much, buy it on the spot. More often than not, I don't find it elsewhere/at a better price/etc.

Cheers, Anne

Fantastic pictures! Gil are you going to try a set next with Siglo? They are on board now aren't they? Arlene, I feel your disappointment at not getting the shell necklaces.....next time if you can't decide.....do what I do....get both. Your detailed reports are great!
Pat

Hi all. Yes Siglo is onboard. So far, Gil's bought a necklace for his daughter and a shirt for himself. I've bought NOTHING. Tomorrow morning we're doing the pearl farm and snorkel before the Motu. Sometime tomorrow I'll post about our last couple of days. And yes if I find anything, I'm buying it!

Wonderful, we can't wait to see Siglo - they were not on board our last PG cruise.

Arlene, for goodness sakes, BUY something! :D :D :D

Gil, looks like you are channeling your inner Ringo in this one!! :D

I agree,.....Arlene for heaven's sake buy yourself a treat. How many times are you going to get to Tahiti. Even on disembarkation day if your flight is near midnight that gives you plenty of time to go into town to shop for a bauble or two. Don't go home saying "I wish I only bought something". I've done that before and now I listen to that first voice that says buy it.....so there are no regrets......as always when I've gone back later to get what caught my eye.... it's usually already gone. Learned that lesson the hard way. You deserve it girl! Go for it! Glad to hear that Siglo is still there. I love Siglo.
Pat

Everyone I am now the proud owner of a black pearl that is really a sea blue color. Only problem? I don't have a gold chain to wear it on now and will have to wait until I'm home.

It is now 11:30 PM so my seamail will still have to wait. Probably until the cruise is over, but I promise you'll get the full report at some point.

Arlene, Glad you found "a pretty." Too bad you don't have a chain. Can't wait to see a picture once you get home.

Yeah Arlene! Good for you.....a black pearl will be treasured for many years to come.
Pat

A blue colored South Sea pearl is a beauty! Congratulations on the bling.

Cheers, anne

Sounds fabulous.
I hope we get pictures soon!!!!
Pearls are definetly a girls next best friend, congrats Arlene.

Yay Arlene!!! It sounds lovely.

Good for you Arlene, you desere it. Hope we get a picture of it sometime. Have a safe trip home.
Lynn

I don't know if this is too late or logistically impossible but jewelry stores sell lovely silk cords so u can show off your lovely pearl

Yeah Arlene, you will treasure that always. Travel safe...

Great to hear you treated yourself Arlene good for you. It always brings back wonderful memories every time you wear something that you bought in a special place. Nothing like a black pearl from Tahiti.

Siglo, so glad they are on board they really are the BEST.

Oh I wound up treating myself even better. I am now the proud owner of two pearls. I'll give the full report of our trip and the fun we had when I'm home on my own computer. I'm in LAX right now waiting for our flight home. I know I had a fabulous time and I believe everyone else did too. And just about all the women wound up bringing home some beautiful "trinkets".

Everyone from our group was wonderful. We really had a great time meeting with all of them and look forward to sailing with them again. Ngaire, you really do have the absolute best clients!

When I'm home I'll post pictures. We have pictures of the "trinkets", and of our celebration dinner on Friday night. (See off-topic to see what I mean.)We also have great photos of some of the sites and of the dolphins.

Ngaire, I agree with you. Siglo is the best and Gil and I would try each evening to make it to one of their performances.

How was the weather on your trip? Hopefully the LAMBies got the worst of it and your trip was all sun!!

We're home. Got in last night at midnight. I have some major sleep deprivation.

Our trip had almost perfect weather. We had some showers but usually at night or they were so brief they didn't interfere with our activities. But overall we had sun, sun, sun...

So let me try and pick up from where I left off on Dec 16th. We had half a sea day on the 16th as we went from Rangiroa to Bora Bora.

We arrived at Bora Bora on the morning of the 17th. Bora Bora is beautiful. Almost as beautiful as Moorea. Our weather continued to be great and we had days packed with activities. Our first day on Bora Bora we did the stingray tour. What fun to be able to stand in the water and pet them. We also got to see an octopus that our tour guide found hiding. The highlight for Gil was the woman (on another tour, not from our ship) in the bikini holding the octopus. It seems that the octopus managed to pull one side of her top down. She was oblivious to all but the octopus. After our adventure with the stingrays and octopus we headed to one of the passes to snorkel. We saw a great variety of fish. In the afternoon we headed out to do a little shopping but found nothing.

Dinner that night was with the purchasing manager and the guest relations manager. Dinner was enjoyable with them both and even more so because of the woman sitting between Gil and myself. Her name was Billie, she was from Austalia and she was about 85 yrs young with a wicked sense of humor.

The second day on Bora Bora we went to the coral preservation with Denis Schneider. We learned about the different corals and how the warmer seas were dangerous to the corals and also to the islands. Again we "snorkeled" (it was shallow enough to walk) observing the many fish species dependent on the coral. Our seas that night sailing to Tahaa were slightly choppy making it difficult when showering. Dinner that night was enjoyed with Carol and Rodolfo and another couple.

The next day was the Motu day on Tahaa. Unfortunately while it didn't rain for much of the day the skies stayed overcast. That didn't seem to dampen anyone's enthusiasm though. Gil and I left for our visit to the pearl farm with a snorkel afterwards. We found it fascinating to learn how pearls were made and to see a demonstration of pearl grafting. Afterwards we were shown a small selection of pearls and some jewelry. And there it was, MY pearl. The color is the color of the deeper waters in Polynesia. (pictures to follow sometime this week).

After the pearl farm we headed to the mouth of one of the passes to snorkel. We thought this location had the best snorkeling yet, and included seeing our guide feeding a moray eel. Reluctantly we headed back to the boat and then were taken to the Motu.

On the motu we found our "group" sitting comfortably under the shade of coconut trees and pulled over a few chairs. Promptly one of the waiters appeared to ask what we'd like to drink. I asked what was available in the coconuts. I was told I could have an SOB or a SITC. I asked what's an SOB? (which brought out the laughter from the others in our group.) I was informed an SOB was Sex On the Beach and an SIC was Sand In the Crack. Well I was definitely ready for some SOB and enjoyed the drink.

After having some to drink, I then headed with Jean to pareo tie dying. After creating one I headed back to find Gil and Ruth's Fred dozing in their chairs and the rest of the group MIA. I tried to figure out how to get the camera from Gil's clutches while not waking him up, so I could have a picture of the two of them but as I started to walk towards Gil, he awoke. Shortly afterwards the rest of the gang came back. However both Gil and I were tired and we were also getting bitten by mosquitos so we decided to head back to the ship to relax.