QUICKLY...GO TO http://otooleworldcruise2008.shutterfly.com (use password: CRSYSTALS) TO SEE PICS FROM MOOREA...under album of french polynesia ! others will follow later.
have a great day !
nancy
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Superbowl sunday...comments re: Moorea a bit late !
Hi everyone……..
Can’t believe that we are in Huahine, French Polynesia…actually part of the Society Islands, today…the days are flying by. (Tomorrow, Bora Bora). Where to begin?
Ahhhhh! Moorhea was almost our favorite island, so far…So pristine in its beauty. The color of the water most most clear tourquoise that I have ever seen…even more beautiful than in Bermuda and THAT is saying something. After seeing the island, complete with ancient religious sites, called Maraes, and AMAZING viewing points, we set sail on a Catamaran to a private island…a MOTU, for the afternoon. All the way, we watched the various wind surfers…SHOWING OFF. Such beautifully tanned and strong people…mostly men, but, alas, one woman…”YOU GO GIRL”. They cut through the water on their board, as if they were a hot knife cutting through butter ! Then, ever so quickly, the wind would take them way above the water, sometimes about 20 feet…and then, they found a way to land back on to the water…just in time to “catch the top of the wave” and to use the force of the wave to pick up even more speed. Really fun to watch. One even showed off enough to “sail” above our catamaran, just for effect…when he saw my long camera lens, he waved and I was fortunate to catch the moment on “film”…as they say. I shall include the pic in the file on Moorea when I am able to upload the pictures from that day.
So, once there…we had a lovely bar-b-q lunch, after which, we had a demonstration of cocoanuts…the proper way to split one (in the mouth of the nut…NOT the ‘eyes’), the draining of the ‘water’ and then the grating of the coconut…after which one squeezes the coconut pulp to produce the MILK. ‘Fabulous’ wouldn’t describe the taste of the fresh cocoanut and the pineapple here, on this island ! It is more fresh and sweet than any I have EVER tasted.
The people are SOOOOO laid back and nice…they feel, and I would agree, that they truly live in Paradise !
I will say that snorkeling was QUITE the experience. Such a strong undercurrent that swimming as hard as I could, with fins, only allowed me to stay EXACTLY stationary. Without fins, it was IMPOSSIBLE to swim…and to stand still, one had to dig ones feet into the sand at an angle…almost into the rocks below, for traction, to stay still enough to peer underneath the water to see the fabulous live coral and fish below. It was wonderful, but too tiresome for me to be there long…stayed only about 40 min before “packing it in” so to speak. The stingrays were very friendly and came to say “hello” on occasion…it was fun to see them again. Not as big as I saw in the Cayman Islands, but big enough.
All too soon…the day came to a close. We were glad to get “home” to our fruit cocktail a shower and time to relax on the balcony as we watched the sun set…and as we pulled away from the harbor…en route to the next port.
The Captain always starts the day with “the thought for the day”.
Today it was…”you cannot leave footprints in the sand by sitting down”…and…
to be sure…Pat and I are NOT doing much sitting.
I hope that This journal finds you well…….warm and enjoying our travels. I will try to be more prompt in journaling and getting pictures up and running, now that I am getting “in the swing”…but time passes quickly here…and sometimes, the best thing to do is to just “be” !!!
Love from us both to each of you……
Nancy
Can’t believe that we are in Huahine, French Polynesia…actually part of the Society Islands, today…the days are flying by. (Tomorrow, Bora Bora). Where to begin?
Ahhhhh! Moorhea was almost our favorite island, so far…So pristine in its beauty. The color of the water most most clear tourquoise that I have ever seen…even more beautiful than in Bermuda and THAT is saying something. After seeing the island, complete with ancient religious sites, called Maraes, and AMAZING viewing points, we set sail on a Catamaran to a private island…a MOTU, for the afternoon. All the way, we watched the various wind surfers…SHOWING OFF. Such beautifully tanned and strong people…mostly men, but, alas, one woman…”YOU GO GIRL”. They cut through the water on their board, as if they were a hot knife cutting through butter ! Then, ever so quickly, the wind would take them way above the water, sometimes about 20 feet…and then, they found a way to land back on to the water…just in time to “catch the top of the wave” and to use the force of the wave to pick up even more speed. Really fun to watch. One even showed off enough to “sail” above our catamaran, just for effect…when he saw my long camera lens, he waved and I was fortunate to catch the moment on “film”…as they say. I shall include the pic in the file on Moorea when I am able to upload the pictures from that day.
So, once there…we had a lovely bar-b-q lunch, after which, we had a demonstration of cocoanuts…the proper way to split one (in the mouth of the nut…NOT the ‘eyes’), the draining of the ‘water’ and then the grating of the coconut…after which one squeezes the coconut pulp to produce the MILK. ‘Fabulous’ wouldn’t describe the taste of the fresh cocoanut and the pineapple here, on this island ! It is more fresh and sweet than any I have EVER tasted.
The people are SOOOOO laid back and nice…they feel, and I would agree, that they truly live in Paradise !
I will say that snorkeling was QUITE the experience. Such a strong undercurrent that swimming as hard as I could, with fins, only allowed me to stay EXACTLY stationary. Without fins, it was IMPOSSIBLE to swim…and to stand still, one had to dig ones feet into the sand at an angle…almost into the rocks below, for traction, to stay still enough to peer underneath the water to see the fabulous live coral and fish below. It was wonderful, but too tiresome for me to be there long…stayed only about 40 min before “packing it in” so to speak. The stingrays were very friendly and came to say “hello” on occasion…it was fun to see them again. Not as big as I saw in the Cayman Islands, but big enough.
All too soon…the day came to a close. We were glad to get “home” to our fruit cocktail a shower and time to relax on the balcony as we watched the sun set…and as we pulled away from the harbor…en route to the next port.
The Captain always starts the day with “the thought for the day”.
Today it was…”you cannot leave footprints in the sand by sitting down”…and…
to be sure…Pat and I are NOT doing much sitting.
I hope that This journal finds you well…….warm and enjoying our travels. I will try to be more prompt in journaling and getting pictures up and running, now that I am getting “in the swing”…but time passes quickly here…and sometimes, the best thing to do is to just “be” !!!
Love from us both to each of you……
Nancy
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Raitea en route to Moorea
Raiate’a…en route to Moorea
Hi everyone…
We had such a wonderful day today…lots of different things happened along the way.
It all started with a rainstorm early this morning…it kind of “bummed” me out to have it raining when I had always imagined these beautiful islands to be tropical and hot and dry! Meanwhile, I learned that this is their rainy season…Nov to March…so, c’est la vie.
Just as I was trying to think positively about the fact that even though it was raining, we were going snorkeling and so it wouldn’t matter……the rain stopped and the sun and the heat arrived. It turned into a steamy 86 degrees…
Today, it took quite a long time to “clear” immigration, and so, our time here was shortened. We laughed that it might be a plot to keep us women from shopping…!
By about 1-ish…we got clearance to leave the ship…and our excursion began. Only about 10 of us went together in two vans to the dock where we boarded our small motor boat to the Pearl farm. How interesting…to see how they attract oysters and “farm” them. Part of the process is to harvest the “stem cells” from one oyster and implant them into others, so that the beauty of the sacrificed oyster, can be grown and harvested again and again. I shall upload pictures of this process into the Raiate’a folder on shutterfly, next sea day…it is a painstaking process which must account for the price of such pearls. WOW !
Next, we did get to snorkel amoung the many colorful live coral reefs and nearby to the strings of Oysters. It was fascinating to see them, and the many fish swimming near-by.
Unfortunately, my underwater camera doesn’t do so well, as there is no view finder and this fact makes it very hard to compose a good picture. The water was lovely and warm…and although I did get some sun, not too much, happily. The People here number only about 11,000 and there is about 40% unemployment. Roads are in poor condition, and although there is a hospital and a “college” (combined elem and high school), people are quite poor. Gas is > $8.00/gal and a coke about $5.00…so most people bicycle and drink ALCOHOL.
Later on, our orchestra put on a jazz festival, just after dinner, and then, we watched two shows of an illusionist and his wife…AMAZING ! How do they do those tricks !!!
We are off to bed now, as tomorrow comes early 8am…another cruise and
Bar-b-q on the beach. Sounds like fun………….
See you tomorrow.
Love from us both………
Nancy
Ps……..just got home from our tropical day on Moorea…I could stay a month here…the most beautiful island…ever !
Pictures will speak volumes…and I shall try to get them up in the next few days.
Hi everyone…
We had such a wonderful day today…lots of different things happened along the way.
It all started with a rainstorm early this morning…it kind of “bummed” me out to have it raining when I had always imagined these beautiful islands to be tropical and hot and dry! Meanwhile, I learned that this is their rainy season…Nov to March…so, c’est la vie.
Just as I was trying to think positively about the fact that even though it was raining, we were going snorkeling and so it wouldn’t matter……the rain stopped and the sun and the heat arrived. It turned into a steamy 86 degrees…
Today, it took quite a long time to “clear” immigration, and so, our time here was shortened. We laughed that it might be a plot to keep us women from shopping…!
By about 1-ish…we got clearance to leave the ship…and our excursion began. Only about 10 of us went together in two vans to the dock where we boarded our small motor boat to the Pearl farm. How interesting…to see how they attract oysters and “farm” them. Part of the process is to harvest the “stem cells” from one oyster and implant them into others, so that the beauty of the sacrificed oyster, can be grown and harvested again and again. I shall upload pictures of this process into the Raiate’a folder on shutterfly, next sea day…it is a painstaking process which must account for the price of such pearls. WOW !
Next, we did get to snorkel amoung the many colorful live coral reefs and nearby to the strings of Oysters. It was fascinating to see them, and the many fish swimming near-by.
Unfortunately, my underwater camera doesn’t do so well, as there is no view finder and this fact makes it very hard to compose a good picture. The water was lovely and warm…and although I did get some sun, not too much, happily. The People here number only about 11,000 and there is about 40% unemployment. Roads are in poor condition, and although there is a hospital and a “college” (combined elem and high school), people are quite poor. Gas is > $8.00/gal and a coke about $5.00…so most people bicycle and drink ALCOHOL.
Later on, our orchestra put on a jazz festival, just after dinner, and then, we watched two shows of an illusionist and his wife…AMAZING ! How do they do those tricks !!!
We are off to bed now, as tomorrow comes early 8am…another cruise and
Bar-b-q on the beach. Sounds like fun………….
See you tomorrow.
Love from us both………
Nancy
Ps……..just got home from our tropical day on Moorea…I could stay a month here…the most beautiful island…ever !
Pictures will speak volumes…and I shall try to get them up in the next few days.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
shutterfly link to Honolulu pics
Pictures for you!
From: Nancy Ruth Jacob-o'Toole
very slow upload time...will have to do only a few from now on.
Miss you all........
In raiatea today...for snorkeling in a coral garden...over oyster beds
and w sting rays...can't wait.
lots more soon...promise
Nancy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pictures from Nancy Ruth Jacob-o'Toole
Note: This Shutterfly Collection is password protected.
You will need to get the password from the owner to view the Shutterfly Collection.
(1 of 135 pictures)
If selecting "See pictures" doesn’t work, copy-and-paste this address into your browser:
http://otooleworldcruise2008.shutterfly.com?a=1 (USE PASSWORD: CRYSTALS)
From: Nancy Ruth Jacob-o'Toole
very slow upload time...will have to do only a few from now on.
Miss you all........
In raiatea today...for snorkeling in a coral garden...over oyster beds
and w sting rays...can't wait.
lots more soon...promise
Nancy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pictures from Nancy Ruth Jacob-o'Toole
Note: This Shutterfly Collection is password protected.
You will need to get the password from the owner to view the Shutterfly Collection.
(1 of 135 pictures)
If selecting "See pictures" doesn’t work, copy-and-paste this address into your browser:
http://otooleworldcruise2008.shutterfly.com?a=1 (USE PASSWORD: CRYSTALS)
Raiate'a The Society lslands
Raiatea
You ask me: ‘what DO you do at sea? Aren’t you bored?”
I reply: “HOW could I be bored ? Bordom, certainly. is a curious word and one which I simply cannot use for our sea days. Instead I would describe them as a delicious opportunity for a myriad of experiences and to learn new things about countries, people and ourselves ! The days at sea are what we make of them and as we speed through the water on this magnificent ship, the time for the experiences we are choosing to have, seem to fly . We have had many days at sea during this first “leg” of our cruise, and many of the experiences require their own unique chapters…they will come, I promise. Alas, but for another day…for…
Four days ago, we arrived in Maui…such a long awaited port.
I wrote this, then, planning to send it that day. Somehow, the day and the following days have gotten away from me. However, in an effort to capture one moment in time, I shall send it to you, anyway with the promise that I shall TRY to do better with more timely letters, in the future. Here goes:
As a little girl, I always dreamed of going to “Hawaii: and so, it seems, that yesterday, in Honolulu, & today in Maui, the dream of this little girl was finally to come true! What a rush !
The morning started early with the ever changing colors of a magnificent sunrise. I found that I could not resist getting up early to witness the sight. Perhaps, it was the utter anticipatory excitement that this day…that the arrival in Hawaii, had finally come, or, perhaps, it was the simplicity of the beginning of another beautiful d on this good earth , I can’t be sure. However, I do know that the brilliant hues of deep red-orange sun, peeking out of the horizon, was ever so fleeting and that I had better hurry to get my camera in order to “catch the moment”!
I must not miss it ! I felt like as if I were in a race for time…as if the sun and I were playing a game of hide and seek for it was darting behind the clouds, and then popping out once again, a new color- shouting out :
“SURPRISE! LOOK AT ME! CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!” …………………………. I wondered- who will win???
How to describe the beauty? This morning , the sun was vividly colored like the crayons in a childhood art box, and now the colors were changing ever so rapidly. Red to orange, ever so slightly tipped with yellow at its edge. I must hurry, yet, I must also be patient for the sun would dictate exactly when the perfect moment would arrive !
I held the camera with this glorious sight in its view, excitement building with each changing hue. I nervously wondered: when shall I press the shutter? I engaged the shutter half way, to affix the image. As I held my hand steady, my finger only half way pressed, I felt like a tiger ready to pounce any moment, to capture its prey.
When will I choose the right time to capture this moment…this memory?
YES ! NOW !
INSTANTANEOUSLY, I allowed my finger free reign to go all the way down…CLICK !
The satisfaction of it…I have it…the change to “hold a this memory”…What a lucky girl I am!
Breakfast was a blur as I realized that I simply could not focus on food when the rainforest and waterfalls were calling out to me. Onboard, the rhythm of the waves moved me back and forth between the task of eating, and that of considering what lie ahead. As with the waves, the eager anticipation of the experiences to come was swelling within me.
Yes! I would, Indeed, be a beautiful day !
I look back on those moments with great fondness…and wanted to share the excitement I felt…and so often do, when I am moved by a sight and the accompanying feelings. Perhaps that I why I feel so passionate about photography…for, it is a chance to feel the thrill of the moment…and to know that I won’t forget. It is that rare opportunity to connect, again and again with the thrill of it all as I edit and then sharing these pictures with you all! I love sharing with others…and as we are about to arrive in Raiate’a…the Society islands…I am once again, overwhelmed with excitement. In just a few hours, I shall have the opportunity to snorkel in pristine aqua waters, over oyster beds and in a living coral garden. Some say, these could be some of the most beautiful beaches and waters in the whole world. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder…and I can’t wait to see for myself.
So…I shall end with this, and promise to try to write more often, perhaps tonight about the stingrays and Oysters I have met today……….
Love from us both,
Nancy
You ask me: ‘what DO you do at sea? Aren’t you bored?”
I reply: “HOW could I be bored ? Bordom, certainly. is a curious word and one which I simply cannot use for our sea days. Instead I would describe them as a delicious opportunity for a myriad of experiences and to learn new things about countries, people and ourselves ! The days at sea are what we make of them and as we speed through the water on this magnificent ship, the time for the experiences we are choosing to have, seem to fly . We have had many days at sea during this first “leg” of our cruise, and many of the experiences require their own unique chapters…they will come, I promise. Alas, but for another day…for…
Four days ago, we arrived in Maui…such a long awaited port.
I wrote this, then, planning to send it that day. Somehow, the day and the following days have gotten away from me. However, in an effort to capture one moment in time, I shall send it to you, anyway with the promise that I shall TRY to do better with more timely letters, in the future. Here goes:
As a little girl, I always dreamed of going to “Hawaii: and so, it seems, that yesterday, in Honolulu, & today in Maui, the dream of this little girl was finally to come true! What a rush !
The morning started early with the ever changing colors of a magnificent sunrise. I found that I could not resist getting up early to witness the sight. Perhaps, it was the utter anticipatory excitement that this day…that the arrival in Hawaii, had finally come, or, perhaps, it was the simplicity of the beginning of another beautiful d on this good earth , I can’t be sure. However, I do know that the brilliant hues of deep red-orange sun, peeking out of the horizon, was ever so fleeting and that I had better hurry to get my camera in order to “catch the moment”!
I must not miss it ! I felt like as if I were in a race for time…as if the sun and I were playing a game of hide and seek for it was darting behind the clouds, and then popping out once again, a new color- shouting out :
“SURPRISE! LOOK AT ME! CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!” …………………………. I wondered- who will win???
How to describe the beauty? This morning , the sun was vividly colored like the crayons in a childhood art box, and now the colors were changing ever so rapidly. Red to orange, ever so slightly tipped with yellow at its edge. I must hurry, yet, I must also be patient for the sun would dictate exactly when the perfect moment would arrive !
I held the camera with this glorious sight in its view, excitement building with each changing hue. I nervously wondered: when shall I press the shutter? I engaged the shutter half way, to affix the image. As I held my hand steady, my finger only half way pressed, I felt like a tiger ready to pounce any moment, to capture its prey.
When will I choose the right time to capture this moment…this memory?
YES ! NOW !
INSTANTANEOUSLY, I allowed my finger free reign to go all the way down…CLICK !
The satisfaction of it…I have it…the change to “hold a this memory”…What a lucky girl I am!
Breakfast was a blur as I realized that I simply could not focus on food when the rainforest and waterfalls were calling out to me. Onboard, the rhythm of the waves moved me back and forth between the task of eating, and that of considering what lie ahead. As with the waves, the eager anticipation of the experiences to come was swelling within me.
Yes! I would, Indeed, be a beautiful day !
I look back on those moments with great fondness…and wanted to share the excitement I felt…and so often do, when I am moved by a sight and the accompanying feelings. Perhaps that I why I feel so passionate about photography…for, it is a chance to feel the thrill of the moment…and to know that I won’t forget. It is that rare opportunity to connect, again and again with the thrill of it all as I edit and then sharing these pictures with you all! I love sharing with others…and as we are about to arrive in Raiate’a…the Society islands…I am once again, overwhelmed with excitement. In just a few hours, I shall have the opportunity to snorkel in pristine aqua waters, over oyster beds and in a living coral garden. Some say, these could be some of the most beautiful beaches and waters in the whole world. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder…and I can’t wait to see for myself.
So…I shall end with this, and promise to try to write more often, perhaps tonight about the stingrays and Oysters I have met today……….
Love from us both,
Nancy
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Jan 23rd...almost to Honolulu
1-23-08 GOOD MORNING…everyone!
Today is our last “sea day” for a couple of day. Tomorrow we land in Honolulu, and the following day, Maui. I have, for SO LONG looked forward to being in Hawaii for the first time, I am feeling a bit sad that so much of it may be in a DENTIST’S office, of ALL THINGS !!! However, life is full of surprises, and, perhaps, my visit will be swift and smoothe !
Ahhhhhhhh! Hawaii…that land of leis and tropical beauty. I have just learned that there are many, many types of leis. Some are of beautiful tropical ilima or plumeria blossums, some shells, some of Pukeawa (a small red berry), some of the green and orange flowers of the a’aili’. The ancient leis were made from grass blades, which they used as needles and banana bark strands, a primitive thread. The most popular of the six traditional types are woven from the maile leaves. No matter what the kind, tradition is for the a Hawaiian daughter to place a gentle kiss upon the cheek and then a lei around the neck of the visitor to their wonderful island…to officially welcome travelers as honored guests…free from all maliini (or outsider fears). Aloha ! “love…I love you…welcome” . Oh! I can’t wait…for tomorrow.
Meanwhile, today is full of promise. Right after I finish writing, I’ll go to work out…much needed to keep some good balance in my daily routine. After breakfast, we’ll be treated to an enrichment program by Dr. Jay Wolff…who will present another of his series: Pearl Harbor. This, certainly will give one a somber memory and proper perspective as we enter Hawaiian waters.
Later this morning, we’ll be treated to yet another enrichment lecture by Dr. Tony Alessandra…who is well published and will speak on “the Platinum Rule”…are you a Director, thinker, Relater, or Socializer??? Should be interesting.
Hopefully, today, I shall make another memoir writing session and perhaps learn more about painting on silk…we’ll see.
Surely, Pat will enjoy more quiet time reading…or, perhaps trying his luck at a blackjack tourney…who knows.
Each day offers so much or nothing…that is the beauty.
We think of and speak of so many of you each day, and my writing is helping me to feel connected to each one.
I shall try to take some more interesting pics today and in the next two days…and get them on the net. Thus far, only ship pics and those of the wonderful art exhibit…as the days have seemed lazy, and the photographer has, as well.
ALOHA !
Nancy and Patrick
ps ...be SURE to check the shutterfly site for more pictures...in the Hawaii file. I am adding more each day.
remember it is: http://otooleworldcruise2008.shutterfly.com password: CRYSTALS.
You might need to type this link (above) into your web browser...
thanks
Today is our last “sea day” for a couple of day. Tomorrow we land in Honolulu, and the following day, Maui. I have, for SO LONG looked forward to being in Hawaii for the first time, I am feeling a bit sad that so much of it may be in a DENTIST’S office, of ALL THINGS !!! However, life is full of surprises, and, perhaps, my visit will be swift and smoothe !
Ahhhhhhhh! Hawaii…that land of leis and tropical beauty. I have just learned that there are many, many types of leis. Some are of beautiful tropical ilima or plumeria blossums, some shells, some of Pukeawa (a small red berry), some of the green and orange flowers of the a’aili’. The ancient leis were made from grass blades, which they used as needles and banana bark strands, a primitive thread. The most popular of the six traditional types are woven from the maile leaves. No matter what the kind, tradition is for the a Hawaiian daughter to place a gentle kiss upon the cheek and then a lei around the neck of the visitor to their wonderful island…to officially welcome travelers as honored guests…free from all maliini (or outsider fears). Aloha ! “love…I love you…welcome” . Oh! I can’t wait…for tomorrow.
Meanwhile, today is full of promise. Right after I finish writing, I’ll go to work out…much needed to keep some good balance in my daily routine. After breakfast, we’ll be treated to an enrichment program by Dr. Jay Wolff…who will present another of his series: Pearl Harbor. This, certainly will give one a somber memory and proper perspective as we enter Hawaiian waters.
Later this morning, we’ll be treated to yet another enrichment lecture by Dr. Tony Alessandra…who is well published and will speak on “the Platinum Rule”…are you a Director, thinker, Relater, or Socializer??? Should be interesting.
Hopefully, today, I shall make another memoir writing session and perhaps learn more about painting on silk…we’ll see.
Surely, Pat will enjoy more quiet time reading…or, perhaps trying his luck at a blackjack tourney…who knows.
Each day offers so much or nothing…that is the beauty.
We think of and speak of so many of you each day, and my writing is helping me to feel connected to each one.
I shall try to take some more interesting pics today and in the next two days…and get them on the net. Thus far, only ship pics and those of the wonderful art exhibit…as the days have seemed lazy, and the photographer has, as well.
ALOHA !
Nancy and Patrick
ps ...be SURE to check the shutterfly site for more pictures...in the Hawaii file. I am adding more each day.
remember it is: http://otooleworldcruise2008.shutterfly.com password: CRYSTALS.
You might need to type this link (above) into your web browser...
thanks
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
1-22-08 another beautiful sea day
1-22-08 HELLO everyone…
A new day and what a beautiful day it was. This morning started out an early morning sunrise…couldn’t resist taking some pics. How beautiful it was to arise in such a colorful way. (see the pic at:
http://otooleworldcruise2008.shutterfly.com (type into browser to access!)
(password: CRYSTALS)
Pat and I had a nice breakfast in the dining room…then on to this morning’s lecture.
First we heard from Richard kahn, the past president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences…re: the upcoming Oscars. Very informative insider view of MOVIE personalities, and the way the Oscars work. He showed many old tv clips from past Oscar shows and answered many questions of those who were “just wondering…”.
The, later on this morning we had another lecturer. Some of you may remember a lady by the name of Nancy Dussault??? She starred in A Sound of Music (after Mary Martin), and Many Broadway shows, as well as co-hosting ABC’S Good Morning America…and so on. Anyway, she spoke about her life and the lives of other famous personalities during her talk this morning. She sang her famous signature songs and really was quite delightful.
They hosted a wonderful art show in the main Crstal cove…(see the pictures on shutterfly).
We also had a lecture from our “resident” astronomer: Dr. Norman R Caisse…”Navigating the skier: the Northern Sky”…Taking a look at the stars and planets we will see on deck en route to Tahiti. This was only this morning.
This afternoon, while pat read…I watched the Movie RENDITION…wow…….what a movie. Way too real for me…but well acted.
Tonight, we ate at the Japanese restaurant: Silk Road…REALLY fabulous food…not too much and exquisitely prepared. Very Japanese ! I celebrated by wearing my silk Kimono, and my efforts were appreciated by several staff and fellow cruisers. I love to “get into the spirit”. Afterwards, we were serenaded by a four man (very cute men)…accpella group, FULL SAIL…just before another show by Dale Kristien…who was Christine in Phantom of the Opera w Michael Crawford for six years. What a voice. I WOULD LOVE just one day with that voice !
This was a truly wonderful day...
So many things here on board to do…and that only covers about 25% of what is available…! We met more of our fellow cruisers and the “family” is growing. Lots of fun seeing others around the ship.
I am left with the wonderment of the intellect and such talent of so many, many people who have been brought here to entertain us. It is truly wonderful to see enthusiasm and expertise among so many young people (as well as some entertainers who are more our age).
Happily, I continue to feel well……..no pain from my exposed tooth…and Cheryl’s mother is being soooo very helpful in having gotten me an app’t with her dentist in Honolulu, soon after we arrive. Soooooo, hopefully, the problem can be solved there. Thank you, Carol !
Tomorrow is our last sea day for awhile, yet, Pat and I have enjoyed each one emensely. He has read three books so far…and we both are feeling settled into our new “home away from home”. Writing to you helps me to feel ‘connected” and the emails I have already gotten from many of you have been oh! So welcome…thanks.
This is all for a few days…will write after we have visited Honolulu and Maui…and there is much more news to share.
Right now, our thoughts and prayers are with David and Anna Clark…especially as David is trying to recover from a stroke…! Linda, we hear you haven’t been feeling well of late…hope that has past and you now are so much better.
Any of you who have had to fly lately, and had flights cancelled due to snow, we hear about it, and hope that the situation will be rectified soon…so that you can continue with your business/personal lives uninterrupted !
Tonight is mod rough seas, however, as we have a mid ship cabin, we are not bothered…the swaying is sorting lulling us to sleep…so I shall go to bed now.
Be well everyone and remember to check the shutterfly link (above) often for new pictures as they shall appear.
Love from us both,
Nancy
A new day and what a beautiful day it was. This morning started out an early morning sunrise…couldn’t resist taking some pics. How beautiful it was to arise in such a colorful way. (see the pic at:
http://otooleworldcruise2008.shutterfly.com (type into browser to access!)
(password: CRYSTALS)
Pat and I had a nice breakfast in the dining room…then on to this morning’s lecture.
First we heard from Richard kahn, the past president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences…re: the upcoming Oscars. Very informative insider view of MOVIE personalities, and the way the Oscars work. He showed many old tv clips from past Oscar shows and answered many questions of those who were “just wondering…”.
The, later on this morning we had another lecturer. Some of you may remember a lady by the name of Nancy Dussault??? She starred in A Sound of Music (after Mary Martin), and Many Broadway shows, as well as co-hosting ABC’S Good Morning America…and so on. Anyway, she spoke about her life and the lives of other famous personalities during her talk this morning. She sang her famous signature songs and really was quite delightful.
They hosted a wonderful art show in the main Crstal cove…(see the pictures on shutterfly).
We also had a lecture from our “resident” astronomer: Dr. Norman R Caisse…”Navigating the skier: the Northern Sky”…Taking a look at the stars and planets we will see on deck en route to Tahiti. This was only this morning.
This afternoon, while pat read…I watched the Movie RENDITION…wow…….what a movie. Way too real for me…but well acted.
Tonight, we ate at the Japanese restaurant: Silk Road…REALLY fabulous food…not too much and exquisitely prepared. Very Japanese ! I celebrated by wearing my silk Kimono, and my efforts were appreciated by several staff and fellow cruisers. I love to “get into the spirit”. Afterwards, we were serenaded by a four man (very cute men)…accpella group, FULL SAIL…just before another show by Dale Kristien…who was Christine in Phantom of the Opera w Michael Crawford for six years. What a voice. I WOULD LOVE just one day with that voice !
This was a truly wonderful day...
So many things here on board to do…and that only covers about 25% of what is available…! We met more of our fellow cruisers and the “family” is growing. Lots of fun seeing others around the ship.
I am left with the wonderment of the intellect and such talent of so many, many people who have been brought here to entertain us. It is truly wonderful to see enthusiasm and expertise among so many young people (as well as some entertainers who are more our age).
Happily, I continue to feel well……..no pain from my exposed tooth…and Cheryl’s mother is being soooo very helpful in having gotten me an app’t with her dentist in Honolulu, soon after we arrive. Soooooo, hopefully, the problem can be solved there. Thank you, Carol !
Tomorrow is our last sea day for awhile, yet, Pat and I have enjoyed each one emensely. He has read three books so far…and we both are feeling settled into our new “home away from home”. Writing to you helps me to feel ‘connected” and the emails I have already gotten from many of you have been oh! So welcome…thanks.
This is all for a few days…will write after we have visited Honolulu and Maui…and there is much more news to share.
Right now, our thoughts and prayers are with David and Anna Clark…especially as David is trying to recover from a stroke…! Linda, we hear you haven’t been feeling well of late…hope that has past and you now are so much better.
Any of you who have had to fly lately, and had flights cancelled due to snow, we hear about it, and hope that the situation will be rectified soon…so that you can continue with your business/personal lives uninterrupted !
Tonight is mod rough seas, however, as we have a mid ship cabin, we are not bothered…the swaying is sorting lulling us to sleep…so I shall go to bed now.
Be well everyone and remember to check the shutterfly link (above) often for new pictures as they shall appear.
Love from us both,
Nancy
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