22 February, 2018 Off the coast of New Zealand

To all those who have been waiting with baited breath for the latest installment in our blog, I apologize. Internet service has been very, very slow—too slow to post the blog, and equally slow on land in French Polynesia.

We last left off after a magnificent day in Bora Bora. The 16^th of February found us docked in Papeete, Tahiti, where it was hot, hot, hot!!! We have been to Tahiti several times, so we decided against a tour, and went on a mission to find faster internet and tonic water. We tried several cafes that promised wi fi in exchange for a purchase, but none were fast enough to do any posting. Even reading emails took forever to load. We walked around quite a bit and went to the market. There were lots of stands selling fruit and local crafts, and we were treated to a pareo wrapping demonstration and some Polynesia music and dancing. We decided to give up our quest for wi fi and went in search of tonic for gin and tonics for a cabin party. Fortunately, we found a small supermarket with a large selection of soft drinks, and a small selection of Schweppes “Indian Tonic.” We loaded our cart and decided to walk back to the ship since it was very humid and hot.

Onboard, there was planning for a celebration of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dog. Those born in the Year of the Dog are conservative and full of justice. David wore is striking red and gold silk jacket that we purchased in the Silk Market in Beijing and received many compliments. Entertainment before dinner was “O Tahiti E” who performed music that told the story of daily life: love, fishing or joy. After dinner, there was a Deck Party with Synergy.

Our new, Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge, has taken control of the Queen Elizabeth at noon with Captain Hashmi signed over charge of the ship to her. We haven't met her, yet, but she is well liked, but very different from Captain Hashmi, according to those who know her. She is far more formal and rather flat in her delivery of the noon time announcement. The Captain's Table is right next to ours, but she rarely makes an appearance, preferring to send a senior officer to host the table.

We had a very long trip to Moorea, just 12 miles from Tahiti. Saturday, 17 of February found us anchored off of Moorea. Unfortunately, this was a day of heavy clouds and rain, so we had to forgo our plans of a beach day. Moorea is only 51 square miles, slightly larger than New Jersey. The name Moorea means “yellow lizard” in Tahitian. James Michener is thought have based his mystical island of Bali Hi on Moorea. The island has no traffic lights and no buildings taller than a coconut tree!

Back on board, I was able to do some laundry without a long wait. Although we receive 20 items free to send to the laundry each week, there are always more clothes in the hamper. I LOVE the laundry benefit and they do a terrific job—no ironing for me!! The entertainment tonight was Marcus Winter, the “Sandman,” who is a contemporary performance artist who creates New Zealand/Maori art while he tells tales of the Maori culture. This makes for a unique experience. Randell and Bobby, our friends from Sarasota, came for drinks in our cabin before dinner.

Sunday, 18 February, 2018 at sea en route to Auckland, New Zealand. Luckily, another time change tonight. This entire itinerary is special for frequent incidences of turning back the clock one hour during the night. Although the guests appreciate the extra hour's sleep, I feel confident that the ones who love it most are the crew. Speaking of the crew, we have found service ranging from excellent to indifferent. There are 3 special bar waiters in Cafe Carinthia who take very good care of us every night. This is the bar where we meet our friends, Bryan and Lin for cocktails at 7:45 every evening. In my mind, it is the most beautiful public room. There is a wonderfully helpful man, Argel, behind the counter in the Lido Cafe at breakfast, who will often go in the back and find me a blueberry muffin and bring it to our table. We have very good service from our waiter, Hannah and junior waiter Paolo in the Britannia Dining Room. Captaining the Britannia is Maitre d' Stanley Williams from southern India, who is unflappable and a true example of “grace under fire.”

I have stayed with my plan to not eat any meat during this cruise and find a good selection of fish, seafood or vegetarian specialties for dinner every night. The next day's menu is always waiting for me on the table when we arrive. I've been eating a lot of Indian dishes, which I enjoy. I shall try to take some food photos.

Tonight's entertainment was a New Zealand “comedian” Simon McKinney. We found him lacking in entertainment value, but perhaps there is a difference in the US humor and the New Zealand humor.

Monday, 19 February finds your intrepid travelers bumping a bit as we cross the South Pacific, We are feeling the affects of Cyclone Gita, which decimated Fiji. The Captain is keeping us well away from the storm, the there is a great deal of wind. We had a bit of a lie in this morning and went up to the World Cruise Lounge after showering. We sat with our friends, Evana and Alan, from Indiana and Punta Gordo. We met Evana on Cruise Critic and got together for lunch midway between their home and Sarasota a few months ago. They boarded in San Francisco and it was good to see them! At 12:15 there was a great lecture on “Cole Porter—His Life and Music,” by Roy Hunt. I love the music of Cole Porter and would really favor Broadway bringing back some of his shows. Tonight, our friends from Lincoln, in the UK, Lin and Brian came for drinks before dinner. We served nuts and cheese and crackers. Hardly a gourmet spread, but you do what you can...

Missing: Tuesday, 20 February! We crossed the International Date Line and lost a day!

Wednesday, 21 February, still at sea en route to Auckland. Another time change tonight! Yea! I finished my 8^th book on this cruise and also finished a needlepoint project. David and I played Hand and Foot and I beat him solidly. We had lots of opportunities to chat with people we have met onboard. A Wing and A Prayer, our trivia team, came close getting 19 out of 20, but no win. Our table mates, Peggy and Pam, left the table at dessert to go to their box for this evening's performance. One can reserve a box in the beautiful theatre for the performance. The guests are taken to anti-room for champagne cocktails and petite fours, and then are escorted to the box where champagne is poured and chocolates are provided. Peggy and Pam (mother and daughter) have over 1500 days onboard, so they have one special night in a box in the theatre each segment.

Thursday, 22 February. We are getting closer to Auckland and will arrive tomorrow morning. Today was of note for a very interesting wine tasting. We tasted 4 wines from South Africa: Kleine Zalze Sauvignon Blanc from the Western Cape; Lowry's Pass Chenin Blanc from the Western Cape; Rhebokskloof Estate Pinotage from Paarl; and Springfield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from the Robertson Valley. I had never tasted a Pinotage, and had actually not ever heard of it. This is only produced in this area and has flavors of ark fruits of black currant, blackberries and a rounded tannin. It was my favorite.

Great news! A Wing and A Prayer won trivia today with 16 out of 20 correct! Tonight we are invited to Bryan and Lin's stateroom for drinks before dinner, so I am saying TTFN (Ta Ta for now—aren't I getting British?)