Jan 22nd, Sat.Jan23rd -Papeete, Fr. Polynesia

Hi to you all,

Yesterday, I did it again.  I actually had another bridge lesson.  I hope I can hold out.  We are starting to think more and more.  I only like to plan my vacations ahead.  Cards and what someone might do with them is beyond my thinking.  Anyway, i plan to continue.  No one better laugh or holler at me!!!!  I then went to sit on my balcony, but to my surprise, the sun had left and it was on the starboard side.  So I sat on my lounge and read from my kindle.  What a pleasure that device is.  I really love it!!!

After reading, I went to play mahjong.  It is always fun.  We played with 3 for awhile, then with 4.  One of the tables, wanted to play with 5.  They must not like us.  Maybe we play to slow.  I guess there are clicky(sp) people wherever you go.  They just seem to find each other.

After finally winning the last hand, it was time to get ready for the evening.  This was Friday, and I wanted again to go to Sabbath services.  There was a good crowd.  We said prayers in English and in Hebrew.  I mostly hum anything I don't know; having never gone to Hebrew school.  Some prayers, I know by heart.  The Challah and fish was good.

After services, 6 unattached women had dinner together.  Very unusual stories were heard from all.  The only one married is Rosanne, the Bridge teacher, whose husband will join her in Sydney.  We met on a world cruise a few years ago.

Interesting enough, I received a call from the tour office, letting me know about my coastal dolphin watching in Moorea, tomorrow.  They said their people in Moorea, let them know that the dolphins were not appearing in the afternoon (my tour was for 1:30) and that they were only there in the morning. Would I change to 8 am instead?  Of course, I would.  But, I wonder what kind of appearances they have to be at in the afternoon, that we had to cancel.

Well, we docked in Papeetee at around 9 this morning, instead of about 1pm.  They said a few people had to see some doctors on the Island for a checkup.

Papeete,  is the largest of the 115 islands.  It is really two islands in one.  Papeete means water well and refers to the traditional method of gathering water from a spring near the capital.  French of course is spoken here and lots of pearls.

I went for a walk, outside the port, everyone is shopping for pearls.  I think I will wait and see in Bora Bora.  Here the streets are crowded.  Its markets bustling with activity, the flower market is beautiful.  I will see more when I tour this afternoon.

A group of men, by the dock, were playing traditional music.  There was a little boy playing the drums.  I gave them a hat and took a picture.


(posted on behalf of Roberta Rootberg)