QUEEN ELIZABETH

Day 10 Thursday 28 February in Papeete, Tahiti

Bonjour!

Breakfast arrived right on the dot of 7.30am.  We could see the beautiful peaks and palm trees as we glided in toward the port of Papeete the capital of Tahiti. The air was warm and the sun shining so it was lovely to enjoy our breakfast out on the balcony.  As we approached Papeete boats, the tug and canoes arrived to greet us.  This is another maiden port of call for Queen Elizabeth. There were crowds on the shore taking photos of us and we were taking photos of them as we sailed in. Captain Chris Wells backed the ship into its position alongside. He mentioned in yesterday’s midday report that the ship could not fit in forward so he would be reversing in.

As we had been here many times before we chose not to venture out of town and just went for a wander.  I must say things are a little cheaper here than on our previous visits. We purchased a few things that were priced very well. The wharf is only about 50 metres from the town so it’s easy to come and go off the ship during the day.  We came back for a late lunch in the dining room and met others who had been out on tours and thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent scenery and friendliness of the locals. During lunch thunder could be heard over the mountains and a sprinkling of rain that only lasted for about 5 minutes thankfully.

A local international Tahitian dance group put on a magnificent show for us this afternoon.  They have won many titles around the world.  Everyone, including us, loved the energy and wonderful costumes and colours of Tahitian dancing. They received a standing ovation at the end of their performance from a packed Royal Court theatre.  I will try and upload a short video on here on our next port.

Just before sunset we went for another little walk around the waterfront. Can’t believe how many people are here to view the ship. Found a couple more little pieces of local jewellery made by the local women at a market stall we strolled to along the waterfront.

We’re now sitting out on our balcony enjoying a pre-dinner wine overlooking the town and the hundreds of people who’ve come down to the waterfront.  We don’t sail until 9.30pm so will have a quick dinner tonight and then up to a deck party on the aft Lido deck for our sail away with our favourite band Synergy.

Thank you the people of Papeete for a great welcome and wonderful farewell on a magical day.

Tomorrow we’ll be arriving in Bora Bora so will have breakfast on the balcony again, and enjoy the view as we enter the reef which is a fabulous sight and drop anchor in the lagoon before going ashore by Tender.