CREW PICKUP

September 26, 2014

We had a nice casual morning and relaxed a bit.  We had not heard from our crew although they were scheduled to arrive some time today.  We were on standby waiting for some word from them on "What's App", a texting and calling app that is free worldwide as long as you have an internet connection.  We finally got a message that two or three of the crew would be in this afternoon.

As it turned out, two of our crew arrived this afternoon.  Since we had a car, we decided that we would go to the airport and give them a ride to their lodging.

We picked up Paula and Shirley and started the trip to their lodging.  Our bungalow was about 4 miles from the airport and marina.  As it turned out, their lodging was on the other side of the island.  With that in mind, they got a tour of the island.  

Their lodging was right on the beach.  Nice cool place and it looked comfortable.  We hung out for a while and had a drink and a snack and then we left to start our way back to the bungalow.  

We got back to the bungalow and settled in.  We found out that two more of the crew were coming in later that early evening, but we did not know when.  Their flights had been upset due to the Air France pilot strike.  We take possession of the boat tomorrow so we had time for the others to arrive.  We ate, lounged a little bit and then went to sleep under our mosquito netted bed.  There was a nice breeze blowing through.

THE NEXT DAY

09-25-2014

As we had discussed the night before, we knew we needed a car. We had people coming and we might need to transport them from the airport to their lodging.  Most of the crew had arranged lodging at places on the island.  Also figured we might have some errands to run and it would be easier with a car.

I spoke to Edouard after we ate breakfast about getting a car.  He said he would call someone and arrange that for us.  He came out to the bungalow shortly and said he had a car for us and that he would transport us to the location.

We went down the road a few miles and pulled into a lot with vehicles.  They had a few vehicles and they showed us a Renault. Edouard protested because he had spoken with the manager about a different car.  they decided that he was right and we got a deluxe model rather than a basic model.  We got the paperwork completed and I gave the lady my credit card.  She tried to run it and it did not work.  I knew I had notified the card companies that I was traveling to French Polynesia.  We went from the lot to a mechanic shop next door and the card worked perfectly.  We had a car!

We took off and went back to the bungalow and parked the car. We decided that we would drive around the island and sight-see.  There is basically one road that runs around the perimeter of the island. There are no roads that go over the mountainous terrain, so we took a spin around the perimeter highway.  Interesting!!

WE'RE HERE

09-24-2014

Our flight was due to arrive at approximately 5:00 AM.  We were just about right on time to Papaete, Tahiti.  We collected our luggage and processed through customs and immigration.  We had another three hour wait for our flight to Raiatea where we would take possession  of our yacht.  I had made arrangements with AirBnB for accommodations until we took possession of the boat.

We waited patiently for our next flight on Air Tahiti, the inter island carrier.  Finally, they began boarding our 45 minute flight to Raiatea.  The flight was marvelous.  It was a two engine turboprop aircraft, so it did not fly very high and the views were beautiful.  The flight was uneventful and before we knew it we were landing.  We had cleared customs and immigration in Papaete so all we had to do was collect our luggage and get our ride to our bungalow.  The host, Edouard Ruiz had promised that he would be there.

We got our luggage and came out to the curb.  Edouard recognized us and came up to greet us.  As an aside, he did not speak very much English if any, but he spoke Spanish and we were able to communicate.  Whew, that was a close one.

Edouard promptly took us into town to the grocery store.  Since we were going to be in a self catering bungalow, we needed to get some food.  As it turned out, we were out of the central part of the island, so we were not near any restaurants.  The store was pretty well stocked and we were able to get what we needed.  Since we were in French Polynesia, there were plenty of baguettes and some croissants.  The store also had a hot foods section and we got some fried chicken to eat for lunch.

Edouard took us to the bungalow which was about a ten minute ride by car.  The bungalow was behind the main house and it was quite lovely.  It was well equipped with a stove, large refrigerator and all of the pots, pans and eating utensils needed.  It had a queen size bed with a mosquito net and a nice sitting area.  Additionally, we had a separate shower area and toilet.  We also had a washer and dryer.

We got settled in and relaxed for a while.  It was early and so we got up and took a walk down the road to a little store that was about a quarter mile away.  They had a few items and we got a couple of things and left.  

While we were out, we walked across the road to a pearl museum.  I was not aware that French Polynesia was known for its cultured pearls.  The lady at the museum gave us a quick tutorial on how the pearls are cultured and harvested.  Of course, there were pearls for sale, but we passed.  We left and went back to the bungalow and just chilled.  There was a TV, but it was in French and so we turned that off.  We just relaxed, and contemplated what we would do the next day.  We put together a nice dinner and later just hung out.  One thing, we had decided was that we needed to get a car.  I would address that with Edouard in the morning.

LEAVING FOR PARADISE

 September 24, 2014

Judi and Brook dropped us at the international terminal at LAX. We got in line to start the check-in process.  There were not a lot of passengers and we checked in and cleared Security rather quickly. We had not eaten anything in a while, and our flight did not board until about 10:00 PM, so we decided to get something before we got on the plane.  Actually, we got too much to eat based on the size of the portions.  Finally, we started the boarding process and we got our seats on our Air Tahiti Nui flight.

The flight was smooth and eventually, I decided to go to sleep for a while.  I was awakened for our meal, which I really wasn't ready for, but I ate.  We had requested Kosher meals and they always appear to have more food than the regular choices.  After our meal, I went back to sleep.  We had had a long day with a few bumps along the way.  Sleep was good!

LEAVING THE STATES TODAY

09-23-2014

7:00 AM

I awoke a little early and went downstairs to smoke a cigarette.  The "free" breakfast was being served so I got dolly a cup of coffee and some peanut butter and went back to the room.  We watched CNN with the news about the bombing in Syria.  Really interesting and a little sad.  We had not gotten our boarding passes so we went to the Business Center to print them.  We did everything, but the printer was not working.  Dolly had them sent to email.  We got some of the free breakfast and went back to the room to prepare to check out.  Our flight was not until 11:55 PM.  We were going to go and look around and then hang out a Judi's place.  She and Brook were going to take us to the airport in the evening.

 

While we were getting our stuff together, Judi called and told us that the Air France pilots were on strike.  Dolly called the airline and she was told that our flight had been cancelled and we would be placed on the same flight the next day at 11:55 PM.

 

After some frustrating conversation with the agent, Dolly gave me the phone and I explained that we had commitments that could not be changed.  He asked me to hold a bit while he checked on some other options.  He said he could put us on Air Tahiti Nui leaving at 11:10 PM and arriving in Papetee at about 5:00 AM the next morning.  We accepted and we were booked.  He said he would email everything to us.  Dolly got an email shortly thereafter, but I had not gotten one.  We went out to LAX to go to Air Tahiti Nui, but we discovered that the counter did not open until 6 PM.  We wanted to get our boarding passes and seat assignments, but that did not happen.  Dolly called customer service and told the representative that I had not gotten my confirmation by email.  She said she would send it right way.  She did and all was well.

We kind of just chilled at Judi's place in the late afternoon.  We had to wait for Brook to come home from work.  Eventually, Brook got home and we sat around for a while.  I had to take the minivan back and then we had to leave there and go to the airport.  I had already filled the tank, so it should be a breeze.  We left and they followed me to the rental office.  Sure enough, it was a quick process getting checked in.  Judi and Brook dropped us at the William Bradley International Terminal and bid us safe travel.

We went to the Air Tahiti Nui counter and slowly made it to the front.  We transacted our business and went to security.  That did not take long and we were headed toward the food area.  We found what we wanted and found seats to eat.  It wasn't long before they were calling our flight to begin boarding.

The flight left on time and we were on our way to French Polynesia.  Check us out tomorrow.

The Day Has Come

09-22-2014

6:00 AM

I arose prior to the sound of the clock radio.   I lay in bed for a while.  Today is the first day of our journey to French Polynesia.   We are on a non-stop flight to LA at 9:15 AM.  It's a beautiful day.  Cloudless and the temperature is just perfect. 

We got a Lyft car to transport us to Reagan National Airport.  After checking our bags we eventually went to the waiting area for our call to board the plane.  The flight was almost booked solid.  The ticket person gave me an exit row seat that appeared to have been vacant.  Dolly and I would not be sitting together.  That was only OK, but nothing more than OK.  The flight was good and uneventful. 

I called the rental agency for our minivan and they told me to take the parking lot bus to Lot 1 and there would be a driver waiting for us.  We caught the next bus and got off at Lot 1.  the driver was there waiting for us and took us to the office.  Dolly was concerned that the vehicle had not tags on it.  I had inquired about that and the clerk told me as long as I had the contract, I was legal.

We got a rental minivan and proceeded down the street to our hotel, the Best Western Suites Plus.    It is close to the airport.  We got settled in and connected with Judi and Brook.  We arranged to get together later in the evening for dinner.  Brook worked a little late so Dolly and I picked up Judi and Brook was going to meet us at the restaurant.  We had decided on FWD, Fishing With Dynamite.  It was an interesting small place in Manhattan Beach.  Brook came about 30 minutes later.

We had a great meal in a nice atmosphere.  The food was excellent and the music was "kicking".  We all had a great time and enjoyed each other.  We left and headed our respective ways.  It was a good evening.

Less Than Two Weeks

It's less than two weeks before we arrive in "Paradise" and begin sailing the beautiful crystalline waters of the South Pacific.  I am putting the final touches on packing carefully.  The flight between Papeete and Raiatea only allows you to have 20 kilos or 44 pounds.  That throws a different spin on packing.  From California on Air Tahiti Nui, you are allowed considerably more weight.  I'll figure it out and it will be fine especially since I have a trusty luggage scale.

The Sojourners are preparing to invade French Polynesia.  It is going to be a great adventure.  Stay tuned for more information and insights.