Huahine Island French Polynesia

 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Huahine Island French Polynesia

Thursday Day 8
Today we woke up in Huahine.  Eric was like a child waiting to open Christmas Presents, he woke up early--I was still sleepy, so he went for a walk and breakfast--however, breakfast was not ready. For Heaven's Sake it was five in the morning.  I don't think the sun was even up yet.  Oh, I forgot to mention we are now on a cruise for the remaining Islands we wanted to visit.  I finally opened my sleepy eyes prayed, got ready, ate breakfast, and made the second tender to the Island.  We decided to find our own tour guide instead of using the ship tours, they are twice or even three times more than what we could ask local people to do for us. 

We took a free shuttle into town and rented a car, not from a car company, Eric just went around asking locals if he could rent their car. A woman Eric found let us use her car and have it back by three.  We rented it for about $40 and she was so happy, the ship wanted $140 for the day. We went to a local store, picked up some baguettes and juice, and we were off to drive the entire Island. We saw blue eyed eels, & Tahitian ruins. We stopped along the way to take pictures of this beautiful place. On our journey we saw two senior missionaries sitting on the side of the road looking out into the ocean, we pulled over and Eric spoke to them in French. They have been on this Island for fourteen months, and they are the only missionaries on the Island. On this Island there is only four hundred members of the church, and two buildings, they invited us to Church on Sunday, but we told them we would be on a different Island, then sadly, they told us the church on that Island starts at 8 am and we will not be arriving to the Island until noon. They kissed us on each cheek and said goodbye.

At dinner tonight on the ship, we made a reservation to eat at the French restaurant.  I was not too impressed with the menu, Eric was extremely happy, he loved everything on the menu. We were laughing at the man next to our table who had ordered tartar and for those who do not know what that is---its raw hamburger meat with seasonings--sounds like a night hovering the toilet to me--We started to laugh because Eric said he knew the guy had no idea what he was about to eat, and the 1st bite he made a face we will never forget, then rudely we laughed until we cried, the waiter came and asked him if he like it, (remember he ate the entire plate out of respect) but had no problem saying when asked if he like it "No, not really"  We had a great time today, but I miss my kids.

One of the locals

The baguettes--We cant get enough

Senior Missionaries

LDS Church Building

one of the homes in the lagoon

Bora Bora Day 9 & 10

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

Bora Bora Day 9 & 10

 Friday Day 9
Bora Bora is so commercialized. Most people who hear Bora Bora usually think it is the most beautiful of all the Islands, not me. It was nice but not the most beautiful, the most expensive and most commercialized. There are many celebrities who visit this Island, and this is the enticement--celebrities do not easily impress. This was just another Island to me.

Woke up, said a prayer that I would be able to enjoy the day, this is officially the longest we have ever been away from our children, and we have no communication with them at all.
We took the second tender into the Island and immediately Eric was talking to the local people, the ship charged $199 each for what we did and more for only $40 each.  We went in a 4x4 up a very steep mountain, they wanted us to see the canons from World War II, that were never shot off, the story was amazing. There were seven thousand men waiting on the top of this mountain, bunkering in waiting to be bombed, ready to shoot the cannons for defense of their land.  These men hid out for 7 years, I was astonished as the locals showed us the ditches, they hid in.  The bunker they kept the food in was still there, and I am not sure how they kept it cool and good enough for eating, they ate a lot off the land with all the fruits in season and fished for fresh fish--as many of them still do.

On this adventure we were joined by Maria and Antonio from Barcelona, and Jesus and Conchi on their honeymoon from the Canary Islands.  Jesus spoke little English, some French and they all spoke fluent Spanish.  Eric of course spoke all the languages at once--ha ha--one thing I can say about Eric is he tries so hard to understand and learn the culture and languages.  We spent the rest of the cruise with all these people, they were amazed at how much money they could save on excursions, and we loved the company.  For us the language was not a barrier, we tried to speak as much as we could in Spanish and they asked how to say everything in English.

Today is Friday and I cannot stop thinking about my children, Kaitlyn is off work, more than likely spending the day with Kayla and the boys.  Jeremy is now working in Prescott and is only able to come home on Friday's. He leavess Monday at 3 am to be at work on time--I worry about them, but the blessing is that Jeremy has a job. It may be difficult for Kayla, but she will manage, she is strong.

Eric and I had some good conversations on this trip, we are happy with all the decisions our children have made so far.  Being an empty nester has been extremely difficult for me; there is a time and a season for all things. I've learned that even at our age it is important to reevaluate decisions and goals. Satan works on the strongest and will take the weakest link in them to make it sound enticing and glorious--in this time of my life my goal is set on nothing less than the Celestial Kingdom--how do we do that? Serve others, even your spouse, encourage them in all they do and have done to help you, sharing the gospel with others, and living the attributes of Christ, this for me, is the only way to return and hear those words "well done thou good and faithful servant."

ONE OF THE LOCALS WHO TOOK US ON THE TOUR

THE OTHER TAHITIAN ON THE TOUR

ERIC AND I ON ONE OF THE CANNONS

ERIC IN THE LOOKOUT READY FOR FIRE

THE OTHER CANNON

THE BUNKER WHERE THEY KEPT FOOD

THE BEAUTIFUL OCEAN VIEWS

ERIC READY TO SWIM

ANOTHER VIEW OF ONE OF THE BAYS

This is a famous restaurant, celebrities come sign a $ and staple it to the wall

Today was an enjoyable day getting to know our new friends from other countries, we are looking forward to tomorrow with them.

Day 10 Saturday Bora Bora

I am excited to spend the day with Maria, Antonio who have been married for 40 years, they do not drink alcohol and are just fun to be around--they try too hard to learn English every day. I must admit I don't try as hard as they do--but we are able to communicate well--Jesus and Conchi are adorable and have invited us to stay with them in the Canary Islands, which happens to be a place Eric would love to go.  Jesus is in the supply chain management business with pharmaceuticals and can speak with people from different languages and backgrounds so communication with him was much easier but not perfect--it was funny at times because our translations are not the same and could even be considered offensive, so we were easy to explain those times to them as well as them to us.  We took a boat ride out to see mantras with 12-15 wing spans--don't even ask if I got in the water the answer was NO. 

There were lemon sharks and even some tiger sharks--Eric and the rest of them had a fun time while Maria and I visited on the boat and took pictures.  We were able to go around the entire Island, go to the motu and have lunch and then back to the ship to get ready for dinner.  The ship only had 186 people on it, including the crew, so most of the people wondered how the Americans, ended up being such close friends with the people from Barcelona and the Canary Islands--We laughed all night, in fact we were the last to leave the restaurant.

The beaches are beautiful

Dinner, Jesus, Antonio, Eric-Conchi, Maria and I

Eric and I at dinner

What a fantastic day in Bora Bora

Day 10 Saturday

We spent another day exploring the Island with our newfound friends--

There was a movie filmed here called "couples retreat."

This is what we saw all day.
I could post them all but that would get boring

Moorea Days 5,6 & 7

 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

Moorea days 5, 6 & 7

Monday morning, woke up said my prayers no scriptures, I can't figure out how to read them on my phone--I like the books better--I like to mark them and return to read dates I have entered and remember what was happening in my life--I don't think you can do that on a phone--besides when Eric's dad passed away all the kids wanted his scriptures--so call me old fashioned but I'm stickin to the hard covers--ha ha--maybe a good excuse this time to not read on vacation--I thought I would be able to do it on my phone but after an hour I gave up--
Eric and I went to breakfast. There is no doubt I will be going on a crash diet when I get home, I have not eaten this much in 3 years.  I'm trying to eat all the fresh fruit possible, but it also has some aftereffects on my body.  I've decided there is most definitely a reason Tahitians are such large people--they eat, and they eat a lot.

Today we had no plans, we got our swimsuits on knowing we would be in water at some point. We then went to the activities center where we decided our activities for the day. The beach we wanted to go to is called Coco Beach and we soon found out it was closed today. So as Eric does what he does best, walking around talking to everyone, in whatever language he could, I sat in a lounge chair, hat on, listening to music and enjoying the scenery.  Soon Eric came back and said, "Monya come with me, hurry fast" my first thought was "oh boy, I'm in trouble when he is this excited it is usually something to scare me" I fear sharks, and snakes--good news there are no snakes on Tahiti Islands.  He had signed me up with a trainer to swim with a dolphin--seriously?  No WAY--I met with the trainer, and felt much better, it was a controlled environment, and these dolphins were raised in captivity, the only deciding factor for me was that I could see through the crystal-clear water and knew exactly what swimming around me would be. I was proud of myself, and I could see the smile on Eric's face as I entered the water with a dolphin, a real live dolphin. I played with him, touched him, swam with him, and even kissed him--it was incredible--I overcame an excessively big fear today.

Huge step in life for me---I never thought I had the courage

Isn't he cute?

Later we went to dinner at a small place called Snacks Mahala, I had fresh Maui Maui-I was not really impressed it was a little mushy for me.  Eric had fresh tuna with coconut milk & rice a traditional Tahitian meal, he said it was good, but honestly, I don't think Eric would ever say if it was bad. I did get a little sunburned today and I got a text from Dr. PK, he wanted to tell me in person, but didn't want to wait for someone else to tell me either--(Heather did) he got a couple of offers to work in North Carolina, he is leaving November 1st. My heart is broken, I will miss him, he will always be a part of my life, and I know he is doing what is best for his little family. I couldn't help but think about what a huge influence he has had in my life, helping not only get through my treatments with the Villain but in other ways I can never explain.  We will be forever friends no matter where he lives, he has a great family, we will just have to visit him and his family. I hope Heather goes with him, she needs a fresh start in her life, new surroundings, and her true love is waiting for her.

Tonight, when we got back to our bungalow to watch the sun go down, we were able to face time the kids and Eric's brother Kurt who served his mission in Tahiti.  It was fun sharing some of his memories, I've always had a special love for Kurt, he and his mom had a special bond.

Tuesday Day 6
Woke up to the beautiful sunrise and mesmerizing blue ocean, said my prayers, no scriptures but tried to read a little bit of the Miracle of Forgiveness online--still a chore for me.  Throughout the day, I pondered on the beauty of this place, how blessed I am to be here, not only because I work for the Airlines and it allows us to do these fun things together, but also to be alive, to be sharing memories my children will take with them when I am gone--this is why I write my journal and blog my thoughts--for them and my grand-kids and hopefully their grand kids.
Well today is going to be one that will go down in history--Eric signed us up for a boat ride to see the stingrays, I've done it once before with my children, didn't like it then and am not happy about it today. I know how much Eric loves the water and the sea life, so we went, I wanted him to have a wonderful experience.  I only like ocean water if I can see the bottom, I like to see what is lurking around my feet. Our tour guide today is Siki, he was born and raised here on this Island. He looks and talks like he is from Jamaica, we thoroughly enjoyed him and his humor. 

On this tour we had about twenty people on the boat, Siki was so good about explaining the history of the Island. When we arrived at the stingrays, Eric forgot to tell me there would also be sharks swimming around. There was NO WAY I was getting in that water. --Eric was one of the first to get in. I took a ton of pictures and he was having so much fun, but my heart was pounding because I knew he was going to encourage me with the help of Siki to enter the water and enjoy the moment--sure enough--they urged me inch my inch into the water--he took me by the hand, I was in shark infested waters--me, the one who swore "if I don't get in the ocean I won't get eaten" my entire body was in shock, I seriously thought I was going to have a heart attack. I wondered why I didn't get warned to bring some Xanex. I have had to train my mind over the past couple of years to tune out the bad and focus on the good, in every situation. 

BAD-sharks swimming & surrounding me, we're not talking about a few there were 100's 

GOOD- I did it and I'm alive.

I got comfortable with the stingrays, I rubbed a piece of fish on its nose, and it would just follow gracefully through the water following me, but being a mother, I wanted to kiss him and rub his neck at the same time--

FACT--they have no neck, their mouth is where my finger went and he sucked it hard, I screamed out loud, it hurt-it was my fault, but it was enough for me, I got back in the boat.  We all got back in the boat and went to a secluded beach where Siki taught us how to make ceviche, grilled maui maui, grilled chicken, rice, pineapple, and coconut.  It was another wonderful day of exploration and breaking through some fears.

Tonight, Eric shared something with me, he said his mother was like me, afraid of the water, she too always waited to see the bottom. I smiled, I loved this that he shared with me, if there were any woman in the world, I would gladly have anything in common with-it would-be Viola Williams--I love her.

Me and the stingray--who sucked my finger

black tip sharks everywhere--Supposedly not dangerous

Me and Siki--he was proud of me

 

Last Sunset in Moorea

 Wednesday day 7
Today we must be gone from our bungalow by four. I miss my children and grandchildren so much. This morning Eric and I took a kayak out to where the sharks and stingrays were, he wanted to get one more look. It was a peaceful ride both in harmony with our ores as we synchronized them to make sure we were heading in the right direction; at one point we got caught on some coral and Eric had to get out of the Kayak and lift us out to help us get going in the right direction.  As I thought about that later, it is so much like life, sometimes even our marriage we have gotten off the path we are supposed to be on both wanting the same goal but both getting there in a different direction. The Lord lifts us and helps us to get back on track, so many times HE has helped me get back on track, if there is one sure thing I know, it is that Heavenly Father loves every one of his children, it brings great sorrow to him to see his children struggle. We sometimes forget the straight and narrow way can never be done without the help of the spirit constantly in our lives.  There have been times I have felt "Oh I really blew it this time,  all my chances of getting back on track are gone, I need more patience, I need to be more kind, compassionate and just a little more like HIM" I am so grateful we have chances to change, even the best of people make mistakes and need a hand or prayer to help get them back on the straight and narrow way--I pray I can be that person for someone I love, as I have felt it in my life from others who have lifted me up and comforted me even when they knew I was not where I needed to be spiritually in my life.

Rangiora Day 11

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

Rangiora Day 11

Sunday, Day 11
We were disappointed to arrive on this Island too late to attend the branch meetings, we arrived at noon and Sacrament started at 8:30. Today really was a short day. We arrived on the tender to the Island around 1:30. There is not a lot to do on this Island, although its beauty is not matched by many others I have seen. All shops, restaurants and facilities on the Island are closed for the Sabbath day.

I NEED--listen to me not a want it was a NEED to connect with my children today I miss them so much.  There is absolutely no internet service anywhere-- We found a local man who we communicated in French, he told Eric and I he was going spear fishing for his families dinner if we would like to come drift snorkeling so we hoped on his boat, he took us around the entire Island and we snorkeled as he speared tuna or some big blue fish for dinner--he was un-successful--I wonder what his wife says when he gets home ha ha....anyway it was interesting and we saw many schools of hundreds of beautiful fish, we even saw a tiger shark---and a lemon shark--however, they were farther down than I could swim so I got back on the boat as Eric explored some more.  Though the open waters of the ocean have always been a fear of mine, I found some peaceful moments as I watched the fish gracefully slide through the water.
This was a fun day--we made it back to the ship, had dinner, went to our room, and watched a movie until we fell asleep--very soon after.

A HOME NEXT TO THE PORT

We loved these children; they loved taking pictures

more pictures

These little girls out fished the boys,
 and they made me smile

I wanted to take them all home with me

 

This little girl waived at me until we were out of sight

 

Day 4 and 5 in Moorea

 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

Day 4 and 5 in Moorea

Day 4 Sunday in Moorea--

after our scout out of the Island we found the church, we wanted to attend today--the only branch on the Island--every song, every lesson and prayer is done in both Tahitian and French--I loved it--Eric Loved it--On this Island there is one branch and two buildings. How blessed I feel to belong to a religion so strong in its roots.  We were able to make a short drive of 10-15 minutes, along the way I saw a young man walking in a white shirt and tie, and told Eric we should give him a ride....slight hesitation on his part, but he turned around and we tried to talk to him in French, but soon found out he was deaf-I saw his Priesthood manual and signed out our names and that we were going to the Mormon Church if he wanted a ride. We were of course greeted by each member with a kiss on each cheek and they say, "Yo raw na" (hello, or good day) 

Before the Sacrament started, the brother on the left below stood and introduced us to the branch by name and where we were from...big smiles and stares from everyone, mostly because I was the only blond fare skinned person in the room. As soon as the meeting began my thoughts went to Stephen Phelps who plays the organ in our ward in Arizona, I have never felt the spirit testify to me through music like his does, but today hearing it with my eyes shut listening with my heart was incredible. They sing the melody in French and Tahitian. In fact, the entire meeting was done in French and Tahitian. Today in Sacrament there were seventy-eight people in attendance (yes, I counted) don't judge me please----The speaker spoke about missionary work; he said if the spirit is constantly with you than sharing the gospel should come easy. Simple enough, Christ is a constant in our lives his promises are real they never change, when we strive to keep our promises to live as he did the spirit will testify to us and will lead us in the right direction--never failing. 

After the Sacrament meeting was over, we divided into Tahitian classes and French class for Sunday School. During Sunday School, we met another Teri Larsen, she reminded me so much of sister Larsen in my home ward. She walked in took a seat from the front row since all the rest were taken then she said in French, "if you come in last you always end up on the 1st row, except for me, I take a chair and sit in the back". Eric started laughing and I asked what she said, we both looked at each other and said endearingly Teri Larsen!  During Sunday School I could hear across the way on the other side of the building the Primary children singing in French "If you chance to meet a frown" it brought tears to my eyes, the gospel is so constant, no matter where you are in the world it stays the same, the gospel does not change, even the music.  The Priesthood meeting was in Tahitian and brother Wilford said for us it would be better to leave, at 1st I was  put back by that, but Eric said he explained in French it is hard for the French speaking to understand and he thought we would not get much from it, well Eric anyway----and for me I wanted to go to Relief Society, I don't care if I don't know the language, to me I feel it in my heart. This was a good day; we went back to the bungalow and watched a movie called FIREPROOF--I HIGHLY RECOMMEND EVERY NEWLY MARRIED OR MARRIED COUPLE TO WATCH THIS AS A FAMILY.  We ate dinner, knelt, and had prayer and went to sleep ready for Monday to start another adventure.

Happiest people on the earth, we decided to go to the
branch. Interesting they sing the Hymns in both
Tahitian and French

This is the baptismal Font

So happy to see us--Happier to see them

Taking Those Bucket Lists Seriously Day 1,2,3,7, Papeete

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2013

Taking those Bucket lists Seriously Day 1, 2, 3, 7, Papeete

When I finished my radiation and chemo, Dr. Northfelt said it was time for us to get started on the things left on my "bucket list" while I was feeling better--1st and foremost I want you to know I have learned through this journey although having the ability to fly to places I would love to see before I die has truly been remarkable, we could of never done any of this traveling if I was not working for the best company in the World US Airways.  They have gone out of their way to help me while I was out of work for a year and a half by calling or emailing me, to see how I was doing, and to remind me to get my paperwork into the corporate offices in time so that I would not lose any of my medical benefits. Eric and I have genuinely enjoyed being able to go to some wonderful places in the world, but I want my children to know, THEY ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT, THEY ARE THE #1 on my bucket list. This last trip I journaled every day, and I saw a pattern as I read it back--every day I said I missed my children and grandchildren and wished they could enjoy this time with us.

On 8/21/13 We arrived in Papeete Tahiti via Los Angeles nonstop on Air Tahiti Nui, who Us Airways has an agreement with, this means we fly by paying taxes only--we were exhausted and stayed at the nearest hotel next to the Airport.

Day 1 8/22/13 Papeete they now have twenty buildings, and twenty stakes with 16,000 members the gospel is strong here on this Island.

Papeeta Temple

Papeeta Tahiti, we woke up had prayer went to breakfast then took our $100 a day car (Eric was upset about that price) We wanted to see the Temple and dressed to go enter and do some service while we were there.  We were tempted to go to the other side of the Island to watch the Billabong Surf competition that was going on, but I insisted I wanted to go to the Temple, so off we went to try and find it--not such an easy thing to do. We followed directions and felt like we were going in circles, finally I spotted Moroni on the top of the Temple we followed, quickly got out of the car, and were greeted by members telling us the Temple just had its last session and we would have to come back at either 4,5 6 or 7.  We made the decision to see the Island and come back to make the last session.  Ok, I love my husband but anyone who has driven with him knows he is not the best driver, I feared for my life a few times, going down one-way roads huh the wrong way-- We decided we had plenty of time to go to the surf competition and be back in time for the 7 o'clock session. We drove the ocean in view the entire time, oh what beauty we saw.  When we arrived, we found out the surf competition had ended early, 2 days early.  So, all that frustration for nothing.  We took a walk through what looked like backyards of people and enjoyed the scenery.

Water Lillies

loved the tree over the walkway

As we walked, I took a moment to notice
this rock shaped like a heart

Oh, if these trees could talk...Eric looks so
small in comparison--

Finally, we had our Nutella, Banana, and Coconut Crepe

We headed back to the other side of the Island to make it in time for the 7 pm session, this was important because we were told the Temple was closing for cleaning, so this was something I really wanted to do, and it was perfect timing for us.  Eric and I laughed because we had to find a dark area to park in so we could change into proper Sunday dress, we were in our shorts and beachwear, Eric said "I think this is the only time I have every gotten down to my underwear, in my car, with my wife and in the Temple parking lot" it was funny.  We were greeted like Kings and Queens as we entered this beautiful sacred building.  The spirit was so strong, I was not sure I would be able to get through without tears.  The Sisters in the Temple were so happy to see us and helped me along as I did not know exactly where to go inside every Temple. The layout is a little different, and this is a small Temple.

After I dressed, I was taken into a room filled with sisters, a Tahitian woman greeted me with a kiss on each cheek and said "welcome, Yo rah na" This women I will never forget, her hair was stark white, her skin perfectly angelic, and her eyes were the radiant Caribbean blue, never in my life do I remember seeing someone as beautiful as her inside and out, with the exception of Viola Williams.  I cannot remember her name, but she asked me where I was from when I told her I was born and raised in Glendale/Phoenix area of Arizona, she smiled and said "I was born here in Tahiti, I met my husband when he served his mission here, he came back after his mission, and we were married. I then moved to Glendale and raised our 4 children there, later we were called to serve missions here, when we returned from our mission we decided to move back to Tahiti and my husband was called to the Temple President" sadly he passed away 5 years ago and she moved back to Glendale to live with her brother, then she was called to a Temple serving mission in Tahiti--I could tell she was truly a servant of the Lord by her spirit. I was totally surprised when she asked one of the sisters who speaks English to escort me and help me through, this sister told me that the white-headed woman was 86 years old, this was astonishing to me.  I watched as each sister kissed each other on the cheek as they greeted one another--I LOVE THIS TRADITION-the men do it with the women and the men also with the the men,it is part of their culture and warmed my heart as they each did this with me. I began to get teary before we had even left the dressing room--WOW the spirit was strong for me tonight, this I NEEDED to do, and I am glad I did. I could feel Eric's mom and dad's spirit there with me, what comfort they brought to my soul, oh how I miss them and love them.  

I wish I could get advice from Vi, even though I know she would tell me to get on my knees, I also know that she is the one person who would understand exactly what I am feeling, she died of breast cancer--I need her right now, but her spirit is telling me to rely on the Lords answers, not the Doctors, or even other members of the church, just listen to the spirit and he will guide me.  There was a woman who walked in with a bald head, and a white scarf covering her head, she was going through chemo, I remember President Greer once calling the Temple to ask about me being able to attend with the white scarf-- I watched as this woman was greeted like every other one of us with a kiss on each cheek. I thought that was PERFECT.  

After the session I was waiting for Eric in the foyer, the Temple President came out to greet me and said, "Yo raw  na, welcome, we heard you were coming from the mainland, thank you for being here" Tears filled my eyes, he asked "what troubles you sister?"  I replied "nothing, I am grateful to be here, right now, and on this night, the spirit has been strong and questions for me have been answered" He hugged me and said "The Lord is good, he answers ALL"  Tonight as we drove back to the hotel, I told Eric, "I finally get it," "what?" was his reply "I finally understand the love and compassion your mother had for the polynesian culture, she was one with them, and your brother Kurt who served his mission here,  he had such a hard time when he came home, his mother was really the only one who could comfort him." It's difficult to understand, even my own son had a hard time returning from the Dominican Republic because he loved the service he did and the people he loved.  With Kurt it was more than I had ever seen, he was literally heartbroken when he got home, and Vi was the only one who could truly understand--I always thought it was because they served the people so obviously they loved them, but know I SEE it, I KNOW it, there is no place I have ever been where the people are so friendly and compassionate.  I didn't want to leave, and I just met these people, I cant imagine serving with them for 2 years and then leaving not knowing if you would ever see them again.  Over all today, I learned so much, I learned to soften my heart and not be like that rock, to let myself be ok with answers that come, and to be true to who I am.

Day 2 Moorea

Eric and I returned the car, went to the Ferry to the Island of Moorea.  After much negotiation with the car company, he finally decided on one and we drove the entire Island looking for just the right Hotel.  Eric had budgeted a certain amount and wanted to be in a place where we felt safe.  We ended up at the Intercontinental-in a bungalow, which really has never been on my bucket list but was on Eric's.

One of the Hotel Bungelows we looked at

Eric, said NO--Johnny Lingo would have said NO

We ended up here at the Intercontinental

I love this picture of Eric capturing the sunset

Eric loved this view of the family who caught a 600 pound
fish and let us watch as it took 4 men to cut it up and weigh
they then sold it to local restaurants Oh and by the way
This was only one third of the fish.

Day 3 Moorea We woke up to the beautiful view of a mesmerizing blue ocean, a perfectly sunny day for exploration.  After breakfast we finished driving the rest of the Island and ended up at the Ferry where we had originally rented our car. 

Eric hopped out and asked her if we could use it another day, she said "Of course you can" About 1/2 mile way back I got really car sick, I told Eric it came on so sudden and reminded me of when he would take me to our condo in Mexico while I was going through chemo to get me away from the Mayo and the Villain for a few days, but undoubtedly I would get car sick every time and have lay in the back seat of his Avalanche. I even remember Tamy running her fingers through what little hair I had and massaging my scalp trying to keep my mind off the pain.  Today, though I want Eric to enjoy his day, so I told him to stop along the way anytime he wanted to visit or see something.  We stopped along the way at a home where he saw a family cutting up an exceptionally large fish. It was being cut in thirds and lifted by four men it was so heavy, they finally got the weight to six hundred pounds.  The family sells to local restaurants, they were incredibly pleased with the catch today, William is the father and he wanted us to take pictures.  I don't think I have ever seen any fish this big before, it was quite an enjoyable experience for Eric.

cutting it up, was a chore

the tail and fins

Weighing

600 pounds

This fish took over an hour to pull in
Four men to cut and weigh

baby Maui Maui 12 kilos locals stop by
and buy for dinner

Eric & William, the owner and father
proud of another fish head.

Today, I'm happy for Guava Juice--my fav