Tight on space, the marina put us on the outer wall, med moor style, with the mega yachts. Flattering, but not such a good spot when the 4+ meter waves started breaking on the reef. New Morning was really bouncing around so we decided it was time to take a break and move to the Radisson on the other side of Papeete for three days. It was excellent. It was nice to be off the boat with long showers, a big bed, lots of internet, somebody else doing all the cooking and no thoughts about the weather or the anchorage. We took the shuttle into Papeete and got our carte de sejours, bought some gifts and relaxed.
Then we learned that a good friend of Fay's was in Moorea for a month. So we were back on the boat for two nights, then off to Moorea for the weekend. A great stay in the house you see in the picture and a chance to tour Moorea by car as well and enjoy some excellent snorkeling. The back to New Morning for two more nights and time to celebrate Fay's birthday!
I had long ago made a reservation at the Intercontinental to celebrate her birthday so we've been here for the last three days. We had expected lots of celebration activities as Fay's birthday is July 14 which is Bastille Day in France and pretty analogous to the Fourth of July. But apparently the French Polynesian's relationship with France is a little strained. It was a natinal holiday, but there were no parades or fireworks. So we had our own champagne and celebration!
Tomorrow we leave the hotel and then on Sunday we'll move to Moorea, this time on New Morning.
