Papeete, French Polynesia

Papeete was a delight. I wasn't functioning at top speed so Cher and I decided to skip our excursion and went shopping instead. The boys went snorkeling and were underwhelmed with the display of fish, so I think we made the right decision. This was the snorkeling boat returning to the pier.

There was music and dancing everywhere.

We learned how to tie a sarong from a transgender Polynesian, bought beautiful children's clothes from a French expat (braided straps, mother of pearl buttons in the shape of a leaf, batiked fabric in shades of pink - beautiful!) and, of course, black pearls!

The ship did not depart until 10 pm so it was the perfect evening for the deck BBQ. The whole pool area was re-imagined and decorated in a Polynesian style.

But, at 6pm we had a special show by Otahiti E!- drumming, singing, and extraordinary dancing. They got a well-deserved standing ovation from the packed house.