Saturday 25th April '09

DAY EIGHT – ANZAC DAY & RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS


I got up early today because we were supposed to be stopping at Rarotonga but because of the weather forecast, there was a large swell expected for later in the day. The captain decided it would be in the best interest of the passengers and for our safety that we not anchor there. We would sail on.

the water is so beautiful and blue!


Brunch - Buffet at Horizon Court
beef consommé, salad, potato wedges, chicken cacciatore,
wilted spinach, ratatouille


After brunch, I saw Noel and Fleurette and we went to the salon - Lotus Spa to check out what treatments they had available. I had wanted to get a manicure and pedicure done, but they were charging a ridiculous amount for just a manicure alone. There was a couples massage so Fleurette and I went for that while Noel happily went to find something else to do.

After our massage, we met up with Noel and went for some late lunch in the pizzeria. It was my first time there and their pizzas were delicious! I wasn’t hungry enough to order my own, so I just took a few slices of theirs. There is no additional cost for eating at the pizzeria.

the Vegetarian with salami


”Hey Noel, what’s that over there?”


”Grr...I’m going to stab you with a fork!”


After lunch, we made it in time for the afternoon Anzac service, but it was already crowded up on the pool deck so we were trying to catch as much of it amidst people’s shoulders. There were some speakers, the bugle call, and a wreath was thrown overboard. I felt a rush of emotion reflecting back on how our soldiers were sailing across the ocean to fight a war, many to never return. It seemed awful that we were out here having the time of our life. But that makes it all the more meaningful that we honour those who fought so long ago in wars that brought us together as a nation. In doing so, they instilled in us the strength and faith to carry on and live our lives to the fullest. I hate war. Why can’t we just all get along?

the atrium was so empty while everyone was up
on the pool deck awaiting the Anzac ceremony


I struck a deal with my new musician friends to get them some pizza in the evening. Fleurette and I went to the Pizzeria to get takeaway but they only do dine-in or room service. So, we had to go to my cabin and order pizza. It costs $2.50 for the delivery but you can order as many pizzas as you want!

With our pizzas and stomachs growling, we headed back upstairs to the pool deck and devoured them. Tonight they were having a Soiree Under the Stars by the pool because the weather was so nice. They had the orchestra play a set before the DJ from the nightclub came out to play songs by request and we danced the night away!


Brad #1 and Brad #2 play in the orchestra, so when they were finished, they came back to join us and it was a night of antics.

Reuben - on the drums


Brad #2 - our saxophone guy
Don’t you just want to edit this photo!??


...and here we have...
Brad #1 - our talented trombone player...
during the song "Who Let the Dogs Out" by the Baha Men.


from left: Reuben, Brad #1, me, Brad #2

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