It's always a delight making our approach into a port after a few days at sea. The sailing has been smooth for a few days now as we've headed on a southerly course on the Pacific Ocean, crossing the equator before arriving into Papeete at around 7:30 this morning.
First thing of note, it's hot, it's hot in the sun, it's hot in the shade. Our arrival was fairly standard, gangways out, meet the local authorities, share pleasantries and then the guests begin their exodus. We're docked right in town. These ports are the better ones where the local town is a short walk away.
It was a throwback to see that the Franc is the currency here, locally known as the Pacific Franc. The French Franc disappeared in favour of the Euro in the early 2000's. Big numbers are on the notes but the reality is it's just a decimal point shift and you kind of know where you are. 500 francs is about £3.65, so treat every 500 francs as a fiver and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the cost if you can't be bothered to do the actual maths.
Unfortunately I've now got a pocket of shrapnel which will become someone's tip
I do however quite like the straw hut on the coin so I'll keep one so I can chuck it in a drawer at home for my kids to find when I'm dead. Sorry girls, it's not exactly bitcoin!
After some drills on board through the morning and some fuss that I can't talk about here I was clear to go ashore at about 3pm. We're sailing at 9:30pm so there is some scope for a wander, maybe some shopping and 'possibly' a cold beer!
I achieved one of those, I'll leave it to you to guess which. Spoiler alert, photo below.
Leaving the ship, headed to a shop, cash only, realised I only had my credit card, deliberated over whether to find another shop that took cards or head back and get my debit card so I could withdraw cash. Opted for the latter, it's only a short walk. Back on board, secured card, back off the ship, headed to the bank, got cash
Shops shut at 4pm, it's now ten minutes past.......... Of course they do, of course it is.
Wandered around to confirm my fate. Walked past the fish market, that would have been good to see, walked through the smallest china town I've ever visited. I've visited a lot! This wins the prize for minimalism.
Having walked the 200 yards of Chinatown, I confirmed my fears and went shopping
Shopping? Kind of. May as well squeeze a beer review in. Cold, crisp and tasty, the perfect lager beer for hot weather. Coming in at 5% this isn't too shabby at all. Brewed on the island.
So after a busy morning working, followed by a cash related issue I elected to discard any ambition of sightseeing. To be honest, I don't need a lot of persuasion to enjoy a beer. But I'd also like to add that the regenerative effect of a change scene, no guests or colleagues can be priceless. Today is a late sail, tomorrow we're tendering and then we're back to sea for another 6 days at sea whilst we head to New Zealand. As such, this is genuinely the last time I'll be able to sit on my own, having a cold beer in the warm breeze for a while. Additionally the guy serving brought me over a white rum from one of the islands, one of 118 apparently. Doc Brown can fuel his Delorean with this stuff, eish! (first world issues right there).
And that was that, I'd justified it to myself. I've had a busy week, cocktails, shows, crossing the equator, winning pancake tossing competitions, there's only so much one man can take!!
While you're all sleeping I'm taking one for the team here. Gonna stop there as I can already sense everyone's eyes rolling in my general direction.
When I get home it's going to be such a tough sell to convince any of you that the 104 days away during one the wettest UK spring times was hard work.
Even the chickens pop in for happy hour.
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