June 5, 2024
Back in Belfast
Today I got the news around 10:30 am in Cork, that I am scheduled to fly to Grand Canary, Spain at 3pm tomorrow and I can access my baggage on the ship, at noon before heading to the airport. I quickly packed up all my stuff at Edel's and had a quick goodbye, for now, because we are determined to meet up again soon, somewhere warm, so she can have a proper ship experience!
It then took me about 5 hours, to drive back to Belfast in my sporty Kia Rio rental; did I mention I got a standard transmission to make things more of a challenge and exciting! I haven't driven stick in roughly 30 years & add on the opposite side of the road driving! Party!! Poor Edel did a couple of body jerks while riding shotgun and not in control, over our week of touring.
I am staying at a different hotel downtown this time in Belfast and the picture above, the Protestant headquarters, is right outside my window. I am also just 2 hotels down from the famous Europa hotel, the most bombed hotel in the world! Good Karma right!
Late tonight I found out that our itinerary, once we set sail on the 15th, is also changed for first couple of days but it means I am going to miss hooking up with my dear friend Tom Powl in Hamburg, Germany. I talked to him tonight and sent new itinerary below and he is going to see if perhaps we could meet up at another point. I hope so, really would love to see him!
When you think about escaping to a semi-deserted, tropical island to recharge, FAKARAVA wins my vote! I had never heard of this place a month ago and when I did, people giggled, just saying its name. No one knew what we were going to do there for 2 days. Divers knew a little about it, but we couldn't find any tours through usual channels.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE - Hoping 2026 is a great year for you all! PLEASE COME VISIT - I have no plans to return to the USA.
Papeete (with a population of 26,000) is the bustling capital of French Polynesia and the cultural heart of the island of Tahiti . Papeete is directly across the lagoon from Moorea and several ferries ( just a 35 minute ride) connect the islands & the only airport is in Papeete. The city is known for its mural arts, Polynesian culture and pearl trade.