Aug. 7 '11 fullfillment of a long time dream

Today I arose at 9:30ish, got into the shower, ate some breakfast and headed out for an 11:30 appointment at SkyDown Idaho. This is a Sky Diving facility at Caldwell Airport. Paul is my co-pilot this morning, Amanda, Phil, Keegan, Mindy and Tristan will join us at noon. We arrive five mins. early and Denise greets us and has me go sit down and watch a video and fill out all these papers agreeing to not sue them should something go wrong. Next it is off to be advised how to depart from the plane, a visit to the rest room, and them we are choosing my jump suit. After I am suited up we are sent to the viewing area to watch a couple of jumpers who are up already.
As the jumpers come into view a young man, don't remember his name, comes over and fits me into a harness and goes over the instructions with me. The plane taxi's in the jumpers are landing and I am being hustled toward this plan that doesn't look very safe. One of the jumpers runs across the strip grabs a chute and heads for me, he checks all my belts and pulls a couple of them tighter tells me he is Mark and asked if I am ready. As we approach the plane he goes over the instructions for departing the plane one more time. He them tells me to get in and sit on my bottom next to the pilot with my legs stretched out, he then gets in and sits facing me on his knees. The plane begins to move, the door is still open and I am thinking "oh shit." are we flying with the door open? We taxi down the strip, turn left reved the engine and begin to get serious about leaving the ground. About the time we are leaving the ground Mark closes the door( I am very glad. As we are soaring higher and higher we exchange some information and make small talk. I find out that Mark makes up to 10 jumps a day, and Ken, the pilot, has been flying for 18 years. They bullshit and tell me funny stories...including that Ken doesn't have a license and that the plane is out of gas. Ken tells me that he wrecked a plane a couple of months ago and he walked away but the plane didn't. Mark is filming most of the conversation and we are flying higher and higher. Just before 10K feet, Mark has me turn with my back to him sitting on my knees. He then latches us together and opens the door, he steps one foot out on this tiny step and I am to do the same. I am thinking God how are going to get out of here? So we both have one foot on the step and I have my head leaned on his shoulder and am grasping my harness and I am momentary scared to death. I take a deep breath and Mark leans sideways and we are soaring thru space. It is the most extraordinary thing I have ever done. In a very short time he taps my shoulder and I can extend my arms, shortly after that he pulls the chute and we stop falling and I drop down below him a few inches. He allows me to hold the guide handles and direct our direction. He sends us in circles and we look and talk all the way down. I told him "I love you, Mark thank you for making this happen." He tells me that at some point soon he was going to have me hold my leg's straight out like I was sitting on the ground and we would be landing. I asked if it would hurt and he said "no" that injuries happen when the legs are allowed to drop and I wasn't gonna do that. What he didn't tell me was that he was gonna sit us down in dirt so fine it was like sugar. When we landed there was this huge cloud of dust and we were both covered with dirt. We laid there on the ground for a very short time talking and letting the dust settle. He asked if I would do it again and I said "in a heartbeat!"
Even though I was very scared when it came to leaving the plane, I have never experienced anything like this in my whole life. It was so free, so beautiful, and we even seen a hawk on the way down. He just soared right by us. This is one thing that I will never forget and hope to do again real soon. I now know why birds sing.

I am very sad

I am truly sad.....
I have a friend that I love like my sister and she can not be happy for me........I am truly sad ....
I don't know how to make her understand that I need her blessing...I know she misses the time we spent together....please understand there will still be time for us...just right now I need time for me.... I love her very much...I know she loves me...she just can't be happy for me...I am very sad....

WOW! Here it is the second week in June...school is out...summer has begun and still the weather is like March or maybe April. I am so ready for it to be really summer. Keegan is finished with Soccor, Tristan is playing t-ball, of course my girls are playing softball and Olivia has a boy friend. All the Buchta grand kids have grown into young adults and yet I don't know where the time has gone.
My beautiful mother has shrunk into an old lady and my aunt Maggie is laying in a hospital bed fighting for her life. My sisters and their families are well and my wonderful brood are all doing well. My life is wonderful and I am truly blessed.
Paul and I took a fast trip to NYC and checked out the sights, spent a day in Seattle and have spent many hours walking the river filming birds of all types. If I can get the time off we will be going to Red Fish Lake in July, with his family. I haven't been to Red Fish Lake in years.
Still haven't heard from Cecil and Dorla yet, Scotty and Celeste had their wedding ceremony, Keegan turned 4, Tim will be marring his Shelly in 3 weeks, I am going to the Emmett Cherry Festival this wed. and possibly this weekend.
That is about all that has been happening in my life right now..so till later..have a great life..

Birding

I can't be sure but I think it was Feb. 2009 that Bob Whitlatch introduced me to the joys of birding. A walk on the river, with a be quite and listen followed by a trip to Eagle to see Burrowing Owls and I was off. I spent that year traveling pretty much alone and then joining a couple of clubs. Last year 2010 RoseMary Paasch joined me and this year it is RoseMary, Paul and myself. The stared birds are "lifers" or first time ever to see...goal is 500
2009 birds ALL IDAHO
1. American Robin
2.Quail
3.Horn Lark
4.Meadow Lark
5.Red Tailed Hawk
6.Sharp Shined Hawk
7.Harrier Hawk
8.Magpie
9.Red Shafted Flicker *
10.Pheasant
11.Peacock
12.Quinea fowl
13.Kestral
14.Red winged blackbird
15.Raven
16.Mourning Dove
17.Song Sparrow
18.Great Horned Owl*
19.White crowned sparrow
20.Starling
21.Junco*
22.Ruby crowned Kinglet*
23.House Finch
24.Rock Dove (pigon)
25.Black-capped Chickadee*
26.American Crow
27.Burrowing Owl*
28.Belted King Fisher
29.Northern Flicker
30.Western Grebe
31.Spotted Sandpiper
32.Bald Eagle
33.White Pelican
34.Downey Woodpecker*
35.Mtn Blue Bird*
36.Snipe*
37.Great Blue Heron
38.Yellow Headed Blackbirds*
39.Osprey
40.Barn swallows
41.mud swallows*
42.Cedar wax wings*
43Vultures
44.Dusty Flycatcher*
45.humming bird
46.Lazuli Bunting*
47.Brewers Blackbirds
48.Cowbird*
49.pine finch*
50.goldfinch*
Birding 2010
Florida
1.Great White Egret*
2.Cattle Egret*
3.Black headed turkey vultures*
4.Brown Pelican
5.White Pelican
6.Florida Cormorant*
7.Great Blue Heron
8.Green Heron*
9.Greater Flamingo*
10.Roseate Spoonbill*
11.White Ibis*
12.Wood Stork*
13.Mottie Duck*
14.Greater Sand Crane*
15.Black Skimmer*
16 many gulls...not sure of type
17.Kingbird*
18.northern Mockingbird*
19.Peregrin Falcon*
20.Red sholdered Haws*
21.Snowy Egret*
22.Summer Tanager*
23. red winged Blackbirds
24.many sparrows
25.Osprey
Iowa birds
1.Cardinal*
2.Baltimore Orioles*
3.Cat Bird*
4.Blue Jay*
5.yellow finch*
6.Pileated Woodpecker*
7.Red headed turkey vultures
Idaho
1.Eastern Kingbird*
2.Brewer Blackbirds
3.Magpies
4.Horned Larks
5.Long Billed Carlew*
6.Western Kingbirds*
7.Meadow Larks
8.Sage Thrusher*
9.Lark Sparrow*
10.Robin
11.Killdeer
12.mourning Dove
13.Brewers Blackbird
14.Cowbird*
15.Pewee*
16.Red tailed Hawk
17.Lewis Woodpecker*
18.Yellow Warblers*
19.Bullock Orieole*
20.Luzili Bunting
21.Kestrel
22.Pine Siskin*
23.Cassins Finch*
24.Osprey
25.Turkey Vultures
26.Ferrugirous Hawk*
27.Goldfinch
28.Lesser Goldfinch*
29.Hummingbirds
30.Mtn Blue Birds
31.Fly Catcher*
32.Ravin
33.Wilsons Warbler*
34.Tree Swallows*
35.Mallard Duck
36.Canada Geese
37.barn swallow
38.spotted sandpiper
39.Great Blue Heron
40.quail
41.snipes
42.Common Night Hawk*
43.Sand Grouse*
44.Golden Eagles
45.Ruff winged Swallows*
46.House Wren*
47.Cliff Swallows*
48.Phoebe Says*
49.Vesper Sparrow*
50.Chirping Sparrow*
51.Double crested Cormorant*
52.Gray flycatcher*
53.SWage sparrow*
54.white collard dove*
55.American Coot*
56.Western Grebe
57.Ringed Neck Duck*
58.Crested Flycatcher*
59.Cedar Waxwing
60.Borthern Shoveler*
61.Harry woodpecker*
62.Lesser Scaup*
63.Ash Throated Flycatcher*
64.Calliope Hummingbird*
65.spotted Towhee*
66.Townsend warbler*
67.warbling vireo*
68.Ruby Crowned Kinglet*
69.Western wood pewee*
70.blackcapped chickadee
71.king fisher
72.Common Merganser*
73.Junco
74.yellow rump warbler*
75.falcon*
76.Northern Pintail*
77.Gadwell*
78.American Wigeon*
79.green winged teal*
80.canvas backed duck*
81.Red Headed duck*
82.Baffel head duck*
83.Ruddy duck*
84.Mutted swans
85.canada goose
86.Pied billed Grebe*
87.western grebe
88.eared grebe*
89.Horned grebe*
90.Sharpie hawk*
91.ringed billed gull
92.rock wren*
93.gray partridge*
94.quail
95.wood duck*
96.townsend solitare*
97.Northern Harrier
98.rough legged hawk
99.California Gull
100.Marsh wren*
101.Virginia Rail..heard not seen*
102.Pippet*
103.robin
104.Black crowned night heron*
105.loon*
106.pine siskins
107.Killdeer
108.rock wren* heard not seen
109.downey woodpecker
110.Great white egret
111.Snipe
112.Long billed Dowitcher*
113.Hooded Merganser*
114.Tundra Swans*
115.Hering gull
116.Merlin*
117.clarks grebe*
118.least sandpiper*
119.Lincoln sparrow*
120.savanas sparrow*
121.red headed woodpecker*
122.semi palmated plover*
123. yellow legs plover*
124.Eastern muted gull
TAHITT BIRDS
1.Myna*
2.Red-venter bulbul*
3.Zebra Dove*
4.Lesser Golden Plover
5.Common Fairy Terns*
6.Wedge tailed Sharewater*
7.Tahiti Petrel*
8.Great Pacific Heron*
9.Great Crested Terns*
10.White bellied storn Petrel*
11.Brown Noddys*
12.Rock Doves
13.Red Jungle fowl
14.Wandering Tattler*
15.Chestnut Brested Mannikin*
16.Lesser Frigate birds*
17.Swamp Harrier*
18.Polynesian Imperial Pigeon* (127) 127)

Hawaii

Maui May 5-11 2011....My first trip.
Paul and I just returned from Maui where we spent 6 days getting to really know each other. We spent hours talking, walking, and exploring both the Island and ourselves. We left the mainland knowing we liked each other and we returned much more than friends.
Maui was beautiful and yet in some ways disappointing. we had rain and clouds everyday, the sunshine came and went, and until the day we were leaving it was never really hot. For old folks like us you could say the weather was just perfect. I expected it to be like
Tahiti and it wasn't yet it was, it is much larger so you have very little intervention with the people. We stayed at a very nice place and were right on the Ocean and the people at the Condo were very welcoming. We rented a car and day one lost a tire and ended up off the road and had to change cars, so that cost us a day. Even with this happening we spent the remainder of the day birding the local area and visiting the Iao National Park, seeing the Needle, it turned out to be all good. Day two we went on a whale/dolphin watching trip. We seen Bottle nose dolphins and were treated to flying fish but no whale. Paul ended up very very sea sick and after the trip we walked the beach and stayed low key. Poor guy he was so mersible and worried about spoiling the trip. The following day we drove to the summit of Haleakala and checked out the native birds and were lucky enough to see six Nene (Hawaiian goose) which are the Hawaiian State bird. We played hide and seek with the clouds and the dormit volcanic scenes. I LOVE what they call the Silversword plant. More birding and exploration of the Island with a trip to Turtle town where we explored the different beaches and drove thru the Volcanic landscape at Makena. We were amazed by the Bayna Tree at Lahaina, which is said to be the largest tree in the world. We had three separate sightings of Turtles just down the road from Lahaina for a total of 5 turtles(or maybe all the same two just different days.) We drove the road to Hana to the very end, checked out waterfalls, visited the Hana airport, and Charles Lindbergh's grave and Paul ended up with a National Park Lifetime Membership. He said "stick with me babe and we will visit all the parks for free.
Paul and I we are a couple...we plan on remaining a couple...we have a great time together...he loves me and I him. I feel very lucky to have found a relationship like this and plan on treasuring it to the fullest. It may not be very long but We will embrace it for however long we are given. God is good.

IT'S MY BIRTHDAQY

Today I turned 60! Amazing to think I am 60. I don't think I feel any different..I am excited about this next stage of my life. I plan on enjoying every moment of it..the good. the bad... and the sad. I am going to be grandma again..Tim and Shelly are getting married and having a baby. Amanda and Rick threw me a "non birthday party", that most of my Alaska friends couldn't attend because they were working OT. My family and friends turned out in droves and Paul got to meet the Buchta boys and they gave me their blessing. I love them so and am very happy to see them happy. Ray and Jenny had me up to their place for a day of SnowShoeing and a birthday dinner. Their two beautiful boys are starting to warm up to me and it is a joy to watch as they interact with their mom and dad. Ray is Pauls oldest boy, they have a place in McCall that sits above the river and so they outfitted me and off we went. We were out for about 2 hours, walking over virgin snow, listening to the birds sing, breathing crisp fresh air and just letting the beauty of the area sink into our souls. These wonderful people have welcomed me into their homes and lives and they make me feel very special. Yes 60 is going to be a good year for me and mine. Didn't get to jump from the plane today because of weather but will try again next week and the next week until I get it done. Going to see Elton John on the 9th, off to Debois the next week end and in May Paul and I are going to Maui for a week. I like this man ...I like the fun we have the laughter and the talks and sharing each others families and I like this man. I no longer have to be alone unless I want to be. I love my friends and my family real and extended. YES 60 is good....I am healthy...my mind is well....I have potential. Look out 60 here I come!

MARCH 2011

I HATE WINTER! I AM SO READY FOR SUMMER!
Ok I will quite screaming....Nothing much happened this month.
PA and I are still hanging out, we went to Pocatella last week end and fininshed moving his Heidi up to Boise. It was a beautiful weather week end ...thank you God! Now they can just focus on getting her thru these next few months.

We also helped his grandson Ian celeberated his 2nd continuation year. He has lovely daughters and his grandchildren are very nice. It is clear to see that he is a great poppa.

I have started birding again and have had two very nice trips. One to Nampa by myself and one to Fort Boise with the SIBI group. Next month RoseMary, Paul, and myself are going to Deboise Idaho to a Grouse Festival. This will be a life bird for all of us. YES I said it Paul is now birding with us....I can be such a bad influnce on people....two of my friends have now joined the birding trail.

My birthday is next week end and weather permitting Paul and I are going to Sky Dive from an airplaine....will write about it... Goodby to my 50's hello 60's..looking forward to this new trip.

Paul and I are planning a trip to Maui in May with some friends.

McCall

Yesterday was a snowy trip to McCall, the Ice sculpters were interesting. I would bet they were exceptional when they were first made. Sharlie has to have been my favorite. People sledding and walking about on the lake was amazing. I do love that area and am always astounded by the beauty the area offers.

OK so Paul's' son Ray and his wife Jenny have invited us to their Super Bowl party and we are going. Nerves abound, but it all turns out OK....should have know it would.
They are lovely people and it is a small gathering so we can visit and get somewhat acquainted. They have two beautiful boy and truly enjoy each other. Jenny has made the best chili and Ray is working on doctoring the hot wings. The door bell rings and in comes two more people, who are introduced as Judy and Lynn ( I think).

Other than introductions no one explains the connection right away. It is plain that this is grandma, but I'm not sure how. Mr Paul disappears for a short time to spend time with Cory and then returns to be with the grownups. When we leave I ask questions and lo and behold Judy was Paul's X...... God would I have loved to have been a fly on the wall after we left.

It was the longest time we have spent together since we started hanging out...and it to was all good.

No plans for this coming weekend, Paul will be helping Heidi finish moving, but the following weekend is his birthday week so we have plans.

CHANGES

Wow it is Feb 2011! The days are getting longer and the nights shorter soon (please God) it will be Spring and Summer, I am so very ready. I am glad that our snow seems to have moved on and around us.
I am still getting to know Paul and things are good with us. WE have so much in common it is kinda scary. Both of us make our families number one and that is a good basis to build a friendship. We enjoy hanging out and talking and have gone to the movies and yes I have even cooked for him. Sunday Rick invited him to dinner at their place and I said "I'm not sure if I'm ready for that and he said why not if your just friends. We know your other friends so what is different about Paul? Not having a good reason I invited him and he said yes with no hesitation. I think I fear commitment and ruining a friendship. Rick said "mom what do you like about Paul?"
What do I like? I like his honest forthright approach to life, I like his sense of quirky humor, his intelligence, his duty to family, and I like the way he treats me. I like the fact that he is open to doing things instead of just staying home. I said birding starts in Feb. and he said when and can I go. I said I am jumping from a plane on my 60th birthday and he said I will rent a video camera and jump with you. I say want to go to McCall for the Ice Sculptors and he says sure want to go Sunday? I like the fact that even if we have plans and his family needs him he is there. He is smarter than me in a different way and yet we complement each other. I am in your face and he is quite and watchful, yet always ready to participate. I invite him to a gathering of my girls and he goes. We both love to travel and he is always taking pictures. Maybe a better question would have been what do you fear about Paul?
I like my Independence, I like spending time with my friends and family, I like not answering to another human being, I like my alone time, I like me. Does having a friend like Paul put any of that in jeopardy? At the moment NO ......could he...only if I allow it.
Meeting family is scary but I'm not sure why, this is a person that I enjoy very much and he will be fine with my family just like he was with my friends. I met his dog and we bonded just fine why not. ...bring it on we can have fun doing that as well. Yes I enjoy this man very much and look forward to spending more time with him. What does it mean for the future ...my guess a lot of good fun times for however long it is meant to be. Changes bring them on I am finally ready!

Dec 2010-Jan 2011

Happy New Year...what shall you bring to us. I haven't any idea but I know what you have done for me to date.

I made it through the year with my health, my family (intact and growing), my job, and new and old friends. I was blessed with three trips, a new family for Scott, health and happiness for Amanda and Rick and their families. Kenneth and Glenda, Ken and Jodi, Clay and Lori all doing well. My mommy isn't doing well and I fear we will lose her this year, but my sisters and their families are well. I am truly blessed!

It will be 7 years in April that George died and my life turned upside down. I lost not only my husband but a family as well. I try hard to stay in contact with that side but life happens and it isn't always easy. I am happy to say that contact with Corey and Brandon is in the makings.

I got really sad, on my last trip, that I am alone and don't have anyone special to share with. I sent a prayer to My God and the universe asking for someone to share with. I have a code that a man must meet and things that will not fly unless he does.

Thanksgiving week God may have answered that prayer....a man that I have worked with for 9 years, and that I thought was married, shocked the hell out of me by asking me to dinner. After closing my mouth I accepted and we have been hanging out ever since. When he told me what he wanted out of a relationship I could have wept. It was almost word for word what I had sent into my request. I don't know what may come from this but I like him and have no expectations except to enjoy his company. Thank you Lord

New Years Eve: Bonnie and Bob Brooks, Paul and I went to Bogus and did the sleigh ride and dinner. It was the first time since GB died that I have seen the new year in and I enjoyed every moment of it. Paul took me home and gave me my first very sweet new years kiss and then he went home. I think we are both a bit frightened ( I know I am) but I am excited to watch as our friendship expands. I am looking forward to traveling with him and to a spring trip to Alaska to check out the birds as they get ready to migrate. And yes Rose Mary will be going as well (she is my birding partner.)

New Years Eve also so me buying a car on MY credit. I hate having a bill but I needed to do this. My car was having issues and I am working hard to rebuild my credit so this can only help. I got a 2009 Pontiac Grand Prie, 4 door, white, low mileage. No more eating out for me.

Yes I am truly blessed.. Until later

our last days before heading home

Gosh it is Thursday and we leave on the morrow, I could stay right here. Today is a free day so we take out time getting around and then we rent bikes for a ride. The bikes are older and kinda difficult but we are able to do this. Off we go taking our time and of course my camera. We travel for a bit and stop often to just look at the sea and to check the beaches for shells and of course birds. We travel down to where the road starts to climb and there is a beautiful Catholic Church. We stop and check it out and then decide to start back as we have been gone for awhile. Visualize this...the roads are barely wide enough for two cars, yet they give to the bicycle. It was a bit frightening to start with.
On the way back we have stopped to check out the area again and as we start to take off I walk out into the road and as I lift my foot the Velcro strap on my sandal wraps around the chain and throws me to the ground...BAM I am on the pavement..damn did it ever hurt! Up I jump, onto the bike and off I go. It is the same arm I broke and I fear it is broken yet again. All I can think about is getting to the hotel and into my room. Once there I check the arm and determine nothing broken and go to the pool where I work it.
Next morning and my arm hurts like bloody hell. After a dip in the pool we go to get a massage and that was most interesting. My massage person is a young man, about 30, who is in a sarong. He has great hands and does a very good job,however he had started me on my back and when I get my massages I go buff. When he has finished and is ready for me to turn over he just flips the cover off and there I lay, naked as the day I was born and unable to use my arm to turn myself over. I was shocked, and then mortified because I couldn't use my arm to turn and he had to help me. So I am now on my tummy and it is on with the massage. No pictures taken here!
Now we are out of the massage and it is time to check out so we run back to the room and we are locked out. We have to get a maid to let us in so we could get cleaned up and get our suitcases so we could get checked out. we are checked out and now we have all afternoon to wait for out ride. Now on a normal day we could have swam, or went out in the canoe but I am in so much pain that I am not good company. We read, sleep in the sun, discover that the bar has cheeseburgers and fries, and just hang out until our bus takes us to the ferry and then on to the airport where we wait 3 hours for our plane. After 8 hours in the air, we are back on US soil, thru customs, and the Gods are with us because we make an earlier plane and are home 3 hours early.
I love to travel but am always very glad to get home and into my own bed!
THINGS THAT STOOD OUT:
Never expect to get out of Boise on time...Horizon doesn't work that way!
The saying "don't worry be happy" actually applied to the people of Tahiti
I never knew there were so many different types of greens and reds and blues.
I want to be part of a couple...I got really sad watching all the couples (even hought about trying to pick an aussie up but that was a very quick NO...
RoseMary is a great travel companion would take her again in a heartbeat.
We saw 19 different types of birds (that we could id) while in Tahiti
I would go back in a heartbeat!
I liked the Poi as made on Tahiti
I loved the raw Tuna ( can't remember what it was called)
I was very glad to be home
Can hardly wait for my next adventure..where and when shall it be?

Moreea adventures

So it has taken me awhile to finish this but here goes. I told you that we found ourselves surrounded by wonderful people and things and that we swam with the Sting Rays and Sharks..now I will tell you about exploring the Island.
We have joined an Inland Island Tour and we will see the inside from the back of a jeep. WE are joined by a couple from Mo, a couple from New Zealand, and an older couple. Our first stop is "Magic Mt." which is reached by a track of cement that is single wide (yet twice we pulled over and let other jeeps pass. We back the last 20 plus feet up the cliff where we are treated to breath taking views. Back in the jeep we are off to an inlet where we are told about how they raise shrimp close to the sea and prawn more inland, near the fresh water rivers. We are told that the only wild creatures on the Island are chickens, dogs, cats, pigs, and rats. We are told that the small fires we see with much smoke are to keep the mosquito's at bay, that the Myna bird was brough in to eat the wasp, and the Red Venter Bulbul, was brought in to keep the insect down. We were advised that Hawks were imported to eat the rats, but since they are night creatures that was a mistake so Owls were brought in. All birds found on the Islands have been imported, by man, ships, or storms. Moreea and her sister Islands are all volcanic and all the vegetation and animals were brought in.
From here we travel deep into the forest and up on the top of yet another mountain where we can see both of the Inlets and all of the Island. Just down the road are ancient sacrificial sites. We are told that when the priest came in they order them all destroyed and only a few were rebuilt. They are areas when items were left for the Gods, including human lives. This is located in a quite tree covered area and all the rocks and stones are covered with green moss and could totally be passed by never knowing what they were. There were two; one which was quite large and was said to be a community area and another that was for brides.
Our next stop is a plantation where we see two different types of bananas (one grown down the other up), oranges, grapefruit, lime, passion fruit, mango's, pineapple's, and flowers of all types, colors, and sizes. Our next stop is a Pineapple factory, where we are treated to different types of liquor made from the pineapple. On to a garden where they grow the vanilla bean and more types of fruit. We are shown the different stages of the bean and advised of the different uses for said bean. Here we are treated to home made ice cream then it is back in the jeep and back to the hotel.
After a dip in the pool and a walk downtown we are off in yet another bus where we are taken to what is call the Polynesian Experience, which is actually The Tiki Village Theater. Here we were shown around the village and given history of many of their items. There was this beautiful long carved bench/chair. The story on this item was: Among the Tahitian people tattoos are a sign of strength and each group of people are know by their tattoos. Our guide stated that in years past they didn't need a passport because everywhere people knew you by your design, "now you must have a passport." Back to the story; In the not so distant past when a male child reached 5 years of age they received their first tattoo and it was always done on this bench/chair. The child would be sat(tied) on the chair and given the tattoo. After the priest came this was stopped. All males have tattoo's but they get to decide when it is done. After our tour we are lead into an area where a large underground oven is opened and large amounts of food is taken from the oven and then sit up for our evening meal. We are served smorgasbord style and they food is excellent and too many items for me to tell you about. WE are treated to a female and male demonstrating how to wrap the sarong and how to keep it on. Our dinner was followed by 2 hours of native songs and dances in the most beautiful outfits. I loved the dances which includes the torches.