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The ship dropped anchor in Taiohae Bay, Nuku Hiva exactly 10 minutes before midnight last night. Oh I was so precise isn’t it? When I came to the bridge for my midnight watch I could tell without looking at the weather report that promising sunny weather will be around during the day. And I was right because at the start of my noon watch, sunny weather painted the clear blue skies of Nuku Hiva. My mind started telling me that I should be going ashore. Unfortunately, I could not – I am on duty….wahhh.. Anyway, let me share here the photo I took during the last time I went ashore – that was last year…LOL… The weather when this photo was taken was exactly the same as the weather that we have today. And what’s more? Ah…the M/S Paul Gauguin anchored exactly on the same spot as you can see from the photo here. I am sure about this because I was the one who prepared the ship’s passage plans including anchorages position of every island in the itinerary. Most off duty crew went off from the ship today and had their own way of enjoying their time ashore. Some went out to do nature hiking following the trails leading up to the hill while others went biking or simply engaged themselves for a relaxing walk around the village. For the sports buffs, they played soccer. There is really a point that I should be jealous with these guys who were lucky to get off from the ship even for just a very brief period. But anyway, I already had my share of these exhilarating moments ashore in Nuku Hiva. Though it was over a year ago but the memories continued to linger in my spine.

Last year, I’ve done nature hiking with few of my colleagues. It was really fun and very tiring. The scorching heat of the sun and the steep zigzagging thrill climbing up the hill took much of our energy. So when we reached the top of the hill, we are very exhausted. But the moment we see the breathtaking view from the top, we forgot that we were worn out of energy. I really described it “the unforgettable climb of my life”. There’s no question why one season of the reality TV show, Survivor: Marquesas, was shoot in this recluse island of French Polynesia. The natural and untouched beauty of the island speaks for itself. Also last year, I went off from the ship with a mountain bike and tirelessly roam around the village up to the hilly spot where a hotel is located. I am talking about Hotel Keikahanui Pearl Lodge (photo below). I’ve never seen anywhere a hotel this quiet and very primitive style. Bamboo and wood were used in its construction except for the tiled floorings I saw at the main hall. Single detached huts (that serve as room accommodations) surrounded with trees and flowers give a unique impression to travelers who are staying in the hotel.

Though I failed to set foot ashore and revisit the place during this cruise (and maybe for the succeeding cruises), I know I already have lots of memories of the island. The photos stored in my laptop say it all.

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