January 10, 2025

NEW YEARS EVE - LIMA, PERU

When in PERU, one has to have a PISCO SOUR or a Flight of them! They are yummy! So what better way to start off New Years Eve then day-drinking with friends! Eight of us went into the upscale Miraflores neighborhood of Lima, to a bar known to have some of the best flavors, to seek out this new cocktail. While there, we found out there is a South American tradition, of wearing yellow underwear outside your clothing, to bring in a year full of prosperity. So of course, after some drinks, we headed out on a mission to finds some yellow undies. What we didn't know, is that dinner that night on ship, was super dressy and we walked in with our undies and everyone else was in sparkly long dresses, suits and tuxedo's! OOPSIE!! Waiters were parading flaming Baked Alaska around the room when we came waltzing in. We had a good time, played CATCH PHRASE after dinner until the fireworks and ball dropped at Midnight. The locals put on a great fireworks show from the beach, and it was a gorgeous night to be out on the Aft decks. Later, new friend Lauren had me partaking in another new tradition, for safe and plentiful travel in 2025. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025, All!

By Patricia Patrick December 4, 2025
Today we went to see the coastal Naidiri Village that has recently won the Top Prize in global restoration, for their ocean reef project. The reef restoration was borne out of necessity to solve their dwindling food/ main protein source for the village, of fish. It was started by 2 of the villages rugby players and today is run by the local teenagers (mostly boys) in the village. It was great seeing how empowered and proud they were of their amazing efforts.
By Patricia Patrick December 1, 2025
The port agent offered several trips to areas around Lautoka . We chose the trip to Serenity Island Resort which included van and boat transfers and lunch. It was a really nice day enjoying the sun, reef, pool, turtles and amenities!
By Patricia Patrick December 1, 2025
I organized a group tour for a fun day experience. We had a great day despite the rain that decided to join in. We started with a 45 minute van ride out through the city, into the countryside. Then we got in long boats and went up river to a waterfall, some swam or cheered on the guides to cliff dive. Then back in the boats to visit Sabata Village where 50 family members live as a community existing totally off the land, along the river. Next was a quick boat ride to our BBQ lunch spot. After lunch we got to tube down the river, through light rapids, for just about an hour. We ganged our tubes together with the guide - we had a chain of 14 in my group and the guides totally blew us away singing hymns for a good chunk of the journey. It was truly moving in that place with the rain drizzling and all of us linked together. Loved it!