Goodbyes

My "Eat, Pray, Love" In Two Weeks

Series

Part Nine of Twelve

Papeete, Tahiti

Goodbyes are hard, especially in such a beautiful place after such a fantastic week. But a little hut on the water made me smile, and an evening with two charming men who have become dear friends eased the day's sadness. Still, a final embrace was the most difficult of all.

Disembarkment Day. Everyone, including myself, is a bit melancholy. Leaving the magic of this remarkable ship will be somewhat sad as we've become like family this past week. Has it only been a week? This is the first vacation in my life where I lost track of time, dates, and days. If it weren't for the daily agendas provided to us, I would never have even known what day it was. But I know today is Saturday, and the time is coming to walk back down the ramp and say goodbye to the M/S Paul Gauguin.

I spent the morning packing and organizing my handbags. My packing was relatively easy, as I was not headed to the airport to fly home. Those with evening flights are provided day rooms at local hotels in Papeete. I threw on a bathing suit and sundress and met Mel and Milton for breakfast at La Veranda's deck. Like always, Carl and Lindsay were only a few tables away. Even on Disembarkation Day, we were still like magnets to one another.

After spending the rest of the morning on the pool deck, we met again for lunch. God forbid they don't feed you! My lunch was salad and my favorite French Sauvignon Blanc. We said goodbye to Arnold the Great and several other friends, preparing to depart. Announcements began. We disembark by the color of the tags on our suitcases. Mine is gray, so I am headed in a shuttle to the Intercontinental. As they left, I said goodbye to Carl and Lindsay in the Grande Salon but somehow missed Mel and Milt! How did THAT happen? Then it was my turn. I gathered my things, looked around, and locked in the memories forever.

I realized the minute I got off the ship how spoiled we all were by the quality, service, and attention to detail on board the ship because the van that took me to the hotel was horrible. No air conditioning and I could not see over the seat ahead of me as it was so tall. I went from seasick to incredibly carsick, so the breeze on my skin never felt so good when I arrived at the hotel.

The Intercontinental resort is a sight to behold, situated on the lagoon and lined with thatched roof bungalows all along the beach. I have one of those bungalows on the water, which is even more charming than described. I got settled and took a long walk to clear the cobwebs forming in my brain and to get the lay of the land. There is a massive pool at the center of the resort, plus beach areas throughout. I can swim or kayak in the water just outside my back door. I don't think relaxing here for the next two days will be hard.

I had a snack and drink at the Tiki Bar. The Pina Coladas here are not that good, which is a blessing, given how many calories they have. I won't be drinking many. I returned to my little bungalow on the ocean and got cleaned up. I have a date!

Nenad met me just before sunset after embarking the next lucky passengers on the M/S Paul Gauguin. We drove to the Yacht Club and met Rajko for drinks and conversation. It is fun to see these guys loosen up when not on duty.

The Captain was a bit intimidating on board -- very much the gruff, intense, rugged ship captain. But really, I learned that he is a big teddy bear. He and Nenad have been sailing together for years and have a long and true friendship outside of the job. They are both from Croatia and grew up not far from each other. I can't recall exactly how many ships they have worked on together, but it is many, and it's now like they can read each other's minds. So I found myself in Tahiti, sipping wine at a club overlooking a harbor of yachts on a warm, beautiful night under the stars, with two handsome and engaging men. My life keeps getting better!

Nenad had to return to the ship as they sailed for a ten-day cruise tonight at midnight. I wish I could stow away and spend the next ten days aboard the "Bentley of the Seas" again. I am sad to see him go. I have enjoyed getting to know him and spending time with him. He is truly a man of quality, and his travels, education, grace, and genuine personality are a rare combination to find. I now own a unique pearl bracelet, a gift from my Captain that will always be a treasure. I will miss my Captain.

Back in my bungalow, I discovered the first and, hopefully, only problem. It seems I am right next to the airport. The bad news is when the big planes take off, it's like being inside the plane. It's so loud and makes the ground shake. The good news is not many big planes come and go here regularly.

I am tired, and my bed calls my name. It's been a day of many emotions, up and down. But I am a happy camper in my bungalow, feeling like a princess. I look forward to spending the day at the pool tomorrow. I know I will not speak to anyone because the language here is French, and since I know so little, I'm sure it will be a quiet day. And that's okay with me.

It's time to work on my tan seriously…