1st Land Site in 5 Days, 12/21/14

Wow, there's land out there this morning; we haven't seen land since we set sail from San Diego. It hasn't bothered me at all. I love listening to the waves lapping against the bow or sides of our ship; or even crashing upon us..

Our land siteing was the Big Island, Hawaii; and we are sailing toward the dock at Hilo.

We arrived at 8:00AM and once our ship was cleared by the Immigration authorities then we were able to disembark. Imagine, placeing our feet on solid ground. No rocking, staggering or bumping into wall's.

Bob & I ate in the Lido this morning as we had to be on time to meet on the pier at 8:50AM for our tour.

As everyone got off the ship we were presented with a beautiful Lei which was placed around our neck and greeted with Aloha.

We along with 18 other passengers met on time and we then divided up and drove in 2 vans to the Gardens. Our driver was very good and told us all about Hilo and what we were seeing as we made our way.

We were given a map with all the trails shown so we won't get lost. There was a very steep desent down to the gardens; however there was a very nice boardwalk built which made the walking very easy. They also had golf Carts which you could use to take you around or walk down and hitch a ride back; which is just what we did.

There were flowers everywhere, all looking like they were there naturally; but I'm sure some mst have been planted in the jungle like enviroment. Beautiful flowers and also a gorgeous and naturl setting.

Every corner we turned or every path we choose was a delight to the senses. There was a waterlily pond with goldfish,  waterfalls and more waterfalls; a huge   gigange birdcage about 20 feet tall and 25L x 20W which had very pretty Parrotts.

The Orchid garden had almost every color of the rainbow and the flowers seemed gigantic, especially along side the very pretty orchids we have on all the tables in the Lido.

After catching a ride on one of the golf carts which took ack to the entrance we waited for a few minutes for some more of our party of 9 and returned to the ship in time for a late lunch.

After lunch I went into town/city on the free shuttle to "Hilo Hattie's" which they tell me is a must when you come to Hawaii,  As I entered the store I was again welcomed Aloha and this time a shell Lei was placed around my neck. Bob missed out on this one as he stayed on board ship to rest. Gee, I'm surprised he let me out on my own.  

From Hilo Hatties I then walked across and up the street to Wal-Mart where I browsed for a while then caught the free bus back to the Statendam.

At 7:00PM this evening there was the lighting of the Christmas Tree Ceremony in the Atrium, on Decks 6, 7 & 8. There was Carol singing, gingerbread cookies,  hot apple cider and hot chocolate.  All 3 levels of the Atrium were packed, we ended the Carol singing with Let it Snow; and as we sang we threw fake snow down over the banisters,

Tonight in the Showroom at Sea was Elika Santos who was Hawaii's 2010 Male Star of the Year. He performed music from the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. Made us think of Don Ho who we used to listen to years ago. Mr Santos was very good. He also had a friend with him who performed the Hulu Hu as well.

Also tonight we were treated at 11:00PM with the Filipino Crew Show.  They presented traditional music, song and dances of their homeland of the Philippines.  It is such a treat to watch these hard working crew members who take their own time to practice.  They certainly are very talented as well, with beautiful voices. It was a very nice and fun show.

Elf was having fun shopping and collecting  Lei's today both flower and bead ones.