Crossing the International Date Line

We are writing you on Monday, March 30, although it is Sunday for all of you. We completely missed our Sunday upon crossing the international date line and gaining a day. Add that to the 7 hours we are currently behind New York (to become 8 hours this evening) and it is 5:00 p.m. Monday here and midnight in New York Sunday heading into Monday morning. You think you’re confused…Joanna tried to book some spa appointments for Sunday and was told the day didn’t exist!

Whatever day it is, we have been mostly at sea. Upon leaving in Raiatea (in French Polynesia) on Wednesday evening , we arrived Saturday morning in Apia, Samoa. Samoa is the first independent nation of Polynesia, and home to the largest concentration of full-blooded Polynesians.

Located on Upolu Island, Apia is shaded by palms and huge umbrella trees, and has the appearance of a typical South Seas town. Traditional open-sided houses with thatched roofs on platforms of coral or concrete, also known as fales, can be seen everywhere. Nearly all the population wears the typical local dress: skirts, or lavalavas for men, and long, mumu-style dresses for women.

We decided to explore the island’s natural beauty and relaxed local lifestyle via a leisurely drive. We started along the island’s East Coast, making stops in the villages of Luatuanuu and Solosolo.

Next, we journeyed to the island’s Falefa Waterfall, from where there were also spectacular views of the ocean in the distance.Our tour concluded with a drive to the Piula Theological College and the Cave Pool, where a magnificent Gothic church stands guard over a pristine spring water pool. John took a dip in the pool while Joanna explored the seafront and some fresh local fruits.

We are to arrive in Suva, Fiji, tomorrow. For those of you following the itinerary, this is a diversion. Due to the tides, the Captain switched our visit to Lautoka and Suva, Fiji. We will be in Lautoka on Wednesday (your Tuesday, there we go again)…