A little island called Wala

Wednesday 23^rd January, 2013. Wala.

Banging and clanging awoke us early this morning. The tenders were being lowered for our ride across to the little island of Wala. Being very wary of the sun after yesterday’s bit of burn, we make sure we lather up with sunscreen, clothes and hats. There didn’t seem to be a continuous stream of calls for passengers to head to the tender boarding area so we didn’t think many people were going over early. P&O ask you to wait until you’re ready to go before you collect your tender ticket from the Connexions Bar. The bar was packed with people waiting for their number to be called. We must have waited half an hour once we picked up our ticket. Once we arrived on the island, we didn’t really know which way to go. There were people snorkelling and swimming just to the left of the floating pontoon dock that P&O must have taken over for the day and more people in the water on the point to the right. We went left, because on the map we were given, there was a swimming area marked around that way but the path seemed to be blocked by a fence and being respectful of the cultural feelings of the locals we had been told about, no-one ventured any further. We got a good view of the ship and not too many people bothered to walk around there. 

Our first swim was to the left of the pontoon (as you disembark). It was a bit difficult to get into the water here as it was quite rocky – big rocks – and the water was a bit stirred up so it was hard to see where you were stepping. The water was so warm and it seemed really salty. The bottom was sandier closer to the pontoon and that would be a good spot to go for a dip. The locals had lots of stalls set up selling sarongs, leis, stone carvings, shells, woven headbands, drinks and fruit. Cooked lobsters were also for sale, but they were $50 so I don’t think they would have sold too many. There was plenty of shade right the way along the beach with benches to sit on.  We grabbed a Tusker beer each, $4AU if you went to the right bar, $5AU if you didn’t, and found a spot in the shade to sit and watch all the bodies beautiful parade past (not). I thought I was white!! There’s going to be a lot of very burnt people around tomorrow.

Our second swim was to the right of the pontoon and it turned out to be the better place. Lots more colourful fish and deep holes to explore. At one point, there was a school of black and white stripped fish right near the surface and some very excited kids watching them. Once the kids left, we just hung in the water, motionless. After a minute or so, different fish started to emerge from the coral where they had been hiding. There were soooo many, it was truly amazing! 

It was after midday by now so we started heading back towards the tenders to go back on board for lunch. I saw a stand with some more stone carvings and saw a big one for $25 and a bigger one for $35. We always seem to bring back little bits and pieces, usually because of weight restrictions when flying, so today we (that'd be I) decided to go for the big one. We got talking to the fellas selling them and they told us that the face’s name was Na-mun-ki and that the people on Wala were the only people allowed to carve that face. It was taboo for any other island to copy. They were very happy to have a tourist show so much interest and also happy to accept $30AU for him. I imagine there was a replacement Na-mun-ki under the table, ready to take our one’s place as soon as we were out of sight. Can’t wait to put him on the scales when we get home, he’s a heavy little bugger.

Picture postcard stuff

The Waterfront Restaurant is closed for lunch on port days so we had to go to the buffet, there wasn’t much on shore that you could call lunch. This will make me sound like some sort of snob, but I don’t know how people eat every meal up there. It can be a bit of a bunfight at times, looking for somewhere to sit, and getting there without being bumped into hard enough to drop your tray. We took a cuppa out on deck to free up a table for others and we wandered down towards the New Zealand Ice Cream kiosk on deck 12 midships to find a seat. There was a bit of to-ing and fro-ing by the staff around the ice cream cabinet and we realised that the glass display window had completely shattered. Apparently around midday, the cold from the cabinet reacted with the tropical sun beaming down on it and although the glass remained intact there was quite a bit of concern from the staff as to whether it would completely give way or not. I didn’t understand why it was situated on an open deck when on the Pearl it was inside just off the open deck, a much safer place by the looks of things.

Trivia was on at 3.30 today and the usual gang gathered, although we thought for a minute that Jenny and Steve weren’t coming. We only scored 17 today, who knew that the dearest seats at a bullfight were in the shade?? Shuffleboard was on next but when we went out on deck, the pushers were missing. I went down to Reception and they didn’t know why they wouldn’t be there. The lady went ‘out the back’ and came back with 3 wooden pushers that must have floated up off the Titanic. They were like pared down pizza paddles! Anyway, Jenny and Steve had never played before, but they dashed to the lead and quickly took the first game. Another 4 ends and we won a game which meant a decider had to be played. Jenny scored a -10 but Steve was able to knock it out but they scored zero for that end which really damaged their chances of a win. Trevor and I played 2^nd and we made a really good score and took out the championship! We all deserved a drink after that so it was off to the bar until it was time to go to dinner. 

shuffleboard fun!

We had to change course tonight which I think is something a bit out of the ordinary. Pacific Cirque were to perform their high flying acrobatic show up on the top deck but the wind was too strong for it to be safe. A change of course reduced the wind speed and strength enough for the show to go on. Immediately after they finished, the wind picked up – we were back on our original heading. The Captain CAN change the weather!!

Vila tomorrow.