Day 35 Bay of Islands, New Zealand

We were unable to get into Rarotonga, Cook Island due to swells and we could not tender.  The captain instead decided to stop at Bay of Islands, New Zealand.  Let me start with this was definitely an upgrade.

Bay of Islands, New Zealands, Northland this is where New Zealand began.  This was the cradle from which European colonization of the country was born.  There were battles between the local tribes as well as warfare between the Marois and the white settlers called Pakeha.

We arrived at 1:00pm so in the morning we did have all kinds of stuff going on.  The Ocean Views had a panel consisting of Sen. Bob Graham, Anthony Terry, Stephen Cole and Leo Thorsness.  It was not only well attended but discussed all pertinent questions to what is going on in the world today.  Each person was given a hand held computer and you were asked to answer the question then the panel gave their views and you were again asked to answer the question to see if  the panel helped to change your mind.  It was very interesting.  Before long we were in Bay of Islands and we went down for a tender.  When we got off the tender they had shuttle busses to take you into town or you could walk.  I must say this was a truly delightful little town.  Reminded me a little of Rockport!  Everyone was so friendly and helpful.  We found a quaint restaurant on the water and had lunch and went in and out of the rest of the shops before heading back to the ship.  We got back to the ship at 5pm and the show this evening is early at 7:00pm. I am ready for the show so I decided to come down to the computer room and post my blog Ido not get internet in my cabin.  Very frustrating!!!!!  Okay as much as I wanted to publish pictures something is blocking it so it will have to wait as I have a show to go to!

Dinner with L-R Pat, Sheldon, Nelda, Me, Bill and Ray