August 5, 2024
The sunrise this morning was specular the colors kept changing an becoming more beautiful as we sailed into Raiatea. We passed lots of little islands that could of been Gilligan’s island and the people I shared the moment with were all commenting on which character they wanted to be.
Raiatea is a beautiful little island with some incredible street art. Since my excursion was not until the afternoon I walked the little town enjoying the serenity,beauty and of course chickens!!!
In the afternoon I went black pearl diving. We sped out into the ocean to a little over water bungalow that is a 3 acre pearl farm. The owners showed us the process of adding the ceramic bead into the oyster that the pearl will form around. It is a surgical operation. Then the shell in put into protected nets around the farm. It takes two years for the pearl to develop then it is harvested. After the harvest the oyster is impregnated again with a larger bead. This process can be done up to three times. That is how the large pearls are grown. After the education part of the excursion was complete we donned our snorkel gear and headed into the water to find our own oyster in hopes that it would contain the magic pearl. It was a bit like a competition on the Amazing Race since there were only 8 oysters planted for us and I did not want to be the last one to find mine after hours of looking. Fortunately I found mine quickly and dove down for it unfortunately I forgot that I was diving and breathed in and got a mouth full of water….ooops. I manged to get it on the second dive. We then snorkeled around the bungalow for a bit. Then it was time to see if we were successful. Raul opened each shell and the pearls were measured. I had been smack talking (are you shocked) that mine was gonna be the biggest. So I wait till last to have mine opened and yes mine was the biggest and an usual shade with a hint of green but wait then he pulled out my bonus mini pearl….wooohooo!! Mine is a grade A and is 10.9mm. The next largest was 10.1mm. WINNER!! Everyone ended up with a nice pearl and the group of people I was with had incredible energy so it was a really fun day.
Back on ship just in time for a lei making demo and dance lesson. Yes, in the picture I am sill in my swim clothes but I didn’t want to miss it!
Another incredible sunset then a BBQ on deck followed by line dancing under the stars~~
My first best day ever on this trip!!! I am so blessed to have so many incredible adventures!!!
I see you found a pearl for Denise. Lol
When we were there, we went to a pearl producing place and it was fun, but we never got to dive for pearls. What fun! Sounds like you’re having one adventure after another. I’ll bet you sleep well every single night.