Back to Reality Returning Home After Travelling - Lucy Williams Global

I have returned home after three months of travelling around Alaska, the Californian Coast, Mexico, Hawaii and French Polynesia and reality has hit me!

Real life after travelling is nice but overwhelming!

If you have been following my travels you will know I travel with my husband that works onboard a cruise ship. Hence my blog tagline ‘The Travelling Wife Cruising Around the World’.

Alaska

This has been another long trip, but it was lovely to see Alaska properly. I have worked many Alaska seasons when I was still working onboard, but I never really saw much.

This time I made the most of my 4 weeks there and visited glaciers up close from a small boat to landing on top of one in a helicopter. I saw wildlife up close and totem poles.

Glacier Bay | Juneau | Ketchikan | Skagway

Californian Coast

After sailing around Alaska, we sailed south to the California coast and on the way we stopped in Astoria, Oregon. This was a new port for me and I enjoyed a lovely tour of the Oregon coast.

We then sailed to San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. The weather was great whilst in these port so I saw the Golden Gate Bridge in its full glory.

Santa Barbara was a food and drink day on an amazing food tour and LA was spent in Long Beach catching up with friends.

Oregon Coast | San Francisco | Santa Barbara

Hawaii & French French Polynesia

I went back to Hawaii and French Polynesia. It was fantastic to go back to Hawaii and French Polynesia as they are my favourites! Especially Bora Bora in French Polynesia, pure paradise.

It took a long time to get down there, only 8 days at sea! But it is worth it in the end when you get there. I got to see another new port; Pago Pago in American Samoa on the way down to French Polynesia. It is a beautiful little lush tropical island.

Hawaii | Oahu | Kauai | Maui | French Polynesia

Mexico

We spent a lot of time in Mexico on seven cruises to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. They were nice for the margaritas!

Also, short mini cruises of 4/5 days either just to Cabo San Lucas or to Ensenada and Catalina Island, California. Catalina Island was another new port for me and it was a nice new place to go, a really pretty island across the water from Los Angeles.

Mexico | Catalina Island

Back Home

Since I have been back home my feet have not touched the ground. After a 14 hour flight, I have been suffering from jet lag. I wish my body would just understand and sleep at night-time!

Within two days of being at home, we have been to Lake Como, lovely but I would have preferred a week at home to recover!

Now, it is time to get ready for Christmas, our tree is up, the turkey is ordered and the Christmas shopping is done. If you need a helping hand with your Christmas shopping check out my gift guides for travellers and cruisers.

Traveller Gift Guide | Cruiser Gift Guide | Travel Beauty Gift Guide | Christmas Decorations

It’s Not the End!

I love to travel so, even though I am home there will be lots of travel blog posts from around Italy and the UK and you will be reading them very soon!

Happy Holidays

Love Lucy x

Back to Reality Returning Home After Travelling - Lucy Williams Global

 

French Polynesia is where to find Paradise - UK - Lucy Williams Global

If you are looking for paradise, the French Polynesian islands is where to find it. They are located in the South Pacific Ocean miles away from anywhere!

On the Hawaiian and French Polynesian cruise we finally got down to the French Polynesian islands after many days at sea. Even from Hawaii it was six days at sea to get there.

Pago Pago

We did stop in Pago Pago in American Samoa which took four days at sea from Hawaii to get to, that broke up the six days! Pago Pago is a beautiful little tropical island in the South Pacific Ocean.

The island has nice little sandy beaches and is full of lush greenery and exotic flowers.

 

Bora Bora

After two more days at sea the first island we reached was Bora Bora, one of my favourite places in the world. Being from the UK this is so far away!

When you picture paradise, if it is clear blue skies, crystal clear water and white sands then Bora Bora is the place for you.

 

We went to Matire Beach and the morning we were there rained! So I was sitting on the beach with my umbrella up, but it did match my bikini! But it was only for an hour, then the sun came out and it was fantastic.

I love just been in the water as it is like being in a huge infinity pool, but it is the reef. The water is warm, calm and crystal clear so you can see the fish swimming and if you are lucky see stingrays, but they are very quick swimmers!

 

Also the water is quiet shallow so can you relax if you are not a good swimmer. 

On the beach there are a few bars and restaurants. I had to have a coconut water. Here, they just cut the top off, put a straw in and the coconut is ready to drink!

The local dish is raw fish (usually tuna or white fish), soaked in coconut milk with carrots or cucumber. It is a delicious a dish and is good for no bloating on the beach!

Moorea

This island is beautiful, surrounded by a reef with green lush mountains. In Morrea you can enjoy tours of the mountains to get amazing views of the reef.   

 

I did a tour of the island in a 4×4 Land Rover up the mountains and all around. At the top of Magic Mountain (not the Disney type!) the view was breath taking.

IMG_6770

We hiked the last 300ft, steep, but it was worth it. After, we went to a juice and liquor factory.

This was a treat, we tasted the mango juice and also two local cocktails very pleasing on the tongue! 

 

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Tahiti

Tahiti is the biggest island in French Polynesia and where you will find a city. We docked in Papeete, which is the ‘big city’ of French Polynesia.

Tahiti is a beautiful island and once you get out of the city area it idyllic like the other islands.

The best thing to do in Tahiti is go on a tour of the island to get some great photos of the reef and see the tropical side of the island.

I have a Polynesia friend that lives here, so she took me around the island to see the beautiful view points.

 

She also offers tours around the island from the cruise terminal or from hotels. It is a circle tour that stops at Marae Arahurahu, Vaipahi Botanical Garden, Taravao View Point, Faaone Vaihi Waterfalls, Archoho Blow Hole, Point Venus and Tahara’a View Point.

The tours are all with local guides and are in air conditioned brand new mini buses. For more infomation go to the their Facebook Page Maohi Nui Tours or email them at: maohinuitours@gmail.com.

  Maohi Nui Tours Tahiti French Polynesia - Lucy Williams Global

Essential Info

  • Weather: 23*C – 31*C
  • Language: French (English is spoken)
  • Currency: Polynesian Francs (Also US Dollars and Euros are excepted)
  • Top tips: Wear lots of sunscreen and drink lots of water
  • Here are my recommendations for French Polynesia: sunscreen, water bottle and a waterproof camera, swimsuit, hat, cover-up, flip flops or gym kit and trainers if hiking. All available on Amazon:

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I hope you have enjoyed reading about  French Polynesia, please share on Facebook and Pinterest so your friends and family can read too. Sharing is caring!

Have you been to French Polynesia? What would you recommend doing?

Happy Travels

Love Lucy x

French Polynesia is where to find paradise - Lucy Williams Global - UK

 

(L. Williams is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, at no extra cost, to you).

A Bora Bora Love by Jim ferris

As I have just been to the beautiful French Polynesian island of Bora Bora, I asked my dear friend Jim Ferris to write a guest blog post, as it is his favourite place in the world.

A Bora Bora Love by Jim Ferris

I talk about French Polynesia all the time and the islands of the South Pacific are close to my heart.

But, just ask anyone and they will say that Bora Bora is the heart of the soul of French Polynesia in spite of the many hotels that have sprung up.

We started going to French Polynesia in the early 70’s mostly to Bora Bora. It is only 18 miles around (30 kilometres) and the people who live here are very friendly.

More specifically it is very easy to get to, either by cruise ship or by plane. By cruise ship, all you have to do is get off the tender boat and walk thru the shell and curio shop to the main road.

Lucy Williams Global Bora Bora

I always suggest to people to turn left and go to the local store (chin li) to enjoy the flavour of what a small island community has to offer the villagers.

It is a short 6 miles to one of the loveliest beaches in the world, Matira Point.

After 25-30 visits to the islands, one never tires of just walking around and talking to the local people.

If you ever have the opportunity to be in French Polynesia on a Sunday visit the local church to listen to the singing.

The shoreline has not changed on any of the islands for as long as I have been going.

There are rules and laws some of which I feel should be adopted my other island communities.

Lucy Williams Global Bora Bora

You cannot fly or sail into French Polynesia without a return ticket or be prepared to post a bond showing that you have funds to leave.

Did you know that developers cannot construct a building higher than the highest coconut tree, which is why you see hotels built from the top of a hill down toward the sea?

Yes, things are very expensive in French Polynesia, but it is like everything on small islands 90% of everything consumed is brought in by ship or plane.

Enjoy Bora Bora!

IMG_0796

Jim Ferris

Jim Ferris is an experienced cruiser and loves nothing more than to be onboard. If you have any questions for him, please comment below.

Essential Info

  • Weather: 23*C – 31*C year round
  • Language: French (English is spoken)
  • Currency: Polynesian Francs (Also US Dollars and Euros are excepted)
  • Top tips: Wear lots of sunscreen and drink lots of water. The water flask and sunscreen are available on Amazon.

 

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I hope you have enjoyed reading A Bora Bora Love by Jim Ferris, please share on Facebook and Pinterest so your friends and family can read too. Sharing is caring!

Have you been to Bora Bora? What would you recommend doing?

Happy Travels!

Love Lucy x

A Bora Bora Love by Jim Ferris - Lucy Williams Global

 

(L. Williams is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, at no extra cost, to you).

What to See in Tahiti French Polynesia - Lucy Williams Global

The island of Tahiti is an island full of waterfalls, lush green trees, plants and exotic flowers, volcanic black sand beaches (and a few white sand) and beautiful viewpoints.

We sailed into Papeete, the capital of Tahiti which is the largest island in French Polynesia. The port area is full of shops and restaurants, but the real Tahiti is found when you leave the city.

I was lucky enough to meet my friend that lives in Tahiti a native Polynesian. She drove me around to explore.

First, we drove through the valley up the mountain to see a beautiful view (photo below) of the city of Papeete where the ship was docked and Moorea the neighbouring island.

If you like hiking this is a good hike, quite steep. I preferred driving up! It was quite a narrow and bendy road, but it was fun, perfect for a 4×4.

We then went to one of the black sand beaches where all the kite surfers go to practice (photo above) as it is very windy there! In Tahiti, there are more volcanic black sand beaches, than white sand beaches.

Then we drove to Arahoho Blowhole which is where waves crash through the volcanic basalt rock and when you stand next to it, first it seems like steam is coming from this hole, then water sprays through and it takes you by surprise!

Close to the blowhole was a waterfall and before you got to it there were giant bamboo everywhere (photos below), I have only ever seen the small type in a vase, so this was amazing to me!

On the way, back to the ship we drove past a spot where the famous French painter Paul Gauguin painted, a rock in the ocean with a tree (see photo below) and made a quick stop to ‘One Tree Hill’ to see the view of Mataval Bay.

The view is glorious as you can see the neighbouring island of Moorea again, but the tree is so old and huge (photo below).

Tahiti Tours

If you go to Tahiti I recommend to go on a tour or hire a private guide as the public bus only operates early in the morning and late at night and to visit the whole island as there so much to see.

My friend Heiana owns Maohi Nui Tours in Tahiti and her company do lovely tours around the island they have a Polynesian personal touch and are very informative.

To find out more go to her Facebook Page Maohi Nui Tours or email her at: maohinuitours@gmail.com. Remember to quote ‘Lucy Williams Global’ so she knows I have recommended the tours!

IMG_3883

Essential Info

  • Weather: 23*C – 31*C
  • Language: French (English is spoken)
  • Currency: Polynesian Francs (Also US Dollars and Euros are excepted)
  • Top tips: Wear lots of sunscreen and drink lots of water
  • Here are my recommendations for Tahiti: sunscreen, water bottle and a waterproof camera, swimsuit, hat, cover-up, flip-flops or gym kit and trainers if hiking. All available on Amazon:

 

If you are enjoying following me, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter. That way you will never miss a blog post! Click here to subscribe.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about Tahiti, please share on Facebook and Pinterest so your friends and family can read too. Sharing is caring!

Have you been to Tahiti? What would you recommend doing?

Happy Travels!

Love Lucy x

What to See in Tahiti French Polynesia - Lucy Williams Global

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(L. Williams is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, at no extra cost, to you).

Bora Bora a Tropical Paradise in French Polynesia- Lucy Williams Global

After eight days at sea from Los Angeles, we made it to Bora Bora, French Polynesia and I was very happy to step on land again!

As we sailed into Bora Bora we saw Mount Otemanu, which is a funnily shaped mountain and then the colour of the reef which is bright turquoise that is such a contrast to the colour of the deep blue ocean.

We saw little Motu’s (tiny islands) surrounded by the reef with just sand and trees until we anchored in the bay.

Through my eyes Bora Bora is pure paradise, it is that perfect postcard scene. Crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and a bright blue sky with lush green plants, palm trees and beautiful exotic flowers.

The island is surrounded by a reef and that is why the water is crystal clear.

I have been here many times before, but every time I come here I am always blown away by how beautiful it is. I first came here in 2008 and not much has changed, island life stays pretty much the same.

There is no dock here, so tender boats take us to the pier. When we got to the pier we took a taxi straight to Matira Beach. Which at the time of writing this was $5 (US) each way and takes around 15 minutes to get there.

Matira beach is stunning and one of my favourite places in the world and I couldn’t wait to get in the water.

You must be careful of the coral on your feet though when getting in or invest in some water shoes, but once you have passed the shoreline it is sandy underfoot.

The water is warm and sparkling away with the sun shining down, it is just beautiful and so relaxing. I came out of the water like a prune after being in the water for so long!

On Matira Beach there are a few little bars/restaurants, this is where I bought my coconut water and it was so refreshing and tasty.

If you go to Bora Bora you must visit Bloody Mary’s restaurant & bar, it has been there since the 70’s it has a wall of fame outside, a lot of famous people have been there over the years and of course, you must try a bloody mary!

The food is a mix of seafood and meat and different every day in the evening.

If the beach is not for you, there is still lots to do such as water sports, snorkelling, 4×4 around the island and pearl shopping.

Essential Info

  • Weather: 23*C – 31*C
  • Language: French (English is spoken)
  • Currency: Polynesian Francs (Also US Dollars and Euros are excepted)
  • Top tips: Wear lots of sunscreen and drink lots of water
  • Here are my recommendations for Bora Bora: aqua shoes as there is coral underfoot in the water, sunscreen, water bottle and a waterproof camera to take photos of the tropical fish.

If you are enjoying following me, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter. That way you will never miss a blog post! Click here to subscribe.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about Bora Bora. Please share on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest so your friends and family can read too. Sharing is caring!

Have you been to Bora Bora? What did you do?

Happy Travels

Love Lucy x

Bora Bora a Tropical Paradise in French Polynesia - Lucy Williams Global

(L. Williams is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, at no extra cost, to you).