Good morning,
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After setting the alarm for 6am to ready ourselves for the 7am arrival at Pitcairn, I read for an hour, then turned out the lights and promptly tossed this way and that, finally turning the light back on and by the time I finished my book, it was 1.30am. Once more the lights went out and so it was that I lay awake waiting for the alarm. How utterly insane, but then some of you know that already :)
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We were up top by 6.40 and had breakfast before Pitcairn came into view, we arrived and it was not long before the longboat carrying 43 of the 48 souls who live here came close to the ship. Although the swell was slight, it took a while before lines could be secured and the Islanders and their wares could be safely brought aboard.
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Shop had been set up in the Royal lounge deck 10 forward and soon the crowds were let in, it reminded me of the zoo like scene one sees at Best Buy and the like on Boxing day. The locals were friendly and smiling, selling stamps, postcards, T-shirts, caps, carvings and jewelry, they had a good day from my observations, all within a two hour period, before the Royal set sail again, this time for the 2000 mile journey to Easter Island.
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Kerry Young, a 7th. Generation descendent of Bounty Mutineer, Edward Young gave a talk with slide presentation about the history and life today on Pitcairn, it was most interesting. In addition to English the residents speak a mixture of Tahitian and 18th. Century English. He informed us that the supply ship from NZ only calls once every 3 months, and the postcards that were purchased today, wouldn't make it off the island until June. The Royal is the last cruise ship to visit till October this year, it's a lonely existence but perfect for them.
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Our two hour visit was over in a flash, the Islanders packed up what was left of their goods, and were back on the longboat in short order, waving as they made their way to shore. Far, far away from wars, consumerism and the general clap trap that we are fed on a daily basis by our media.
I'm not sure if I mentioned that Princess has done away with the printed newspapers but I haven't missed them one bit, except for the sports scores. BBC world and CNN are available on the TV in our cabin, we just haven't bothered.
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A cat nap before lunch then up to the spa to soak in the Thalassa pool, next a 15 minute stop in the steam room, a shower, and I feel like a new person. Now it's time to start a new book, another by Michael Palmer "The Fifth Vial" Busy busy busy, I must try to relax a little :)
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The wind is freshening and the swell is about 4 meters at 4.30pm. Skies have clouded over with the possibility of a squall, temp has been a steady 28c. Very comfortable to sit out in, as long as we remember the sun screen. I think I'll check to see if the satellite is working and get this away early as it's another laid back sea day.
Oohhhh, I do believe I got some photos away but couldn't get text to go with them?
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Ciao for now
Tony
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