A Warm, Wet, Wonderful Welcome

A first for the Kelly's: our first International Flight in economy! Good news - the flight was not full so we were able to spread out. After an 8 1/2-hr overnight (red-eye) flight on Air Tahiti Nui from LAX, we saw sunrise out the window as we approached Tahiti for our 14-day adventure.


At 9:15 am we stepped off the plane and we were greeted with Lei's and some Tahitian music.

 

Our tour driver was waiting for us as we stepped out of customs. In fact, he had to move the van closer to the terminal as it began raining cats and porpoise's! Man did it come down and strong winds. We boarded the van and within less than a mile, the rain stopped and sun came out. Welcome to Tahiti.

Our driver took us from the a/p to the port where we boarded a large catamaran "shuttle" which took us to the Island of Moorea. We are staying here 2-nights in a gorgeous, panoramic overwater bungalow, at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa.


After surveying the property and beach, we were wonderfully surprised and blessed to receive an early check-in (10:30 am). Even the Koi were happy for us!!!



Next stop - our home away from home.

See Karen on our deck. Our unit is nearly the furthest from shore.

We have a glass bottom floor to watch wild life below.
Our over water room is very, very nice and spacious with spectacular ocean views in 3 directions.

The weather here is great for this time of year (the rainy season). We have wonderful ocean breezes, 84 degree temps and a few showers once in awhile - no big deal.

Love the stairs from our patio deck. Wish you could join us - the water is perfect and clear.

Around 3 pm, the Hilton welcomed us with cookies and Champagne. Guess what's for desert tonight?
 
After sunbathing on our deck, we retreated to our room to relax until dinner. The Hilton is not near town or other eating places, but most restaurants provide free pick-up and return. Tonight we ate at the Moorea Beach Café. And yes, Karen had a vegan special.


That's all for today. Time for some sleep after that red eye!
BTW, when we blog it's usually around 9-10 pm and that's 11-12 am CA time. 

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