This is part of a series called Oceania 2025 Today we made our first stop in Tonga in Ha’apai and are experiencing a transition from Melanesia to Polynesia although, as we learned, the connections between Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa have existed for a long time and have continued to get stronger. One of the first…
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This is part of a series called Oceania 2025 Today we arrived at the Vulaga Atoll in Fiji. I could have chosen to visit the small village there or gone snorkeling on the reef as the waters were crystal clear. Instead I got to do something I have been waiting literally years to do —…
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This is part of a series called Oceania 2025 After a rather rocking and rolling night, today we visited Dravuni Island which is the largest island of the Kadavu Group, a volcanic archipelago which is surrounded by the Great Astrolabe Reef. In fact, because the seas and winds were so high, the captain actually brought…
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This is part of a series called Oceania 2025 Today we reached Honiara, Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. This was going to be an important stop for us because of all the WW II history here — battles Deb’s and my Dad fought in. There was to be a full day trip to all the…
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This is part of a series called Oceania 2025 Today, we made it to the Solomon Islands. Deb and I have really wanted to visit this area because both of our fathers were stationed here during World War II (WW II). But it’s not yet clear what my health situation is. For the past few…
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This is part of a series called Oceania 2025 Our first stop of the day was at Duke of York Island, one of 13 islands that make up a group of the same name. All of the islands are low-lying and subject to flooding. But we were here for a snorkeling expedition, so that wasn’t…
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This is part of a series called Oceania 2025 Today we visited Garove Island which sits in the Bismarck Sea as part of Papua New Guinea’s Witu Islands. It is actually the 3-mile wide caldera of an ancient volcano and we we’re able to navigate right into it. It really feels like you are in…
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This is part of a series called Oceania 2025 Today was a special day. We arrived in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea (PNG) which is the northwestern part of the country (near Indonesia) and is the capital of Sandaun Province. What made the day special was the fact that we arrived on the 50th anniversary of…
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This is part of a series called Oceania 2025 Today was the culmination of our time exploring Cenderawasih Bay and the best was saved for last. That’s because it is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks! Of course, whale sharks are neither whales nor sharks. Instead,…
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This is part of a series called Oceania 2025 Today was quite momentous as we continue to explore Cenderawashi Bay. Early in the morning, we went to a small atoll named Pulau Matas. It was the first time the ship had ever stopped here, but it was supposed to be a great snorkeling site. As…
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