Hilo Farmers Market

Aloha Everyone,

Hilo Farmers Market is within walking distance from the cruise ship terminal. However, with winds, tropical showers and humidity, we rode the free shuttle bus to downtown.

Abundant fruits and vegetables reminded me of Legaspi Village Farmers Market in Makati, Philippines. Lansones, Rambutan and Kaki looked delicious and inviting. 

After spending about an hour, we returned to the comfort of the Sapphire Princess.

A couple of interesting things to note:

Our guide who rode on the shuttle bus was an enterprising woman. She told the passengers that she is offering tours including several highlights of Hilo. The cost of the same tour, if purchased via the cruise ship, is $400 per person.  However she can do it for $70 per person. The only criteria is that it must be cash transaction. 

With the amount of cash she was holding in her hands, it must’ve been well accepted. Our return shuttle had only 4 couples on board.

The bus driver is from Colorado. After he and his wife retired, they decided to volunteer at national parks as docents. After 6 months stint at the Rocky Mountain National Park, they came to Hawaii and now volunteer at Volcano National Park in Hilo. Since the volunteer work is only 3 days a week, he drives the shuttle bus and his wife works at a souvenir shop to supplement their income.

Aloha -- Cathi

Hawaiian Language

Aloha Everyone,

Hawaiian language is difficult to learn. Often colorful pidgin dominate local Hawaiian conversations including those who are Kamaainas. Tim and Maile Letuli gave a good overview at this morning’s Enrichment Program.

Aloha -- Cathi

Day 5, Sea Day

Aloha Everyone,

Friday, we purchased a new WiFi package. First order of the day was to contact Jeff. I also talked to Lori using one of the interior corridors of the Wheelhouse Bar as my walking path. At early hours, there is no one at the bar and I can have FaceTime audio conversations without being interrupted or disturbing other passengers.

Here are a selection of J.J. and my meals this week on board the Sapphire Princess.

Aloha -- Cathi

Day 4 Sea Day, Movies in our Stateroom

Aloha Everyone,

We’ve watched 3 old good movies.

Romancing the Stone

Made in 1984, an action adventure romantic comedy. Starring and produced by Michael Douglas with Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito. Beautiful waterfalls scenes were filmed in Columbia.

Parental Guidance

American family comedy film made in 2012. Great casts and strong performances by Billy Crystal, Bette Midler and Marisa Tomei. While J.J. and I cannot personally relate to their situations, we know many families who fit their shoes.

Chevalier

Chevalier is a 2022 biographical drama film based on the life of the titular French-Caribbean musician Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George. Chevalier who was a French violinist, conductor, composer and soldier lived 25 December 1745 to 9 June 1799 during the tumultuous period in France’s history.

Aloha -- Cathi

Day 3 Sea Day, Formal Night

Aloha Everyone,

Every Zumba class I’ve taken is different. Some Zumba instructors are also versed in yoga, t’ai chi or Quigong. Thus they bring stretching and strengthening exercises in addition to jumping and dancing.  

Tui & Maiie Letuli are the Ambassadors of Aloha. They will be offering numerous classes that are related Hawaiian culture.  

Shore Excursion Live Tour Presentation covered the entire length of this cruise. It seems some of our destinations are easily accessible by walking. Others where we want to circle the island, we will look into joining an organized tour.

This must’ve been about the seventh time J.J. and I watched the Production Show, Bravo. Great songs, excellent singers and dancers. We always find it entertaining.

Aloha -- Cathi