Day 20 – Sail the Pacific Ocean

Tim and I awoke this morning to much calmer seas, and Tim felt better than yesterday.

With a new complement of lecturers on board, we were ready to learn from them about the places we’ll be visiting. First up this morning was Guest Lecturer Captain Tom Anderson, who spoke about “The Natural History of the Hawaiian Islands.” He explained how species have evolved over millions of years to populate these islands. Sadly, we learned that Hawaii is known as the “endangered species capital of the world” due to the introduction of invasive species and diseases that have devastated native animals and plants.

The Natural History of the Hawaiian Islands

Following the lecture, I moved on to a photography workshop with Simon and Lisa Thomas, a couple who spent 17 years traveling around the world on their motorcycles. “Snap Happy: An Introduction to Photography” was their first workshop, and they will endeavor to teach us to take photos the right way. I am hopeful that I will be able to apply their lessons to the photos I’ll take on this trip.

Snap Happy: An Introduction to Photography

It’s a good thing that lectures are recorded and available to view on our stateroom TV, since I’ve already missed two. After lunch in the Pool Grill, Tim and I watched one of them. Guest Lecturer Patrick Goodness, a cultural anthropologist, spoke on “Faith of Our Fathers – Discover America’s Contribution to World Faiths.” 

According to Patrick, “Faith and religion reflect and express the values of a culture in any given period and at any given place and time. Change one variable, and you have changed the resulting faith or religion.” I found the talk fascinating and was especially interested in how he contrasted Native American beliefs with Christianity and other major world religions.

Faith of Our Fathers – Discover America’s Contribution to World Faiths

While Tim rested, I made my way to the Explorers’ Lounge an hour earlier than usual, without realizing it, since I had failed to set the clock on my laptop back one hour overnight. Again, as per my theory, I met several very interesting people who had boarded in Los Angeles. 

Daniel, one of our favorite bartenders, pulled out an array of non-alcoholic spirits that had just been onloaded. Tim will have lots of options to try now. I applaud Viking for recognizing that not all passenger drink alcohol, but still enjoy interesting mocktails.

Bartender Daniel and the New Mocktail Options

After a quick dinner in the World Café, Tim and I attended another lecture. Guest Lecturer Captain Paul Eschenfelder introduced us to “Courageous Voyaging” and outlined how the isolated islands in Polynesia became populated by homogeneous people. He also explained how the Polynesian Voyaging Society is perpetuating traditional Polynesian voyaging and wayfinding methods after proving that ancient Polynesians could have purposely settled the Polynesian Triangle using non-instrument navigation.

Courageous Voyaging: The Breath of Ha

Before heading upstairs, we stopped by the Living Room Bar, and Tim decided to try one of the new mocktails. I ordered an Aperol Spritz, and Tim ordered a mocktail version. I think he liked it!

Bartender Bayu Presenting Tim's Aperol Spritz Mocktail (left) and My Real Thing (right)

I also took my advice from last night and watched Guest Entertainer Rachel Tyler in “Broadway and Beyond” from the comfort of our stateroom. I love Broadway tunes, and she sang many of my favorites.

Rachel Tyler in Broadway and Beyond