Banana Land


 Fugalei Market in Samoa where we saw more bananas and varieties of bananas than we have seen in our entire lives.  I've been buying bananas on nearly every island and not only eating them but buying enough to give to the crew members who take care of us.  I have a feeling Banana Man might now be my moniker among the crew. 

We frequently buy coconuts that are kept cold in portable coolers, a hole is poked in the face of the coconut where a straw is inserted and we drink the cool, clear water straight from the coconut.  Oh, so refreshing!


It is so hot and humid here that many men wear long skirts or short pareos with flip flops or sandals.

Crime is at an extremely low rate on the islands.  Most villages are small so the villagers know each other or know someone who knows someone.  It is difficult to keep a life of crime from being revealed and dealt with by either the authorities or the communities.  People are generally very friendly.

Below is a photograph of a rowing crew in the Samoan Bay.  Talk about a long boat.......

 
This next photo is not clear.  If you look closely, you can see a rainbow appeared after a rainstorm in the ocean next to our ship.


The Avett Brothers accurately described my heart in Kick Drum Heart with these two stanzas;

We're walkin' into the fieldsWe're walkin' into the forestThe moon is before usUp aboveWe're holdin' hands in the rainS-sayin' words like I love youD-d-do you love me? Yeah

My, my, my heart like a kick drumMy, my heart like a kick drumMy, my heart like a kick drumMy, my love like a voice





Comments

  1. Bill & DebraMarch 14, 2025 at 8:08 AM

    Reading your posts is entertaining, enjoyable and informative. In addition, as we have visited a few of your destinations, your posts have afforded us the opportunity to reminisce about our trips. Most of all, we are happy to learn that you are enjoying your expedition at sea.

    Randy, it looks as though that as the weather has gotten warmer, your facial hair has decreased. Who knew that drums were the most popular instrument in the world.

    A downtown Cincy news update - in case you were worried that you would miss the opening of Salazar's new restaurant, breathe a sigh of relief, as the new target opening date is October 2025. Plenty of time for you to secure seats for the 4 of us for the soft opening. Emoji Last weekend, the downtown was a buzz, or perhaps more appropriately a "baaaaa" as the streets from OTR to the Banks were filled with folks celebrating Bockfest and enjoying the summer like weather. The parade was zany as usual. Another party weekend is at hand with multi-day St.Patrick's Day events starting with the parade on Saturday. Our daffodils are blooming and we plan to visit the zoo for the annual spectacular display of blooming bulbs.

    We look forward to more posts as your world tour continues.
    Debra & Bill

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Randy and Ruth AnnMarch 15, 2025 at 4:09 PM

      Thanks for reading and we're glad our blog is sparking your travel memories. Perhaps my facial hair is greying even more and becoming harder to see.

      I knew about drums! They are the most ancient instrument in the world and pretty easy to play- just one drum at a time.

      We're reading The Cincinnati Enquirer and Bockfest has been in the news. We have enjoyed the St Patrick's Day events but the parade is a big disappointment. We were unaware of the delayed opening of Salazar. Jose doesn't seem to have us in his inner circle. We were unable to get a reservation on his last weekend at 14th and Republic. We've read about the opening of Marigold and are looking forward to your review.

      Lastly, it is good to hear from you again. We've been wondering if you were traveling or busy purchasing the condo for sale in The Nicolay.

      Delete
    2. Bill & DebraMarch 16, 2025 at 7:38 AM

      One more tidit of local news - we noticed a sign in a storefront on Race Street near Findlay Market, "Future home of Blue Oven bakery". We have done some traveling and are in the midst of planning another trip. The condo momentarily sparked our interest until we read the sale $$$$.

      Delete
  2. Kris T.March 19, 2025 at 4:21 AM

    can you TASTE difference in the bananas??

    ReplyDelete
  3. Randy and Ruth AnnMarch 19, 2025 at 1:47 PM

    Absolutely, taste and texture

    ReplyDelete
  4. plattsflyingdogsMarch 26, 2025 at 12:31 PM

    Banana Man 🤣🤣🤣🤣 That is now your moniker among the family as well.

    ReplyDelete

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