The Polynesian Cultural Ambassadors led the assembled guests in weaving a bracelet called a “Lau Fala”. Lau Fala is the type of plant used to make the band while the thread we used is called Raffia. You can find the instructions HERE.
Paki opens bracelet classEvery seat taken 30 minutes priorHaulani
For their first class, making the necklace, there were plenty of seats available at 8:30 AM, thirty minutes prior. Based on that I arrived at 8:30 and found all the seats taken. I was able to get a spot close to the stage by sitting on the edge of the pool. There were plenty of kits so everyone who wanted to make the bracelet was able to get a kit regardless of where they were sitting.
Paki started off the class with a few announcements before turning it over to Haulani who guided us thru the rather simple process to weave the bracelet. Fifteen minutes after we started most everyone was finished.
Pete modeling his Lau Fala bracelet
COFFEE CHAT
Coffee Chat was next up for me with the Polynesian Cultural Ambassador lecturer, Kainoa, as the guest. Kainoa spent 18 years living in New York City and considers the big apple his second home. He got his start on Carnival Cruise lines before switching to Holland America where he worked as a crew member for many years before joining Paki’s Polynesian Cultural Ambassador’s team.
Kainoa
GALLEY TOUR
The Galley Tour was lightly attended as most guests have been on this tour many times. I always enjoy going regardless as I can usually pick up something new. On today’s tour I was able to get a glimpse of the Gala menu for the Captain’s Dinner on March 5th, but it will remain a close secret until then.
Everyone had a chance to have a photo with Executive Chef PetrExecutive Chef Petr and PeteWeighing dough for bread
GALA NIGHT – Joie de Vivre
The theme for this evening’s Gala Night dinner was “Joie de Vivre”, French for “Zest for Life” or similar. The waiters were wearing rainbow colored bow ties and the tables were set with colorful napkins and chair covers. We wore our tropical formal wear and later had fun taking some pictures with the ships photographer.
ATLANTIC CROSSING
The Holland America Singers and Dancers were on the Mainstage this evening performing “Atlantic Crossing”, a British Invasion themed show, which featured such hits at “Build Me Up Buttercup”, “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, “Good Bye Yellow Brick Road” and “How Do You Mend a Broken Heart”.
