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 Rangiroa, Manihi and the atolls
 Heading to Rangi, tell me about the resorts!
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| Author | Topic: Heading to Rangi, tell me about the resorts! |
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bride2be unregistered |
posted 08-19-2003 02:01 PM
We are heading to Kia Ora Savauge and Hotel Kia Ora in 2 weeks for our honeymoon! wahoo! Staying in a beach bungalow on both. What should we expect, look forward to?? Anything that you recomend bringing that we might not think of? where are the best places to eat and go on Rangi? THANKS! IP: Logged |
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Return in 2003 Member Posts: 348 |
posted 08-19-2003 03:52 PM
We stayed at the Hotel Kia Ora last March and loved it. The meals were great and the water around the resort were great for snorkeling. We did the pink sands trip (the blue lagoon trip is probably similar) and had a good time snorkeling. Walk/drive/ride down to the pass. The porpoises were jumping in the waves (more so in the afternoon). Drinks at the bar deck around sunset was always a good bet. You'll love it. Great star watching from the OWB's. IP: Logged |
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Microbman unregistered |
posted 08-19-2003 09:47 PM
My wife and I will be at the KOV for 5 nights beginning 31 Aug. When will you be there bride2be ? 6 more days for us - woohoo!!!!! IP: Logged |
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ld unregistered |
posted 08-20-2003 01:36 AM
The blue lagoon trip is great, we did not do the pink sands, but the BL is definitely worth it. We were not staying at Kia Ora we were at Raira Lagon and whilst its only a small hotel the food is excellent. Usually only one choice and nearly always fish, but they do take outside bookings. Its not for everyone as the food is very french but it was some of the best we had in FP. The owners speak english but it helps if you know a few words of french as well. IP: Logged |
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JackHarrison Member Posts: 44 |
posted 08-20-2003 04:39 AM
I have a slightly different take on it. Having just been there for the first time in July, I'd say that if you're going to the Sauvage, don't take any of the day trips from the Village. They're great trips, but our host at the Sauvage, Michel, took us to places that mirrored the pink sands beach, the exposed coral/lava heads, and the blue (and green) lagoons - all within an afternoon or less of time. I would definitely suggest spending as much time as you can at the Tiputa Pass, either snorkeling or diving! Rangi/Tiputa Pass was just a feature on the Discovery Channel Shark Week! It was neat to watch it having just returned from the same place. I dearly want to go back - next week! Next time we're spending as many nights as allowed at the Sauvage, 2 weeks would work for us. IP: Logged |
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yodadog Member Posts: 67 |
posted 08-20-2003 02:25 PM
The snorkeling at the KOV is very good. We stayed in an OWB and had easy access right off our deck but snorkeling off the beach was easy too. Since you are staying at the KOS there is no need to pay for any of the trips offered at the Village except the drift snorkel or dive thru the pass is a must. You will get the same type of trips or maybe better while you are at the KOS and there is no extra charge for them. It has been a little over a year since we were on Rangi and there is seldom a day that goes buy that I don't wish I was back. JackHarrison - I would agree with you a week or two on the Sauvage would be great. IP: Logged |
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bride2be unregistered |
posted 08-20-2003 04:52 PM
Oh thanks to all! We will be at KOV on 9/4- 9/6 then on to KOS for 9/6-9/8 then we are heading to Moorea and Bora Bora. Great advice! can't wait!!!!! IP: Logged |
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Kristy Member Posts: 475 |
posted 08-21-2003 01:14 PM
Bride-to-Be we will arrive at the KOV on September 4th we leave on the 5th for KOS for two nights and then back to KOV for Sept 7th. I'm sure we'll see you at the KOS since there will only be 10 of us and 4 are in my group. My name is Kristy my husband is Ron and we're traveling with Quin and Sandi. Stop and say hello. Can't wait to go!! IP: Logged |
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Quin Member Posts: 44 |
posted 08-21-2003 04:44 PM
Hey bride2be I look forward to meeting you at the KOS. I'm the Quin, Kristy mentioned in her post. Hey Kristy shouldn't you be at work about the time you posted.  See you both soon....Q IP: Logged |
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Microbman unregistered |
posted 08-21-2003 07:49 PM
Hey bride3be and Kristy and Quin, we will cross paths at KOV we are there from 31st and leave the 5th. Maybe cya there! We are the guys on their 14 yr honeymoon:-)) IP: Logged |
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Kristy Member Posts: 475 |
posted 08-22-2003 01:05 PM
Quin's and my story is kind of interesting. He and I "met" here on these boards about 2 1/2 years ago...before his first trip and my second to FP. We made our trips at the same time and were supposed to meet for real on Bora Bora. Well one thing and another got in the way and we didn't get to meet. He and I decided that there was only one solution, we had to go back. So he and I planned this coming trip and the 4 of us will finally get to meet this next Thursday in L.A. I think it's great and will be one of the highlights of this trip. We will travel together to Moorea and Rangi and then he and Sandi will take off for Tahaa and my hubby and I will go on to Huahine. We look forward to meeting you Microbman and Bride-to-be. I think Quin and Sandi are on their 25 year honeymoon and Ron and I are on our 6 year honeymoon. Ain't love grand! See you in the islands!!  IP: Logged |
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bride2be unregistered |
posted 08-22-2003 02:02 PM
This is so cool! We looking forward to meeting everyone! Small world..... IP: Logged |
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Microbman unregistered |
posted 08-24-2003 08:44 PM
Woohoo oooeeee - we are off tomorrow morning to paradise. I absolutely LOVE these extended honeymoons :-)) Hope to see some of you in Rangi. Hope all of your trips go beyond all your expectations in FP - bon voyage !!! And TX for everyone's help with my ?s. IP: Logged |
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blueman Member Posts: 146 |
posted 08-26-2003 09:25 AM
I'm soooooo jealous you guys!!! We just returned from a 3-week glorious family vacation in FP and we still can't get over the "FP flu." We're hoping to go back to Rangi in a couple of years for our 25th anniversary. The kids are not happy that they are not invited (we've traveled with them since they were embryos so they love traveling with us!)but the Kia Ora Sauvage sounds very idyllic and ultra romantic. Have a wonderful time and please report upon your return so that we can tell our kids that eventhough we'll miss them, a trip to Rangiroa is what every loving couple needs! IP: Logged |
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Microbman unregistered |
posted 09-13-2003 09:05 AM
Hey bride2be and hubby/Kristy and Ron/Quin and Sandi - my wife and I have sadly returned from FP and have a bad case of the FP flu. We were at the Hotel Kia Ora on the 5th and left the afternoon of Sept. 6th. We were scouting the dinning room looking for a table of four Americans that we thought might be you guys but no soap. Actually finding a table of 4 Americans there is pretty unusual as we are definately a deficit at that resort. Were you there? Sorta what do you all look like? Just curious in that I was hoping we could have said "Hiya", or something there. What was your experience like there and at the Sauvage? You can read about ours on another thread in the Manihi/Rangi section. We absolutely loved Rangi and plan on returning. Never did the snorkel drift throught the pass as I slammed my toe into my suitcase, did not stay off it, went snorkeling (couldn't resist) which really irritated it, and then my foot swelled and I couldn't walk on it for a coupla days. Couldn't put a fin on my foot so missed the drift through Tiputa. Porpoises were memorable tho and have lots tape of them jumping in the pass on comming close to the boat in the ocean. I am very interrested in your experiences on your indivual trips particularly the Sauvage and Kia Ora Hotel. We also stayed at the Te Tiare 4 yrs ago. How was that experience??? IP: Logged |
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Kristy Member Posts: 475 |
posted 09-13-2003 11:44 AM
Hey Microbman!! It would have helped if you had given me a real name. LOL We were there and we were looking for you but I think maybe we had our dates messed up. We arrived at the KOV on September 3rd, went to the KOS on the 4th and 5th and returned to the KOV on the 6th leaving on the 7th. I did walk up to an American man and ask him if he posted on this website. He looked at me and said, "Oh yeah...all the time!" I asked him if he posted as Microbman. He said yes. I got all excited and yelled at Quin and told him I found Microbman. About that time the guy looks at me and says..."I don't have a clue what you're talking about." He walked away laughing. His wife said that he can't even turn a computer on let alone post on a bulletin board. So much for that. LOL If you saw two couples, one being black(her) and white and one being tall (I'm 5'10" and hubby is 6'2") then you saw us. We were probably pretty hard to miss. Anyway both places were amazing. We fell in love with Rangi and especially the KOS. Michel and his wife were the most friendly, gracious, hosts I've ever met. Michel and my husband really hit it off and Michel swears he is going to call us the next time he makes it to Calif. I miss them already. We got very lucky in that Pascal and Cossetta made a special trip for us to snorkel the Tiputa pass on the day of our departure. We only got to do 2 runs through the pass rather than 3 but we did get to snorkel in a natural aquarium first so it was ok. The drift snorkel through the pass was probably one of the most amazing things I've ever done. We saw everything I wanted to see except the Manta's. Cossetta said that there is not enough plankton for them right now. We did see eagle rays and they were awesome. It was the thrill of a lifetime. We liked Te Tiare on Huahine. It is a beautiful resort. The town of Fare (pronouned Fa Ray) was our favorite village. Huahine is definitely more about the people and the island (which is what we wanted) than it is about the tourists. It was a great experience. I forgot to mention on the day that we left the Sauvage who should get off of the boat but Bride-to-be! We only had time to chat a little, take a few pictures and then we were off. Hi to Wendy and Dane! Hope you loved the KOS as much as we did. Microbman let me know if you have any other questions. We want to go back so bad. I'm sitting here in my pareo and my new pearl necklace trying to make myself feel better. LOL I will write more details later. IP: Logged |
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Microbman unregistered |
posted 09-15-2003 08:37 PM
Kristy - Duh-oh ! I really screwed up on this one. Now that it is too late to cya we are John and Sue from Northern Cal. I will take the blame for not getting the dates correct that you very obviously posted. We were at the KOV from the 31st and left the 5th. I actually recall seeing two couples as you described yourselves at dinner one evening, and I thought "if today were the 4th then possibly those two American-looking couples could have been posting on the Tahiti Explorer message boards". But noooooo I thought, too soon for them to be here. I think that it was a night when there was not a buffet and no show on the pool deck. I believe I passed you on the way to the scrumptious dessert buffet (was that cool or what :-)). I was the guy with the gray beard (and everyone wondering why anyone would have a beard in FP), and pretty blond wife. My wife recalls a conversation by a tall gal at the main desk asking the gal behind the desk if there was anyone at the resort that posted in the Tahiti Explorer web site (or something similar to that connotation), so you may have been standing next to my wife at one point too. This was before I slammed my foot into the suitcase and was gimping after that so it would have been obvious who I was. At any rate, we are sorry we missed speaking with you, I am sure it would have been great fun to meet and swap FP tales. Pascal and Cossetta are the greatest !! I wish there were more of them in the world. Glad you were able to do the drift thru the pass. Can you explain in some detail what you saw (considering I missed it), clarity of the water, how far down you could see and what was there. A couple we met at the airport leaving Rangi told us they dove the pass and saw hundreds of sharks passing through. I understand that the underwater side of the pass are pretty shear and dramatic. Do you start out in the unseen depths and float into the gorges of the pass. We were both devistated when we could not experience this. It is the main reason we went to Rangi, and the Dolphins, which we have lots of quality tape of them jumping and swimming near Pascal's boat. We just want to relive this experience vicariously through your experience. Yes, we also think Fare is the best. The perfect South Seas town. Wonderfull people and gorgeous island. Te Tiare pretty, small and intimate, great folks working there. So glad you had a wonderfull and exciting trip. We too are planning our next but it will be a while before we return. IP: Logged |
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Kristy Member Posts: 475 |
posted 09-15-2003 09:05 PM
Hey John (aka Microbman) snorkeling the Tiputa pass was an event that will live in my mind forever. It is as you describe. I was on the left side of a string of 7 snorkelers including Cossetta so it put me right at the edge of a very steep wall. It was so amazing words fail me. Visibility seemed to go on forever. It was like watching a movie with too much going on at the same time so you're not sure where to look first! LOL We saw every kind of fish imaginable including several very large barracuda that swam quite close to us. There were black-tipped, white-tipped and gray sharks. We say 4-5 eagle rays and they were magnificent. Even Cossetta got excited when we spotted them. It was worth every penny of the $45 they charge. If I ever get to go again I will schedule the drift snorkel every day. It's so worth it. Have you stayed at the KOS? We found that experience equally as amazing. If or should I say when we go back we will do no less than 4 nights at the KOS and maybe 3 nights at KOV. We loved both places. I wish I could say I will have pictures to share but I didn't take my camera on the drift snorkel because I thought I was told we couldn't. My friend, Quin, did take his so there is hope yet. Stay in touch and if we get some good ones I'll be happy to share with you. Kristy IP: Logged |
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Quin Member Posts: 44 |
posted 09-16-2003 06:46 PM
Hey Microbman, sorry to hear about the toe. That really sucks cause the Tiputa pass was incredible. Like my bud Kristy, I would probably do it every chance I could. The Eagle Rays were amazing. They so impressed my wife that she got one tattooed on her shoulder on our last day in Raiatea. Untill this trip she wasn't very keen on tattoos. I should know on Friday if the pictures turned out. Hopefully I didn't get too excited seeing the rays and just took pictures of my finger. ...Q IP: Logged |
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Microbman unregistered |
posted 09-17-2003 07:49 PM
__Wowwwwwwwwwwww Kristy...sounds like I missed the time of my life (cept for my wife that is) by not shooting the pass. Thank you Thank you Thank you for sharing your your drift with us. Can almost visualize it. We bought the video from the Blue Dophin dive shop at KOV in hopes that they included shots of the pass diving, but doesn't look like it. The DVD is gorgeous tho with tons of Sharks, Barracuda, Remora's some Dolphin, sailfish, and even the part of video where they film a huge Tiger Shark eatin some unfortunate lesser shark. The posters in their dive shop are taken from stills of this part of the video. Awesome hehe. Actually I thought that camera's were not taken on the drift as you needed to hold hands securely. __My wife and I have not been to KOS...her choice. Didn't go for lack of electricity but mostly the mozzie nets scared her off. She HATES mozzies. Looks like a great place to spend a year or two to me LOL. __Quin, it would be fabulous if ANY pictures turned out from the pass that you could share with us. We are really impressed that your wife got a tatoo of an eagle ray after your dive. Can you add any description to what Kristy shared with us?? Real glad you all had a tremendous time together in Rangi. What is your favorite island in FP ?? IP: Logged |
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Carol unregistered |
posted 09-18-2003 05:40 AM
When we did the snorkel shoot the pass trip, my husband was the end person so had one hand to take pictures with his underwater camera. However, he forgot which part of the camera to face forward and we got a lot of pictures of HIM...! IP: Logged |
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Quin Member Posts: 44 |
posted 09-20-2003 03:06 PM
Microbman, I have bad news for you. You are just going to have to go back to Rangiroa and shoot the pass. I know it's going to kill you to have to pack up and leave home for paradise again but that will be the only way to really see the Eagle rays. I'm sorry to say the Eagle rays were far better in person then thru the lens. The pictues turned out but not very well. Just as you shouldn't shoot pictures into the sun on land, the same holds true for in the water. Only thing is I had no control over where I could take the pictures from. In the water the rays were spectacular but in the pics they are kind of washed out since they were further away then you think when swimming and the sunlight got in the way.  alas at least I have the memory. My shark pictures from KOS turned out really nice. Speaking of KOS you should have done that also. My wife was not very keen on the idea of going there also. Now after having been there it was the highlight of the trip for her. She absolutely loved the place,actually so did I. It was better then I had hoped for. So now you have even more reasons for a return trip to FP. If you still want to see the pictures let me know. ...Q IP: Logged |
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Microbman unregistered |
posted 09-20-2003 09:04 PM
Quin: The crosses we have to bear sometimes, ya know. Yet another trip to FP for me and my bride...sheeesh. How will I put with this? Just for the sake of that pass. What next? KOS :-)) Ya know, we just got unpacked so it wouldn't take a whole lotta effort to put the stuff right back into the suitcase... it's all clean too! Now I am dreamin. Thanks for your reply there Quin, sad as it is. Sorry bout your pics. Actually I would thoroughly enjoy looking at any from the pass good or bad (I have reems of busted shots I have taken over many years myself so I know how it feels), and KOS too. I tried and tried to talk my wife into the Sauvage but she wouldn't go for it. Maybe your wife could write a bit about her experience there and I'll show it to my wife and when we return to the pass, then would could do a coupla days at the KOS. I think the presence of so many sharks there sorta turned her off too along with the mozzies. How much better can it get tho...Rangi is paradise, but the Sauvage is sorta paradise regained. Alone on the opposite side of one the most beautiful lagoons on the planet, and about as top drawer primitive as it gets. Then add Michael and his wife and the dogs, a few sharkies, breathtaking scenery and water, and scerentiy. Yep, I'd like to know what's better than that! If ya have any pics that you would like to share we would be gratefull..I can send ya my email. BTW, I purchased a gorgeous pair of pearl earrings for my wife on Rangi from the Black Pearl Island shop. They are dark blue/green a rare color and find, and our favorite color for a really good price. They are the best of that color we saw anywhere in FP on this trip including Papetee. Really go well with my wife's eyes and another necklace she purchased on Maui :-)) IP: Logged |
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Kristy Member Posts: 475 |
posted 09-20-2003 10:28 PM
Hey John....I really do think I saw you at the Village. Tell Sue that I said that the Sauvage was absolutely breathtaking. As far as the mossies go...there weren't that many and your bed is enclosed in mosquito netting. The sharks are only prevalent right out in front because this is where they are fed every day. You can go anywhere else and snorkel and probably won't see them. It was an experience I will never forget and if things go right we WILL go back. We would like to do 4 nights at the Sauvage and 3 nights at the Village. I thought the bungalows were very quaint and romantic. Hubby and I fell asleep under the stars in our hammock. It just couldn't have been any better. I have some pictures that I can send to you of the Sauvage but I would like one of you and Sue so that I can see if you are the man I'm thinking of. My email is kristynron@comcast.netIP: Logged |
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bride2be unregistered |
posted 09-29-2003 04:55 PM
Hello all! I know I'm late in getting on this bandwagon but HI! Dayne and I just loved KOS and really are planning to go back- 3 nights next time. Microbman you have to go, it's like nothing else. Kristy and Quin so sorry I messed up my dates! You know how things go when you have a wedding to attend and then a honeymoon to go on! haha! We snorkeled the pass with Cossetta and it was awesome. We saw a lemon shark, black tip sharks, grey sharks, morey eels, big baraccuda, etc. Now when Dayne or I see something cool we make the noise that Cossetta makes thru her snorkle! haha! Microbman, the couple talking about diving at the airport when you left.... a tiny asian/ american woman and a not so tall but attractive husband? It was probably our new met friends Beverly and Rich! We did go on a dive in Bora Bora and found a huge manta ray at 110 feet! Amazing! Wendy (aka bride2be but wifenow haha!) IP: Logged |
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Kristy Member Posts: 475 |
posted 09-29-2003 06:07 PM
Hey Wendy!! Bout time you got off that honeymoon and posted a hello! LOL It was fun to meet you even though it was just a few minutes. If you can post your email I will send you the picture we took. Oh wait...you took one too. Oh well...maybe mine turned out better. Great to hear from you.IP: Logged |
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mmajoril unregistered |
posted 11-07-2003 04:37 PM
Hello everyone, My wife and I will be staying four nights at the KOV in Feb in a beach bungalow and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on a good beach bungalow to request? Actual beach bungalow numbers would be fantastic. It seems from other posts that the beach at the KOV is not the greatest, not really being a big deal, but I would prefer any suggestions on BB that do have somewhat of a beach. Maps of the resort would also be appreciated. We will also be at the KOS for 4 nights and I realize that there are only 5 bungalows does anyone have a preference? Thanks again for everyones help. IP: Logged |
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Kristy Member Posts: 475 |
posted 11-08-2003 01:35 PM
You can't really make a request for the Sauvage. You take what you're assigned when you get there. All I can say is the bungalows to the left of the common room, of which there are two, get the best breezes. The people that were in the ones on the right complained of the heat at night. We never had a problem. You are in for the time of your life and an experience you'll never forget. IP: Logged |
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Rook Member Posts: 44 |
posted 12-07-2003 09:40 PM
Does anyone have any pitures to share of the Sauvage trip? We were thinking of doing 2 nights at the Village and 2 at Sauvage, but it seems almost too remote. Not the bungalows, but the lack of stuff to do beyond laying around or snorkling (not that those are not great). What is there to do there, at the Sauvage? Also, my fiance is a bit picky with food regarding fish. Not much for anything raw or to different beyond your standard fish steak (mahi mahi is good). Is there typically one selection for dinner or a couple of things? How would Rangiroa compare to Manihi? IP: Logged |
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JackHarrison Member Posts: 44 |
posted 12-08-2003 04:55 AM
Rook, there are plenty of Sauvage pictures on the photo album portion of this website. Check them out. As for nothing to do - thats kind of the point of the Sauvage - not much to do other than bask in paradise. We typically rose before sunrise - walked out to the chairs on the beach, turned them from the sunset position to the sunrise position, sat down and waited for the show. About a half hour later breakfast would be ready - pancakes, eggs, fruit, for example. We'd then go exploring other motus, swim, snorkel with the sharks, collect shells, play with the hermit crabs, or lie in the sun. Do whatever we wanted, till lunchtime. Only one selection was made available, but we're not special needs folk so we took what was offered. Usually a fish meal - once I went spear fishing and brought back our lunch. We also had some veal one day, but red meat is scarce in FP - grazing land is in short supply and cornmeal for them has to be flown in - $$$$. After lunch we retuned to more of same - or a nap - and then Michel would take us in the boat for an excursion - maybe exploring volcano fields or snorkeling deep water, or to a particularly gorgeous motu. Hang around till sunset - turn the chairs around from sunrise position to sunset, watch the show, shower up and get ready for dinner. While we were showering lanterns would appear at our door. Dinner was at 7pm and then there's not much you can do by lantern light, so we did that and then went to sleep. <wink> The world's most perfect place if you ask me. We had the place to ourselves - there were only other guests for one of our 4 nights. We had our choice of bungalow, and moved around once or twice. IP: Logged |
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LordBalfor Member Posts: 98 |
posted 12-08-2003 08:33 AM
Sounds perfect to me Jack. Ken IP: Logged |
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