Today was nice and relaxing as we made our way south towards Norfolk Island. We had some presentations in the morning, some music, and another presentation in the afternoon, but mostly today was about simply enjoying our time onboard the ship while we bide our time in anticipation for our exciting day tomorrow.
1/1/2025
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National Geographic Orion
Nendo, Solomon Islands
What an amazing way to start the year! We woke up to the sound of rain pattering on the ocean as we cruised toward the beach of Nendo in the Solomon Islands. Piling into our BAT mobiles (Best Available Transport), we headed up the mountain for an hour to reach the remote village of Noipe, rarely visited by outsiders. The locals gave us a warm, vibrant welcome—dancing, singing, and sharing delicious local dishes. They also showed us their traditional crafts, demonstrating skills passed down through generations. This included the creation of tevau, feather money, an extremely rare art and currency still used in the Solomons today. Back on board, the adventure continued as we encountered a small pod of sperm whales, including a mother and calf. As we continued cruising, we made our way to circumnavigate Tinakula Volcano. With a stormy sunset painting the sky, it was a powerful, unforgettable way to end the day. What a first day of the new year—full of new sights, sounds, and experiences we’ll never forget!
