LIVING AN EXCEPTIONAL LIFE #64

By Rhonda Jones

When I was very young, I watched a weekly television show called, “Adventures in Paradise.” The series was based on James Michener’s book and set in the Tahitian Islands. It was filled with intrigue, murder, typical TV plots amid the beauty of the islands. I was too young to understand the plots, but I loved seeing the beaches, palm trees, and dancers and was mesmerized by the schooner, Tiki, which was at the heart of the series. I dreamed of going to Tahiti and having my very own boat skimming the blue ocean waters.

Fast forward many years to 2023, and I finally got the chance I had waited for all these years. The National Health Association partnered with the Windstar cruise line and chartered their ship, Star Breeze, for a week in the Tahitian islands. The food on the ship would be entirely plant-based and offered primarily to National Health Association members and their families. I quickly jumped on the chance to be a part of this fabulous cruise, and it was truly the trip of a lifetime.

This incredible trip began on February 16 when 256 plant-based souls boarded the Star Breeze at Papeete harbor and headed out for a week of wonderful food, luxurious accommodations, and the beauty of the islands surrounded by the clear, blue ocean.

The first two days were so rainy we were unable to take excursions and could only hang out on the ship, but we were still happy in our cocoon of luscious food. For someone who is Vegan or plant-based, it is never easy to eat away from home. So, to be in an environment where all the food is prepared meticulously with very little sugar, salt, and oil is like a dream come true. And the variety of dishes made every meal an adventure. Being in the islands afforded us a huge variety of fruits and vegetables. Papaya, pineapple, coconut, kiwi, bananas, avocados, and mangos were abundant. When we did go on excursions, we would stop and have a selection of succulent fruits for snacks. And, the taste was incredibly sweet and fresh, nothing like we can get in the stores here in the US.

We had a variety of breads, mostly gluten-free, such as chickpea bread and almond bread. We also had whole-grain bread and rolls as well. Lunch and dinner always started with a creamed soup, and all were incredibly flavorful. What would follow would be a salad bar with a large variety of greens, raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, and several salad dressings. We would then move to the hot food and would find many vegetable, grain, and bean dishes to choose from, and then dessert. There were always at least four to five incredible desserts. Puddings, cookies, muffins, and many chocolate-based desserts.

But we did do a little more than eat. Exploring the islands was an incredible adventure of lush meadows with hundreds of trees, bushes, and beautiful flowers. Most trees were filled with luscious fruits. The Tahitian islands are also known for their vanilla crops, probably the best vanilla in the world. We were able to see how the vanilla is grown and harvested and then had the opportunity to buy some of this fragrant substance. There were also tropical lotions made from coconut oil and flowers growing in the lush fields. We visited pearl farms, where we saw how the famous black pearl is grown and harvested from the oysters. The black pearls are primarily produced in the Tahitian islands.

This truly was a trip that I will always remember, not only for the food but for the beauty of the land, beaches, and the ocean. The area is pristine, and the people are conscientious about keeping the land and the water healthy and clean. It is truly a remarkable part of our wonderous world.