After months of anticipation and weeks of preparation, Katie & Ben's visit came and went in what seemed a momentary flash. They arrived strung-out after two consecutive days of cancelled flights which were, ironically, on the first-world USA side. Katie vowed "never to fly again", but they indeed endured 4 connections and 24 hours of travel to meet us in Huahine, a small quiet peaceful island in the Society Islands. Landing in the pouring rain, David met them at the minuscule airport hauling along extra rain coats for them and jumbo garbage bags for their luggage - preemptive measures for their ride to Andiamo via the soaked and soggy dinghy. Nice welcome. Once in the hunkered-down, rain-reduced space of the boat, we clumsily maneuvered around their extra-bulky suitcases bulging with our collection of much-awaited boat supplies . For our reunion lunch we grilled up burgers in the persistent drizzle and, when we were unsuccessful in squeezing all five of us around the salon table, Captain Dave graciously offered to chow down while standing. So far, not quite the Vacation Mode we were seeking or expecting.

Luckily, Days 2 and 3 dawned drier and a bit brighter. We strolled this tiny town, enjoyed happy hour at the "yacht club" and eventually sailed to the south end of the island within the calm waters of this lagoon. Prone to seasickness, Ben especially appreciated this "Lagoon Life" (as he coined it) and we were all relieved at how well he was handling the gentle motion of the boat. Ah, but the following day, with our itinerary now requiring leaving the lagoon of Huahine to sail between islands to reach Raiatea, let's just say we soon learned the full extent of his motion sickness. He proved an amazing trooper, but this too was DEFINITELY NOT Vacation Mode. He fortunately bounced back quickly and the next day - his 28th birthday - found him noodle-floating off the back of the boat once again enjoying Raiatea's version of "Lagoon Life" . Katie and I baked a makeshift cake in loaf pans in my substandard oven and we cooked up a nice steak dinner on the far better grill. I not only had a chance to drag out those birthday candles we brought from home but we had a legit excuse to buy ice cream - a much coveted boating rarity with freezer space at a premium. Now THIS is what I am talkin' about - it was finally feeling like vacation.

The next day Eric and Ben donned a mishmash of red-white-and-blue garb and took up a table for hours at the only pizza joint/sports bar in town to cheer on the USA World Cup team in their showdown against Belgium. The rest of us joined them late in the match and found, not surprisingly, that here in "French" Polynesia, we were surely outnumbered by the dedicated Belgium, French and random European fans cheering wildly while sipping their espressos, beers and shots of who-knows-what at 11am. After 90-plus nail-biting scoreless minutes, the Belgians got one past our amazing US goalie; When we replied minutes later our hopes swelled only to be dashed - this time for good - as the Belgians pelted another one in with mere minutes left in overtime. Ouch! Yet, grateful for the many hours of entertainment provided - on terra firma, no less - we found it easy enough to shrug off the loss, enjoy the pizza and set our sights for our next port: exotic Bora Bora....where Vacation Mode really switched into high gear.

Distinctive and dramatic Bora Bora is considered by many one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. The splendid blue skies and characteristic over-water huts accentuated the striking lines of this steep, compact photogenic mountain. The encircling clear aquamarine lagoon waters certainly made for decent snorkeling with small but vibrant reef fish, however the real prize was the novel opportunity to swim with a colony of graceful, majestic, massive manta rays. As if intentionally leaving the best for last, Bora Bora provided a perfect playground. In swimming-pool blue water, we floated, swam and sunned. We snapped gads of photos, laughed, drank, gorged on brie and baguettes and even attempted playing cards.....all while the "kids" simultaneously indulged their newest obsession with the phone game "2048". We savored a special meal at the upscale Bora Bora Yacht Club and couldn't resist the touristy, must-do pull of spending our final night at Bloody Mary's - complete with its sand floors, suggestive bathroom hardware, and colorful display of fish on ice. While some would say that Bora Bora is over-developed with exclusive, luxury resorts and is a manufactured honeymooner's haven, I'll take it any day (especially after months of UNDER-developed living) . Relaxing and playing in a tropical paradise while bathed in the contentment and comfort of having my adult children underfoot - even on our little sailboat - was nothing but sheer Vacation Mode.

On Katie and Ben's last day while we awaited their evening departure, we enjoyed ourselves as best we could given that background edginess of a final vacation day. But as the clock ticked closing in on goodbyes, I found myself overwhelmed with sadness at the notion of not seeing them for another six months. Likewise, even though I talk to my folks often, as we sail farther and farther from home, the distance is weighing on me. Mom turns 85 tomorrow; Dad had a setback with a fall he took a few weeks back. I fee far away and of little use or comfort. I had so anticipated Katie and Ben's trip and it was such a timeline focus , that busy with preparations, I had not looked beyond. But now I feel empty, let down, homesick. In the end, even in Paradise, Vacation Mode proves fleeting and unsustainable, especially when what I really could use is a fresh dose of Everyday Mode.....back home.