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Friday Feb 2......Arrived in Papeete, the largest town in Tahiti. I
suppose one is expecting to see dusky maidens in grass skirts living in
grass huts. Not anymore!
Oh there are plenty of dusky maidens all right, but they are all
wearing shorts and tee shirts and there is not a grass hut to be seen
anywhere.
This former French Colony still retains its European style architecture
and has a somewhat shabby but charming style. We wandered around a
large colorful market and had a drink in a sea front cafe that brews
it's own beer.
The sea is a gorgeous blue, the island is volcanic, the climate is hot,
and it is all very beautiful, definitely an island paradise. A great
place for any Paul Gaugin wannabees.
In the evening, back on board, we had a stage show of Tahitian dancers.
It was a really great show. The girls danced in a variety of costumes,
and the almost naked men performed several war dances, all accompanied
by native drummers and singers. One of the best shows ever.
Ten miles offshore is the island of Moorea which is where we landed the
next day.
This is incredibly beautiful. It is quite small and comprised of many
extinct volcanic peaks, and is completely surrounded by a coral reef
which creates a large lagoon of bright blue water. There is one gap in
the reef through which the QE2 sailed and anchored in the lagoon, so we
could tender ashore.
There no towns on this island, only small villages and a few hotels. We
toook a bus tour around the coast road (49 miles) and also up into the
mountains for some spectacular views. Possibly the most beautiful place
I have ever seen. Civilisation is coming, however, they are building an
18 hole golf course for the tourists.
It is very hot and humid, but cool up in the mountains. It is possible
to buy a nice house on the hillside with ocean views, for about the
price of a Timber Pines home.
Wouldn't mind buying one, when the golf course is completed!
Our next two days are to be spent cruising through the South Pacific to
arrive at the island of Tonga on Wednesday. Monday will not exist for
us, as we cross the International Dateline, and the day is lost. It is
recovered eventually because we have to put the clocks back one hour on
24 separate days as we go round the world.
Confusing isn't it?
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