Marquéses 2013

 I seem to have lost the text to this lovely place.  The pictures are the best part anyway.  These islands are where the first people to sail to Hawaii and settle came from.  Enjoy.

South Pacific Cruise 2013 #2

Next we were off to French Polynesia. First stop, Raiatea. I was able to take photos and video of our arrival to this lovely place. As we entered into the lagoon and headed toward the dock I could see the faint outline of Bora Bora in the distance. I was truly overwhelmed. And feeling very blessed. We would later that day have a sail away toward the island of my dreams, Bora Bora. But first, Raiatea. 

Would any of us had ever imagined a ship size docking facility here? The town is easy to walk around and quite small. 

We had signed up for a tour in a Jeep. Off we went. The ride was along the shoreline and then we turned off and headed toward the center of the volcano that formed the island. Of course it doesn't look much like a volcano anymore since it's very old and is now a beautiful jungle and agricultural area. It reminded me a lot of the area near Kauai's Mt. Waialeale. Beautiful. 

We then visited a vanilla plantation which was very interesting. Didn't know much about how vanilla is grown before. Very time consuming crop and I now know why it can be so expensive for the real thing. Then we headed back up the shore to the most well preserved marae which is a sacred ceremonial meeting place. The alter there was used for human sacrifice long ago. 

Upon our return to the pier we had to sit and drink the local beer, Hinano. I bought a mother of pearl necklace with a black pearl forming and matching earrings for $20 total. We wandered around and took photos of the small town of Uturoa. Michael went back to the ship earlier than I but I wanted to see the local grocery store and check out the prices. High but not so different from Kauai. I did buy a baguette and it was cheap. Sixty three cents! I munched on it as I strolled back to the ship. 

The sail away was beautiful and Bora Bora loomed in the distance. Tomorrow we would be at this fabled place...and on a full moon and overnight. Bora Bora did not disappoint. Some said it was too busy and commercialized but I found it to be just great. The mountain is impressive and beautiful but this place is all about the lagoon. It's huge and the surrounding motus, the little islands that are part of the fringing reef, are thick with little huts built out over the sea. Just like the pictures you've all seen. Amazing. 

 We went to shore the first day and right away Manuel asked us if we'd like a tour. He needed one more couple in his Jeep and he promised a memorable time. We drove around the entire island (a must for me) and he stopped and told us lots of tales about the area. It was great. 

 The best parts were when he told us about his family and showed us all their homes and took us up on a private road with the most spectacular view any of us had ever seen. One guy said that he could now die happy. It really was stupendous....and the ride up this extremely steep mountain was very exciting. 

We stopped at Bloody Mary's, the famous restaurant, and had one, determined to return for a longer visit. The tour was absolutely wonderful and cost half of what it would have had we booked it from the ship. We had packed a lunch of baguette, wine and cheese and sat on the breakwater and had our French lunch while watching the tenders being chased by the local outriggers. They try to catch the wake and "ride" it out to the ship and back. Some with great success. 

I bought a lovely filmy top to wear with white pants or as a cover up....beautiful colors....purple and green and orange. We had an overnight stay and next day we took the shuttle to Matira Beach and where we were able to swim. Snorkeling wasn't great but it didn't matter. The best snorkeling and beaches are out on the Motus. We walked the mile or two down the beach and the road back to Bloody Mary's and had lunch in this famous place...complete with chickens and sand on floor. 

We caught the shuttle back and walked around town a bit more before heading back to the ship.

The "Sailaway" was bitter sweet, torrential rain started just as we cleared the pass. Only one way in or out of the reef at Bora Bora. Heading to Moorea where there are many who claim that it "the most beautiful island in the world". I had so many photos of Raiatea and Bora Bora that there is a separate bunch of photos to go with this text coming. Sorry.....I just couldn’t limit it to 25 only. Then Moorea gets her own email too! There are so many photos that I can’t help myself. You can delete them I guess!!!! 

UPDATE - Moorea was lost in the big crash I had at one time.  But never fear, we go there a couple more times in later emails.

 Gayle

This first bunch of photos is Raiatea

The photos below are all Bora Bora

We arrived in Papeete on a Friday night. They always have a celebra on on Friday’s on the pier where we docked. Complete with music and eats that we went to check out. I hadn't taken my camera so walked back to get it as the photo ops were wonderful. The next morning we were able to just wander around the town. The first place was the huge market and I bought a head lei that I wore all day....beau ful. It smelled good too. Papeete is a large city for Tahi but it's not all that big. We enjoyed seeing the churches, shops and restaurants. We did partake of a meal of carrpachio and haricots verts and wine. I'm sure that's all spelled wrong. The green beans really hit the spot as I think we were a li le vegetable deprived. We went back to the market to purchase come Tiare Tahi oil as was suggested by our travel person on the ship. She was right!!! It smells so nice. Then we sailed away from Papeete and said goodbye to Tahi . Sad. Nuka Hiva was our last stop in the South Pacific.....coming up next. Aloha, Gayle and Mike

PHOTOS BELOW ARE PAPEETE