Popultion 16,191
(2007)
French Polynesia consists of five island groups: Society Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tuamotu
Archipelago, Austral Islands and the Gambier Islands. Moorea, and our next two
stops Tahiti and Raiatea, are all part of the Society Islands. The climate is
warm and tropical, the daily temperatures hover in the mid 80’s Cooling trade
winds blow through the island throughout the year. The rainy season extends
variably from December to April
We had been here and toured the island before so today,
for the modest taxi fare of $5m each, we decided to chill out in the sun at the
Intercontinental Hotel where we had beer and nibbles whilst observing the
“beautiful people” in habitué. A delightful few hours in this sunny paradise.
Many believe that the idyllic Bali Hai, a fictional
island from the musical “South Pacific” was based on this island and Mutiny on
the Bounty was partially filmed here.
Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia
Wednesday 17th August
Population
26,017 (2012)
This was an overnight stop from 4pm on 16th
until 9.30pm on 17th so there was ample opportunity to wonder into
town and enjoy the local nightlife.
We berthed right beside two amazing yachts, the Vertigo
and the Dragonfly. This is when you
really need our good friend google. It’s
so frustrating that the wifi on ships is so expensive and unreliable and on
this trip we have not even had the luxury of wifi on land because the places we
have visited had been too backward, remote or poor to have free wifi in the
cafes. However, one of the ships crew
had managed to find out that they were both for hire. Can’t wait to get back to google land.
Imagine owing or hiring one of these two beautiful
yachts, paying exorbitant docking fees, only to have a gigantic cruise ship
pull up beside you with 3000+ people watching your every move. Nightmare!
The town of Papeete is currently the capital of French
Polynesia’s this largest and most widely known Island of Tahiti. Throughout history, Papeete has served as an
impetus of economic and urban advancement for the rest of the island. Its
superior coastal location has guaranteed a welcoming setting for waterfront
shops, markets, restaurant and luxury ships.
British inhabitants eventually replaced the former native
cultures, and in 1820, the Pomare dynasty’s last queen officially declared
Papeete capital of the dynasty. Despite these lingering French and British
influences, the city ceased to gain modern popularity until famous French
painter, Paul Gauguin, relocated here to focus on paintings of scenes capturing
the local life experience.
We had also been here too but thought it warranted a Princess
Cruises “Highlights of Tahiti” 3.5 hour driving tour for the exorbitant cost of
$127.95. Apart from “picturesque island vistas” and beautiful beaches, this half
day tour took us to the historical point where James Cook’s astronomer tracked
the transit of Venus across the sun and then onto the reconstructed home of the
American author James Norman Hall who wrote the “Bounty Trilogy”. Very interesting.
Tahiti is also known for its dazzling array of black
pearls.
Raiatea, French Polynesia 18th
August
Population:
10,000
And so on to Raiatea.
We walked around dock area but all we could hear was the work being done
on the ship which has been going on since we left Panama. I think they are sand blasting, scraping rust
off the life rafts and repainting with a pungent silicon smelling substance (not
that I’m an expert on marine repairs) making it virtually impossible to sit out
on deck 7, my favourite location where I can look out over the tranquil sea and
enjoy the sunshine.
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