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Finally, I reached Tahiti, a long-time bucket list destination. This makes 87 nations I have visited.
Tahiti is part of The Society Islands, along with Bora Bora and Moorea, and is the center of modern French Polynesian culture. It was here that Fletcher Christian staged his mutiny (of Captain Bligh) on the Bounty in 1789.
This morning, I set my alarm so I could watch the sunrise!! I was so excited to finally visit Tahiti!!
As always, I was up on deck for the sail-in. The clear blue skies and enticing emerald water was a welcoming site!
Several colorful groups performed song and dance routines right outside the ship and in the outdoor cultural center adjacent to the port. Their smiles were welcoming and they handed us flowers as we spproached.
There was a also a sizable crafts market just outside the ship. I finally settled on a lovely tourquoise woven necklace with a flower mother of pearl pendant for 500 FPF ($5).
I began this Saturday with a morning visit to the Grand Marche (market) which is a feast for senses with multicolored flower leis and sarongs, delicate pearls, woven hats and purses, souvenirs, woven mother of pearl accessories, spices, vanilla, and the bountiful food section including fish, indigenous fruits, and other local produce.
I was amazed to see women with entire floral set ups all over, weaving beautiful leis and flower crowns.
After visiting the shops surrounding the grand market, I returned to the port to seek out tours operated by locals.
I signed up for a Moorea tour for the next day and found a Tahiti circle tour ($50 pp for 4 hours) leaving in 15 minutes. Our driver drove the complete circle and made stops at scenic and historically significant points along the way. The island is lush and green with a small but beautiful botanical garden and a series of inviting caves. The waterfall and blowhole were 2 of my favorite stops.
We saw people selling fish along the roadside and many bicycle riders.
Back in town, I left the tour early to walk around town and explore some of the stately neo-colonial administration buildings. I tried to use paid WIFI in the market but my photos would not upload.
Alas, I resorted to using my data and almost blew through my global data package.
Back on the ship there was a big Polynesian Bar B Que dinner poolside and a professional Polynesian dance team performed our evening show. It was a colorful, energetic performance.
Sadly, our team of 5 Polynesian teachers, dancers, musicians, and arts and crafts instructors would leave the ship the next day after having spent two weeks with us.
Although I was exhausted, since our ship stayed overnight, I decided to check out the food truck scene outside the port. I had heard a lot about it but was disappointed there was not more fanfare. I left early and went to bed.
Our ship left Papeete the next morning at 5AM for Moorea, only 12 miles away.
