French Polynesia

French Polynesia, is an overseas collectivity of France, comprises 118 dispersed islands in the South Pacific, stretching for more than 2,000 miles. Divided into 5 island groups: the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu archipelagos, they're known for their coral-fringed lagoons and over-the-water bungalows. The islands also encompass white- and black-sand beaches, mountains, rugged backcountry and towering waterfalls.

 

First explored by Europe’s Ferdinand Magellan, in 1521, the Spanish, British, Dutch, and French all vied for possession.  It was declared a French protectorate in 1842. Catholic Missionaries began conversion within months of colonization.

 

French is the official language of French Polynesia

 

The Society Islands archipelago is composed of two separate groups, geographically and administratively: 1) the Windward Islands which include Tahiti, Moorea and Mehetia, and 2) The Leeward Islands that include Bora Bora, Huahine, and Raiatea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On this cruise, we visited Nuku Hiva, in The Marquesas Islands; Tahiti and Moorea, in the Society Islands; and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Islands.

 

Day 20--Moorea (Paradise)

Cruise World-Day 20--Moorea (Paradise)

This morning at 5AM, our ship left Papeete, Tahiti and sailed 12 miles to one of it's sister Society Islands, Moorea.

There is a long standing debate among those who visit French Polynesia: is Moorea or Bora Bora the most beautiful. I dont have the answer but I cannot imagine beauty that surpasses that of Moorea.

With its jagged mountains, deep bays, and emerald lagoons, the volcanic island is surrounded by a large coral reef. 

After enjoying breathtaking views during the sail in, I took the first tender in and sought out the tour operator from whom I booked a tour yesterday (in Tahiti).



7 of us joined the combo tour guide and driver, Delores, for a 3-hour tour around this beautiful island. She is a native who gave a comprehensive tour in flawless English. (I had hoped for a real tour yesterday but alas we merely had a driver who stopped at various scenic and historic sites.)

Sites we visited as we headed westward than south from Opunohu Bay, were: 



Several pristine beaches, stunning Cooks Bay, sacred sites with ancient maraes, several scenic lookout points, over the water bungalows views, passes, and Belvedere Point with stunning views of the panorama of the valley and bays on either side of Mount Rotui. 



This is one of the most enchantingly beautiful and tranquil places I have ever visited. (so far, everyone to whom I have spoken agrees this is their favorite island).

Many claim the Cooks and Opunohu are the world's most gorgeous bodies of water and often photographed. They are even used in Hollywood film settings.

Here are a few facts we learned from Delores along with some of my observations:

Moorea is pronounced in 4 syllables. It stands for yellow gecko.

There are only 13 letters in the Polynesian alphabet.

Many residents make the daily Moorea to Papeete commute.

There breathtaking views from throughout of the iconic mountains.

People sell fruits at road side stands.

For its 16,000 residents, there are 5 gas stations, 1 hospital, 3 pharmacies, 7 elementary schools, and 2 junior high schools on the island.

They export fish, flowers, vanilla and no no.

They host 200,000 tourists per year vs Fiji's 1 million. 120 ships per year stop here.

Of the 118 French Polynesian islands, 67 are inhabited. Only 12 people (a family) live on the smallest.

I find it disturbing that some families in French Polynesia send their sons to China to have them castrated at the age 6. They believe these "he-shes" make better workers in the hospitality industry.  

I look forward to my next visit to this island paradise!

Tonight's big game show in the Queens Lounge was “Majority Rules”. The rule of play is similar to that of family feud. There must have been at least 100 teams at play. I played with Asia, her parents, and a woman who left her husband in the hospital in Tahiti, yesterday. She hopes he will reunite with her on the ship in New Zealand. SMH!  I still cannot wrap my brain around that one. How can you leave your husband on an island in French Polynesia?

Day 18-Rangiora, French Polynesia

Cruise World-Day18- Rangiora, French Polynesia


Today we visited Rangiora, French Polynesia's largest atoll, known for its white sand, black pearls, and multihued blue lagoon, the 2nd largest in the world. Lush, unspoiled Rangiora is part of the Tuamotu Islands, an archipelago of 77 atolls.

As always, I was up on deck for the sail-in as we dropped anchor in the vast bright turquoise lagoon. The clear blue skies and calm water brought a smile to all those on deck. We watched another ship navigate the narrow strip between the two passes that connect the lagoon to the ocean. It was the Oceania Marina on a 17-day from San Diego to Tahiti.

I took a 9:15AM tender into Avatoru, the only town.  I explored the circular island on foot along the paved road lined with homes, churches, tiny shops, and a few island-style government buildings. Here life's pace has slowed to a halt--even the dogs prefer napping to other activities. The island is laid back and the people are warm; each time a resident passed me, they shouted "bonjour!"  Front yards of houses featured bicycles, boats, colorful laundry lines, plastic chairs, and even ladies selling shell jewelry. I bought a long shell necklace for 300 French Tahitian Francs ($3ish). 

The sound of roosters crowing could be heard throughout the island.  I saw few motorists in 4-wheel drives--mostly they bicycle everywhere. The church steeple peaks out above the trees and can even be seen from our moored ship. I felt moments of bliss as I explored this sweet destination. 

Musicians performed as we disembarked the tender boat.  They waved good bye as we departed.

I couldn't live here but I could certainly spend a few days here from time to time, disconnecting from life's demands.

After the sail-away party, a group of us spent 2 hours chasing the sunset. The ship's maneuver out of the passage was entertaining.

They showed the film, South Pacific, in the theatre 3X.