Polynesian Paradise

Sun Jan 27- Tues Jan 29, 2013  French Polynesia

Wow,  French Polynesia was a lot like I remember.  Papeete has changed a bit and unfortunately is showing the signs of the economy.  We were there on a Sunday so we just wandered around a bit and visited the local supermarket (looking for new flip flops for “c”).  He bought a beautiful flower arrangement at the flower market for our stateroom.  

papeete cathedral

 

We also visited the local cathedral.  It was interesting to see the Polynesian version of the stations of the cross.  The altar and pulpit had beautiful wood carvings.  The stain glass windows were also very unique. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That afternoon the local performance group, O Tahiti E, came aboard to do a show.  It was a beautiful dance and music performance with many wonderful costumes and dance routines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday found us in Moorea.  It was still as spectacular as I remember from our trip 12 years ago.  The ship pulled into the Opunohu Bay where Capt. Cook actually landed when he arrived here. This is right in front of the mountain that is  famous from the movie Bali Hai.  This fictitious island is a creation of overlaying this mountain onto the profile of Bora Bora.

the famous Bali Hai profile

 



connor and the shark

We took a snorkeling trip that brought us to the ray and shark feeding spot.  There were 2 types of rays and black tip sharks (they only eat fish).  We got some fabulous photos and really had some great interactions with them, especially the rays.  The rays seemed to be attracted to “C”.  We later found out it was probably due to his white swim shirt.  

black tip sharks

 

c and gpa with ray

 

 

Next stop was a motu, or island.  It was across from the one we went to on the Gaugin.  They fixed us a wonderful BBQ lunch including some fresh coconut.  Dad, “C” and I spent much of the time snorkeling.  We saw some really awesome fish in the shallow waters.  There were some clams there which I think were a first for me.  The funniest were some little black tangs that would come up and peck at us when we were hanging around their coral home.  There were some rays here as well and we got another chance to touch and feed them.  “C” was more willing to touch them here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the return boat ride to the ship, we drove past the Moorea Beachcomber.  This is the hotel Gavin & I stayed at with my parents when we were here before.  We went right past the over water bungalow we stayed in and even cruised past the dolphin pen where Mom & I did the encounter. 

 

 

Definitely want to come back here soon.  Moorea still is as wonderful as I remember it to be.

 

Our final stop in French Polynesia was Bora Bora.  I woke up early that morning (easy enough after 5 straight nights of 1 hr time changes from EST to  Hawaii time).  I arrived up on deck to the early morning light as we arrived into the famous lagoon that surrounds the island.  A wonderful photo op.  Unfortunately I was cameraless at dinner as we sailed away and saw the famous island silhouette.   We also had the pleasure of seeing 4 Polynesian Islands at the same time during our dinner sail away. 

bora bora at sunrise

 

On Bora Bora we visited the small town and then took a taxi to the local beach at Matira Point.  We found out during our ride that 4 hotels have closed, including the famous Hotel Bora Bora.  We spent several hours at the beach just snorkeling in the shallow water.  Not many fish to see but we did spot a ray and what I think was a flounder.  I also found a shell with a pearl in it.

matira beach, bora boar- true paradise

 

On the return drive we stopped at the famous Bloody Mary’s to pick up a tshirt.  Our final stop was at the local craft market where “C” and I made some purchases.   All in all a quiet and lovely day.

the famous Bloody Mary's

 

Wed Jan 30.  Today was quiet sea day.  We had iffy weather so I spent the day sorting out school work and trying to plan for the next little  while.  The dinner was Vive La France with a Polynesian twist.  The show tonight was fabulous.  It was a pianist, Naki Ataman.    He played a musical piece called Travelling around the World that he had played for the UN group.  It was beautiful piano presentation accompanied by a slide show of the different countries.  He played non stop for 1 hr from memory.   Absolutely wonderful. 

Tomorrow we are due to arrive in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.  The weather forecast is iffy so hopefully we are able to tender into port.