Friday 16th February 2018
Tahiti is the largest of the 118 islands of French Polynesia, it’s capital Papeete is the perfect gateway to a paradise of lush tropical valleys, idyllic sparking waterfalls, golden sandy beaches and azure waters. Papeete’s unspoilt way of life offers a perfect blend of interesting historical buildings and fertile lands to dazzle and to provide unique photo opportunities.
Very early start to get ready for our excursion, must give up these early trips, just too much like hard work on such a nice relaxing holiday.
As soon as berthed in town joined our group and boarded the bus, and off we go. First stop at the colonial style home and museum of James Norman Hall, the author of “The Mutiny on the Bounty”, the later feature films being based on his book. Not the most obvious stop on such a paradise island as this but someone must think it rates highly. Sorry to say it was a bit tedious but some people did appreciate the visit, even if the weather outside was glorious and the natural delights of the island awaited us.
Eventually we set off to our next stop, Point Venus, the location of a lighthouse and a black sand beach, reputedly the landing place of the first European visitors.
The point named because the island was used by Captain James Cook to observe the transit of Venus, a very rare astronomical occurrence, I wouldn’t bother to wait for the next, apparently it’s not for over a hundred years from now.
Next stop at Arahoho blow hole. An old lava tube on the coast where the waves roll in and explode out again.
Then on to the Taharaa overlook with views back over Papeete and in the distance Moorea with fluffy white cloud halo.
Following this a return to the ship, through heavy traffic. Time for a cold drink and a break, weather very hot and sunny.
While we were out on our tour Captain Hashmi handed over the keys to the ship to our new captain, Capatain Inger Thorhauge, she will be taking us the rest of the way around the world and back to Southampton.
Time in the afternoon to go into town for a walk round, a very busy spot, enjoyed the Chinese Dragons dancing in the market, celebrations for the start of the Chinese New Year, year of the Dog, many red Chinese lanterns all around, there being a sizeable Chinese population here, brought in to the islands to work in the pineapple fields and such like.
Otherwise just another town with shops, and so back to the ship to wait for the promised evening arrival of local street food vans in the park near the ship. Eventually they arrived and so we set off to see what was on offer. Bit of a disappointment as not really very interesting, mostly just burgers and crepes on offer and only a few people around.
Luckily there was a Folkloric Polynesian Show organised for us on the ship. An excellent display by the locals of drumming, singing and dancing.
Sailaway tonight very, very late as only a very short passage to our next island (local ferries only take 30mins to make the crossing)
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