We tendered in to Moorea one of the islands in French Polynesia after having our passports turned over to the French Authorities (?) to be returned once we left the area. Moorea is a small island (51 sQUARE MILES) in the shape of a green butterfly occupied by some 15000 inhabitants. The main crop now is Pineapple, but over 1000 people commute 30 minutes to Papeete for work aboard one of three catamarans that service the island.
Captain Bligh
We took a ships tour of the island with Albert of Alberts tour bus service. Albert's sons now own the business, but pressed the 71 year old namesake into service due to the high demand. I suspect they don't let Albert out much, as whatever is on his mind comes out his mouth. He looks like Robin Williams and speaks his mind like Archie Bunker. He has a wife sinec 1961 and two other 'wifes' that have produced 12 children and assorted grandkids and great grandkids. HE bought two of the women taxis so they could earn their keep!
We travelled up tp Mt. Belvedere for some scenic views of the island and its bays, Opunohu and Cook's bay ( where Captain Cook first anchored to explore the island. The road around the island is about 60 KM and dotted with churches of various denomination at every turn ( much to Alberts disdain).
All household facilities, electricity and phone, are provided by buried services so there are no power poles on the island (unlike Papeete). Electricity is expensive, as it is diesel generated, and sold by a private power company to the islanders.
Albert took us to William's Pearl store (William is his son and part owner of the tour company) to peruse their black pearl selection. It is difficult to discern between a $10 pearl and a $1000 pear, so we opted for the cheaper variety at te market in the marina where the tenders docked. We also got a chance to test out our French language, as that is the predominant language spoken, as well as Polynesian even though the region is at odds with France over underpayment of monies due from Frances nuclear testing in the area years ago on Mururoa (sp).
We left Moorea for a short sail to Papeete, arriving at 8PM that night. As Platinum cardholders, we can go to the Skywalkers bar for hors d'oervues and an inexpensive drink of the day each night from 5 - 7PM, which we have been taking good advantage of. It is also a good way to share a table and meet new folks.
The next morning, we ventured ashore for a tour of Papeete and the region. Mutiny on the Bounty was written here by James Norman Hall, and his home is now a museum to the trilogy of books and the three movies spawned by the book. We also visited Point Venus, the site that the Bounty first arrived at and where the mutiny allegedly was hatched. Our tour guide, Mike was an ex-pat American who fashioned himself as a budding comedian and he kept us entertained as we visited many natural 'wonders' of the tropical island; a blow-hole in the volcanic lava shoreline and a waterfall in the tropical rainforest.
After returning to the ship for lunch we ventured into town to a local market where Peggy bought a clutch of Gardenias for $5 which now perfume our cabin, and some more Black pearls at a local shop. Papeete residents show their disdain for the French by primarily speaking halting english or the local dialect.
Unfortuntately, 'Willie's Virus' from Apia has taken hold and, after a sleepless night of coughing and Peggy's sore throat worsening, we visited the Medical center to find she has a low temperature and a chest infection. The $60 visit was worthwhile and she also got an array of medications, including some antibiotics, to combat the virus.
We waived off our tour of Bora Bora this morning with a doctor's note, so we will get a full refund. Today will be a slow day, although I might go ashore later to at least set foot on this beautiful island. It is unlikely we will come this way again.
NANA means good bye in Tahiti
We took a ships tour of the island with Albert of Alberts tour bus service. Albert's sons now own the business, but pressed the 71 year old namesake into service due to the high demand. I suspect they don't let Albert out much, as whatever is on his mind comes out his mouth. He looks like Robin Williams and speaks his mind like Archie Bunker. He has a wife sinec 1961 and two other 'wifes' that have produced 12 children and assorted grandkids and great grandkids. HE bought two of the women taxis so they could earn their keep!
We travelled up tp Mt. Belvedere for some scenic views of the island and its bays, Opunohu and Cook's bay ( where Captain Cook first anchored to explore the island. The road around the island is about 60 KM and dotted with churches of various denomination at every turn ( much to Alberts disdain).
All household facilities, electricity and phone, are provided by buried services so there are no power poles on the island (unlike Papeete). Electricity is expensive, as it is diesel generated, and sold by a private power company to the islanders.
Albert took us to William's Pearl store (William is his son and part owner of the tour company) to peruse their black pearl selection. It is difficult to discern between a $10 pearl and a $1000 pear, so we opted for the cheaper variety at te market in the marina where the tenders docked. We also got a chance to test out our French language, as that is the predominant language spoken, as well as Polynesian even though the region is at odds with France over underpayment of monies due from Frances nuclear testing in the area years ago on Mururoa (sp).
We left Moorea for a short sail to Papeete, arriving at 8PM that night. As Platinum cardholders, we can go to the Skywalkers bar for hors d'oervues and an inexpensive drink of the day each night from 5 - 7PM, which we have been taking good advantage of. It is also a good way to share a table and meet new folks.
The next morning, we ventured ashore for a tour of Papeete and the region. Mutiny on the Bounty was written here by James Norman Hall, and his home is now a museum to the trilogy of books and the three movies spawned by the book. We also visited Point Venus, the site that the Bounty first arrived at and where the mutiny allegedly was hatched. Our tour guide, Mike was an ex-pat American who fashioned himself as a budding comedian and he kept us entertained as we visited many natural 'wonders' of the tropical island; a blow-hole in the volcanic lava shoreline and a waterfall in the tropical rainforest.
After returning to the ship for lunch we ventured into town to a local market where Peggy bought a clutch of Gardenias for $5 which now perfume our cabin, and some more Black pearls at a local shop. Papeete residents show their disdain for the French by primarily speaking halting english or the local dialect.
Unfortuntately, 'Willie's Virus' from Apia has taken hold and, after a sleepless night of coughing and Peggy's sore throat worsening, we visited the Medical center to find she has a low temperature and a chest infection. The $60 visit was worthwhile and she also got an array of medications, including some antibiotics, to combat the virus.
We waived off our tour of Bora Bora this morning with a doctor's note, so we will get a full refund. Today will be a slow day, although I might go ashore later to at least set foot on this beautiful island. It is unlikely we will come this way again.
NANA means good bye in Tahiti
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