TAHITI - PAPEETE and sail by BORA BORA

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FRENCH POLYNESIA, TAHITI 18th February Papeete is the vibrant capital of Tahiti, and is described as a perfect gateway to a paradise of lush valleys, sparkling waterfalls, sandy beaches and azure waters. We arrived into Papeete on a steamy wet February morning with tropical storms forecast for the day. Tahiti comprises of two almost circular islands, Tahiti Nui (large) and Tahiti Iti (small) joined by a small isthmus. Looking at the maps there seems to be one road that goes around the larger island which centres on the capital Papeete.Many famous people have lived on Tahiti, including Paul Gaugin, Somerset Maughan, Rupert Brooke, Captain Cook and Captain Bligh. Bligh being the ill fated captain of HMS Bounty, whose crew famously mutineered after spending six months on Tahiti with the happy go lucky population.There was a traditional welcome as we disembarked for our tour round the island, unfortunately the rain hadn't let up at this point so it was a rush to get on the coach.The mountains were enclosed in mist and our guide, Gerard was less than enthusiastic about it clearing up. He had come to the islands for a 15 day holiday and was still here 25 years later. He was very knowledgeable about the history of the islands and was informative with all aspects of its flora and fauna.The first stop was the restored religious site of Marae Arahurahu, dedicated to the ancient gods and the site of many important ceremonies. Very impressive with the surrounding mountains shrouding the area and its exquisite flowers and fruit trees growing in abundance including pineapples and mangoes. The rain persisted but with such a high temperature and humidity it was bearable. The statues of the Tiki guarded the area.Travelling along the coast we had passed Faaa meaning the Four Valleys where the airport is situated, and then onto the Vaipehi gardens. <br style="color:� font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: normal;" />This small tropical gardens featured many indigenous species which were all clearly labelled (in four languages) with their botanical names and usages. The infamous bread fruit was in abundance, this being the plant that Captain Bligh was collecting on the HMS Bounty. We were the first coach of the morning, and it was quite peaceful for the first 10 minutes until two more arrived, then it was a pain to get near plants and the waterfalls to photograph. I'm beginning to dislike the iPads that people use to photograph more and more!!!! Close by to the gardens was the Gauguin museum, which unfortunately is closed for renovations and has been for two years. The slow pace of life in French Polynesia means that it takes a long time to get things done, our guide quoted "slow in the morning, not so fast in the afternoon" was a practiced mantra.<br style="color:� font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: normal;" />The rain had eased as we went to our final stop of the morning, the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands (Musee de Tahiti et des Isles). Occupying the site of a former Tahitian temple on Fishermans Point this historic museum contains many archaeological and ethnological artefacts. Fishermans Point is renowned for its Dolphins who gather in the early morning before going to sea to hunt, (we were too late!!!).The museum houses some colourful exhibits of Polynesian culture, traditional costumes and religion. The exploratory and missionary periods of the adventurers Captain James Cook, Louis-Antoine de Bougainville and Samuel Wallis are well covered along with the geological makeup of all the surrounding islands. As usual, on these short stops there is never enough time to take it all in but our guide was as ever very informative. By the time we got back the coach, the heavens had opened yet again and it was a wet trip back to Arcadia. <br style="color:� font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: normal;" />We were not sailing till quite late and there maybe a chance later to have a walk along the boulevard Pomare and admire the yachts and outriggers on the beach.Our next stop was to be BORA BORA, however when we woke on the morning of the 19th it was obvious that we would unable to anchor in the lagoon. High winds made it impossible to go through the 250ft wide channel to the safer anchorage. So, after a message from the Captain we dropped off the pilot and immigration officials in very rough seas and headed out towards Tauranga and the land of the long white cloud.Obviously disappointed that we didn't see the island that inspired the musical South Pacific. On the plus side if all goes well both Bora Bora and Papeete are on an itinerary for a cruise next year that we have already booked.<br style="color:� font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: normal;" />So next stop Tauranga NZ

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