Arriving in Papeete in the Sunset
Port of Call: Papeete, Tahiti
The Islands of Tahiti constitute of the 118 islands spread over a surface as big as Europe. The best known 3 islands are Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. These volcanic islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean, in the heart of the Society Islands, also called French Polynesia. From the “hectic” city center of Papeete, (pronounced Papé-été) to the peaceful drive through the peninsula and all the communes in between, the island of Tahiti offers a great variety of scenery and an equally large choice of activities. Lofty mountains for hiking, the sea and the lagoon for swimming, beaches of soft white or black sand for basking in the sun. Our arrival apparently coincided with the arrival of Google Co-Founder Sergey Brin’s super yacht Dragonfly, just arriving from Fiji.
Well for us it became a well planned short shore visit into Papeete to buy some medicine and pearls and then go back to the ship and try to rest this freaking cold out of our bodies. Since Samoa we had not eaten in any of the ship’s restaurants or buffets. We didn’t want to be around people, feeling as lethargically sick as we did. Chicken Soup and room service was on the menu for days on end. And we were not the only ones on the ship. Ambulances arrived on the dock at regular times and several people died was the rumor among crew and passengers.
Papeete, which means ‘water basket’ in Tahitian, is the cornerstone of this island nation. It is a totally modern city with world-class hotels, gastronomic restaurants, nightclubs, a lively, colorful market, museums and shops, including pearl boutiques, of course. We were going to be in Tahiti for a full 2-1/2 days so no reason to rush.
And last but not least we bought a taste of the local flavor vanilla. If we had had more packing space, a wide variety of traditional arts and crafts, from pareos to tiki sculptures, would have enriched our trip.
The Market is just a block off of the main waterfront road and is well worth the visit as it is teeming with stalls purveying everything from fresh fish, fruits and vegetables to cooked delights for sale. In addition to cheap T-shirts, one is exposed to island crafts featuring woven hats, shopping bags, carved wooden objets d’art, ukuleles, wrist bands and other assorted handicrafts. Just to walk through this huge complex and listening to the bander in French and Polynesian Creole is an experience. One will absorb the full flavor of Tahiti here while listening to a local street band strumming away on ukuleles and tapping the beat on bongos. Lots of vendors with clothing, fruit, pearls, wood carvings, etc. Very nice people, no pressure to buy, and very friendly.
Visiting the former home turned museum of James Norman Hall, co-author of Mutiny on the Bounty, traces the life of a writer who was passionate about Polynesia, married a local girl and settled on the island. Filled with period furniture, a rich library, and a friendly atmosphere make this visit a unique cultural experience in Papeete and its surroundings.
The Faarumai waterfalls and Vaipahi water gardens also offer impressive sceneries that warrant a visit.
French Polynesia is actually the marriage of a perfect nature Paradise with a perfect French Savoir Vivre Culture and Lifestyle. If I had known this as a much younger man, I would have sailed there instead of the Caribbean. It’s the only way to truly appreciate life: Sail the Polynesian Islands. Don’t cruise on a giant ship, don’t vacation in a luxury hotel, live the life! But choose Tahiti’s close neighbor Moorea as your home base.
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