Monday, February 17, 2020

Bora Bora

We have bee. n here before and for that reason we do not have an excursion planned.
Last time here we took a princess tour that took us all of the way around the island with stops along the way. That is the tour that Al and Jan thought they would like sine this is their first visit to the island. We decided to meet for breakfast and go together. The Princess version was 69.95 each.

When the ship dropped anchor a fisherman in a small boat arrived. He was playing native music and trying his luck . This was our first view of the island.




We did not have to wait long for a tender, there was one ready to load just as we arrived at Michael Angelo.The trip was short and smooth. This was our first close up view as the tender pulled in. Oh did I mention that they now call them Water Shuttles and not tenders?






There were many native peoples selling tours and within minutes we found a lady who was offering the around the island tour for 35 dollars each. The tour would last 2 hours and the transport would be a truck. The box of the truck was fitted with well padded benches and there were backs also well padded. In all there would be six of us in the back of this pick up.




Our guides name was Daniella. She drove the truch which did not have a PA system. So when she came to a spot with history or the like she would pull over to the side of the road, get out of the truck, come to the back and tell us about what we were looking at.



There were several stops to see the view and some other longer stops. One was to show us where and how they make pareos. I bought one last time so I did not get one . But Jane made a purchase. They had free fruit samples for us and there were two musicians to entertain us.









The views along the way were spectacular!!






There is a special public beach that locals and tourist alike flock to. The beaches for the most part are private and you need to ask permission to use the.This beach is called Matira beach. It is amazing. They do not rent chairs or sell food. This is a golden opportunity for someone who wants to start a business. I would have bought an ice cream for sure. This beach is about 4 miles from town and there shuttles that will take you there and return you for 5 dollars each way.










The last brief stop was at Bloody Mary's Restaurant . This place is famous because of it famous patrons. The names of these famous people are carved into a wall for everyone to read. It has a sand floor and I am told the food and the drinks are top drawer.
Because of the crowds we could only stay long enough to get a few quick pictures. A place to return to.









That was our last stop and our guide was in a hurry to get back to the dock. She is eager to pick up another group and do the tour again. The last time we were here the road was  just gravel and full of pot holes and the like. They paved it last year and the asphalt was welcomed.

The tenders were coming and going , there were 6 in use and no one had to wait so soon we were back at the dock and heading for the ship.




The forecast was for rain...100% chance of rain. It did not rain a drop and it was HOT and very humid. As usual my system was not pleased about that. When we got back to the ship I could not get out of my own way. I don't know when I have felt that exhausted. We got lunch and I went to bed. I slept the afternoon away, had dinner and went back to bed. I don't know if it is was because I got dehydrated or if it was just the intense humidity.
I could not live here if that would be my normal reaction to this climate.

Bora Bora again tomorrow. We will see how I make out.!!!

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