At first look we or I should say I was excited to know we would not be facing the tank farm and the container area. That was our view the last time we came here.
My excitement was short lived because when the captain did the final maneuver there it was, oil tanks and containers and cranes.
We had breakfast and then met Jan and Al to disembark. We posed for pictures and then met wonderful local musicians.We could see that the ship was loading a LOT of supplies. Eight sea days will probably mean a lot of food. Do you think carrots will be in the menu?
As soon as we exited the secure area we were met by a group of vendors selling tours. We decided on a 4 hour circle island tour. It was a new mini van complete with air conditioning. At first he tried to put 8 people in the van. It was so crowded that 2 people refused and asked for their money back or a new vehicle. He replaced that couple with a single lady. That made it less crowded but it was tolerable. Six people would have been ideal.
Our guides name was William. He has lived here for many years and so he was keen to answer all and any of our questions. As we drove he pointed out things of interest on both sides of the road.
We headed out of the city and headed into the countryside.
Our first stop was at the Grotto....Grotle da Maraa. It was quite beautiful. Vendors were selling all kinds of local fruits. Many of which I did not recognize.
They also had Tiki carvings for sale.
.
Next we stopped at the Waterfall and Garden. There was a path which was actually on private property but we could walk to the falls and take pictures. There was quite a large flow and the water emptied into the sea which was on the other side of the highway
The garden was quite nice with lots of lovely tropical flowers. The paths were very well maintained.
There was a younger lady sitting there smoking and reading right on the edge of the falls. We had to photograph around her. Some people are strange.
Our next stop was at the double waterfall. It was really quite beautiful but I don't know if it was a rare to have a double one as William seemed to think it was..
Next we were taken to the Blow hole ...Tour du Sauffeur....It is a well developed tourist attraction . Lots of people were there. Up until now we were able to beat the big buses.They had very good facilities and of courses there were pearls for sale..
When we first walked up the path we stopped where there was a sign that said Blowhole. It just looked like a bit of wet rock. Well suddenly it blew and Jan and Al and I all jumped. It was so loud and such a surprise.
We continued along the path and viewed the major blow hole. We have seen others and this was a good one. I am always surprised by the volume of the noise they make.
We drove along viewing black sand beaches and almost vacant shore lines. The island is so tropical.
This is when we got an unexpected treat and surprise.... A LIGHT HOUSE!!!. We could not climb it but we did walk around it and get lots of pictures.
There was a very nice restaurant here. It was quite large and crowded. It sold fast food type of fare. But it also sole ice cream cones. I was able to get a double vanilla for three dollars. A grand treat.
It was called Mama's beach.
Then it was back in the van with the final stop being back at the ship. Walking back I saw a lady with an amazing bouquet of tropical flowers. I decided that I will go to the market in the morning. I really want one of those beautiful arrangements to adorn our room for the return trip. When I inquired she said the bouquet was in the market and costs only twenty dollars.
The rest of the day and evening were normal for us. We enjoyed dinner and then went for a strool on the upper decks before we called it a night.
Tomorrow we are still here in Papeete.
No comments:
Post a Comment