Tuesday night we took in a little local culture at the Tiki Village. If you’ve been to a luau, you know the routine. It was relatively low-key and sincere, with a pit barbeque (see photo), displays of local handicrafts, and a dance and drum extravaganza. It was a beautiful, warm night, and everyone was in good spirits because we are all on vacation, in a “paradise”, and know we will never see each other again. Visitors are from all over; US, France, Japan, Italy, Spain, etc., and 65% are there for a honeymoon. We also learned in Tahiti that tourism has been way down the last few years, from a high of 400,000 to 120,000/year, so places are uncrowded and the locals are eager to please. At the end of the evening, the proprietor came out, a Frenchman in a flowing robe straight out of “Couples Retreat” (if you saw the movie).Today, we took the tour of the lagoons. It turns out, French Polynesia is not so much famous for long, sandy beaches but for the shallow protected coral reefs surrounding most of the islands. We were out most of the day, visiting an area where you can feed and pet sting rays,
snorkel, and lunch on a small islet. It was just as great as you might imagine. I probably was in the water for over two hours. Even Fayne joined in the fun (although I did not buy the DVD documenting it; you’ll have to take my word). The amazing colorful array of sea life is awe inspiring. I’m so glad I got a new mask with prescription lenses so I could enjoy it all, and also find the boat when it was time to come in. Life is good.
Tomorrow we take a 4-wheel drive excursion inland.
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