These Islands , unlike the Tuamotu islands are visited more frequently by small cargo ships and yachts. Pearl farming is the most common occupation as the waters are full of plankton and water temperatures favourable to oysters. We are visiting these islands on our way to and from Pitcairn. Rikitea is the first of these villages. It is home to over a hundred pearl farms. Apart from the cargo ship unloading supplies, the first thing you notice on this island is the number of vehicles, trucks, cars, motorcycles and bicycles.We had to dodge the vehicles picking up their cargo. So look at the dangers we are suffering for you dear readers, jumping on tenders in all types of swell, wet feet and then risking our lives while people rush to get their stuff.
As on the other islands, we were given a warm welcome with music , fruit and traditional dancing. There is a high school on the island and the children had obviously been practising for this event. Their timing was perfect. Traditional dance consists of rhythmic foot stamping in time to the drum beat. Hand movements are much quicker with fingers fluttering rather than swaying . Mike and I looked at the mother of pearl carving and jewellery completed by the students. It was better than the work some of the adults were selling at the artisan store.
Apart from vehicles, the local wealth and population is reflected in the number of shops, including a pizza restaurant and travel company for Air Tahiti.
On the Island is the main cathedral,Saint Michele. Outside , the architecture of the church and presbytery could easily fit in a French village but inside mother of pearl carvings and decorations are purely Polynesian.
On this island they also have the luxury of a medical centre, with the mandatory queue of people waiting to be seen, and a community administration centre.
Fruit trees and beautiful plants line the main road( only road) that leads through the village and to the other side of the island.
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