It’s a hard life.

Ia Orana (yo-rah-nah) – Hello from Tahiti. We are staying in Papeete until the ship arrives in two days.  Sorry we are living the life of leisure, swimming, eating, reading ,one of us sleeping, more swimming, more eating and then sleeping.  

Papeete is a sprawling city stretching in a narrow strip from the coast inwards to hills. Houses are dotted up on the hills that seem to be shrouded by clouds. Coffee and small shops selling clothes, pearls or other commodities run along the main streets.

There are no malls or glitzy designer shops and everyone is relaxed in colourful clothing and thongs or flip flops.

People’s connection to the sea and nature us reflected in decorations,sculptures and even fences bordering the harbour.

Historical buildings have disappeared from these main areas . A colonial past is only seen in the central church and government buildings. The French presence exists in the Gendarmerie and in the wonderful patisseries.

A quick trip to the market will give you an idea of traditional Tahitian foods and crafts……..interesting but we didn’t sample any exotic foods for you.

Our hotel is in Fa’a’ā.Just keep saying farrrr and you have it. At the local supermarket apart from necessities like chocolate, there are hot meals and wonderful prepared foodslike these garlic snails. You could also indulge in French wine, cheeses and bread. Perfect for a snack or even a meal.

Not far from the supermarket was a lovely local church built in a traditional Polynesian shape and the lower walls were open brick to allow air flow. Timber was used in the rest of the building.They had a beautiful Nativity scene set up with the wise men just arrived. 

Tropical plants are growing on the roadside and many gardens have mango or other fruit trees. 

Now there are fabulous restaurants in Tahiti I’m told ,but the most popular place to eat at night is in the food cart areas. These masquerade as car parks during the day but as night falls , their true role is seen as carts arrive,set up tables and stools and begin to prepare wonderful local delicacies. Last night it was crepes…..savoury and sweet…the banana chocolate Grandmarnier was especially yummy.   Tonight ,steak and fries…equally good. Plan on sharing as the serves are huge.

Back to the hotel now. Organise your bag because it’s an early start if you want breakfast before you join the ship. Looks good doesn’t it. Wifi will be infrequent so I will fill you in on your voyage when I can.