Tahiti? Ho Hum

I was not impressed with Tahiti.  When you take a tour, one of the most important things is the guide.  I now understand that our guide had to get back to the ship to lead another tour, but she essentially finished our 2 hour tour with half an hour left.  We walked past landmarks with the admonition to come back later if you want because we do not have time to stop.  Other tour groups actually went into the cathedral and got an explanation of the interior, for example.

The market had fish, fruit and local items.

 The part of Papeete which we saw was the typical mix of local businesses, tourist shops and buildings not too well kept.  The language was French rather than Jamaican, but the feel was about the same.  One of our friends stopped at a cafe which had Wi-fi, but he had to order a meal in order to use it.  His Coke and small burger cost over $10.

People who took tours out of the city said that the scenery was very nice.  Maybe we are spoiled, but this is not  place I would consider for another visit.

There were 2 highlights to this stop.  We were docked next to a ship full of yachts.  If you wish to sail around the South Pacific Islands, but do not want the tedious days of crossing the Pacific or going around Africa or if your yacht does not have the fuel capacity for such a long voyage, you have your Captain take your yacht to "Yacht Express."

This large ship with an open stern lowers itself in the water until the open area  has enough depth of water to float your yacht, and you motor on in.  The large ship then magically rises up until the water drains and your yacht is high and dry.  The crew fastens down your yacht and your Captain retires to guest quarters for the voyage to Tahiti. You, meanwhile, relax for a couple of weeks until it is time to reclaim your yacht in Tahiti.



The other highlight was the evening entertainment, O Tahiti E, a local dance group.

If the pictures seem a bit blurred, it is because the dancers were moving too fast for the camera to catch them.  I have video, but I do not know how to up load it, since it is over ten times as big as the smallest photo.  The dancers were excellent and so well received that they cancelled out of their afternoon jobs to return to the ship for a repeat performance before we departed. This way those who could not attend the previous evening show due to crowding could see the dancing live. The second performance was not standing room only but was very very well attended.