August 9, 2023
As we sailed into the bay at Huahine the sun was rising and at the bow of the boat several whales were breaching to welcome us. The captain popped out of the bridge to see the whales and cried out to them “please don’t go under the boat”!! A magical start to the day.
I depart the pier by off-road vehicle for the drive to Huahine Nui where the longest bridge in French Polynesia linking the two islands. It is only 100 meters long! We walked across it and experience the view of the bay.
Then we ascended the island’s steepest road for spectacular panoramic views over Maroe Bay.
The village of Faie, consist of one block of shops including a grocery store that seemed like a super Walmart because it is the only place they can buy essentials. A cargo ship comes in twice a week to resupply the village. The French government subsides French bread so it is only 68 cents. It is sold without wrappers and people carry it under their arms.
Then we were off to Maeva to view the amazing, open-air stone temples (Marae) that are considered to be the islands most sacred artifacts.
A short trip on an outrigger took us “Huahine Pearl Farm and Pottery”, a little overwater bungalow where in addition to pearl they their famous blue pottery made from a glaze found at the bottom of the lagoon while pearl farming.
The 400-year-old stone-fish traps that are still in use today are amazing in how people figure out how to make life better even when they don’t have all the tools. The rocks trap the fish then when the water goes out at low tide the fisherman can scoop them up.
We visited a small Vanilla Drying House where aromatic vanilla beans are grown. I learned that during the drying process they massage each bean to remove the water. The vanilla process from the first planting until it is ready to sell is almost 4 years. That’s why it is so costly.
The picture that seems like it is just mud has blue eyed eels. They are sightless creatures that are about 3 feet long and live in the muddy canal and are sacred to the people. Our guide fed them canned mackerel to make them come out because they can smell that. They were not to interested because there had been too many tourist!! They are really creepy!!
After a few more stops for the scenic views we headed back to the ship for a swim off the back of the ship in the beautiful blue water.
Close to sunset we set sail back to Papeete. The trip is almost over. Tomorrow will be a spa day at the Hilton as I wait to fly home tomorrow night. So this will be the last post for this trip but I will post the Aqua Safari (helmet dive) pictures when I can get them to download.
Thanks to each of you who have followed along and especially those who have commented.I am so blessed to get to have travel adventures and to share them with you!!!
Bread looks yummy.
You take the best and beautiful picture
Looks like a fantastic trip! Thank you for sharing pictures and have safe travels home.