Tahiti Part 1 - A Wander Around Papeete

After several days at sea after Hawaii, we all were really ready to see land again, and so we were very pleased to arrive in French Polynesia. French Polynesia consists of a number of islands, the largest of which is Tahiti. The ship docked at Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, a city that has a lovely backdrop of mountains covered with forests. 

As was the case with the Hawaiian islands, the water near the dock was the most beautiful cobalt blue. But as this island is a coral atoll, in the distance we could see the boundary where the coral encircles the island - the colour of the water suddenly changed to a wonderful, brilliant aquamarine. 

Since my shore excursion was not due to start until after midday, I decided to spend much of the morning wandering around Papeete. I found it to be a most interesting mixture of people’s markets, joyful street musicians, small businesses, countless jewellery shops featuring Tahitian pearls, and apartments. There were no skyscrapers. Many of the buildings were old and rather run-down, speaking of a fair degree of hardship. What a few coats of paint would have done to transform much of the town and give it a new life! 

It seemed that the people were mainly relying on selling brightly coloured cloths and clothes and jewellery and ornaments made of shells to make a living. But we were warned not to buy anything made of shells because they would not pass through Australian Customs. That made me feel dreadful for all the hopeful stall holders when I wandered past without buying their wares. 

I decided that it would be great to find a French patisserie to try a little French pastry and a cup of tea - that is, if I could. There was a dearth of eateries in the area near the dock and I noticed that there weren’t even shops featuring ice creams and sorbets - in that heat! Talk about a missed opportunity. Finally I found a patisserie that was run by a French woman and some lovely Tahitian ladies, and clearly popular. Soon three very friendly Tahitian ladies plonked themselves down at my table, and we had a great chat, me in my faltering French and they in their limited English. (I am determined to study French next year!) I was delighted to have had that unexpected opportunity to meet some local people. 

The following photos show you some of the sights I saw as I wandered around. I was really glad to have done my own little tour, even though it was limited to the streets nearest the dock. 

Papeete from the ship. The ship docked next to us was clearly fitted out to explore the Arctic. 

As soon as we stepped off the ship we were welcomed with flowers and music. 

There was a small market next to the dock. This group performed music for everyone who walked into the market. Their dancer clearly enjoyed dancing, with a grin from ear to ear. 

Some of the market stalls.

This group played loudly across the street from the ship - they sounded great! 

This was about the only modern building I saw on my walk. 

This was a more formal, much larger market place.

Inside the market. 

This appeared to be an apartment block with shops underneath.

Across the road from the ship, which rather dwarfed the buildings in the town.

A little park next to the dock.

My yum pastry!

Some Tahitian pearls. I am afraid I did not buy any, though I thought these were rather lovely. Most were dark grey.