Bora Bora

BORA BORA

We got up at 7:30 as our dining couple wanted to see the sail into Bora Bora from a good vantage point. You could see something in the distance but it could have been a figment of the cloud shapes. Gradually it begins to get a definite shape and intensity of color and it looks like an island in the distance. Eventually, it’s clear it’s an island but is the one we’re headed for? After some adjustments, it was.

Our friends came and along with other souls willing to brave the hot sun without shade, we sailed in and drooped anchor as this is a tender port. You could smell the wood fires a few miles out and I so love that odor.  We had lunch in our cabin and then headed for our tour, a 22 mile around the island tour in a truck---with a top and open windows. Getting on to the tender, all you could smell was sunscreen. You must remember this isn’t civilization as we know it. Don’t expect A/C and don’t expect many comforts. The seats looked like they had been salvaged from a classroom for 2^nd graders and mounted on steel bars. Mercifully there were foam pads (covered in local designs) on the seats. But think sardines.

The lush tropical plants are everywhere and the houses are usually under canopies of such trees and plants. What sun could get through is usually kept at bay by low slung corrugated roofs with large overhangs. It looks cool and cozy under these areas and people seem quite at ease.

The temp was up to 88 and the humidity over 80%. We tenderfoots are not used to this. We do bring water along and Princess always has cool water near the tender port. They also greet your return with cool wet wash cloths which are greatly appreciated.

The water is quite indescribable. You can tell the depth easily by looking at the colors which range from sandy white to dark navy blue. If there had been time and opportunity, this would have been a great swimming opportunity as the water was warmer than a shower one lady said. We saw their sewage plant and where they make water. We were stopped at a locals house where they tie dye cloths and sell them to us. The $10 pareo starts out with cotton that looks like gauze and then is dipped into various plant dyes. They are then hung out to dry in the sun sometimes with blanks over them in the shape of turtles and such which create even more pattern. We were told the colors were permanent. Heavier material was $35. They were pretty but I have one from Hawaii years ago that is of better quality. There were many local necklaces and such made of shells. Many dresses and shirts that we could find anywhere probably. Nothing is cheap here. Gas is $8 a gallon though Ed was muttering something when we were told those so…

The final stop was “Bloody Mary’s” of South Pacific fame where their version of a Bloody Mary is a must so Ed bought one: $8 for about 7 oz and you get to keep the plastic glass which might last two dish washer loads I estimate.

We saw many of the houses on stilts including one that is (or was) Jack Nichelson’s. There was much discussion of the filming of Mutiny on the Bounty here with Marlon Brando and all of that history. (well they have to have something to tell the tourists!)

Their major income is from tourism, followed by copak (?) made from coconut husks, and other coconut related products.

While this is French Polynesia, most locals spoke a native dialect(s), some French, and passable English. Ten percent of the population are Chinese and their presence is visible in the names of markets and restaurants.

You know we were tired as we passed up the offer of free WiFi in some nondescript bar to return to the ship where we couldn’t get into the shower fast enough. Thank the Lord for free laundry.