17 March -- Entering Uturoa, Raiatea, Society Islands French Polynesia


Sunrise in the gap between Tahaa and Raiatea
Early shots at 5:30am as we entering the gap between the islands of Tahaa and Raiatea, including the sunrise in the gap.

Bora Bora seen as we come into Raiatea


Entering the gap between Tahaa and Raiatea


Raiatea at Sunrise
The Port Of Utuero


We had an early morning Le-Truck tour (open-sided) around the island perimeter.  Our guide, HuiMau, who is 86 years old and lives alone in the mountain valley, without electricity, phone, running water, etc.

He was quite the native character as you'll see in the photo with Robbi.  One front tooth evident on the upper left and one front tooth evident on the lower right!  Prides himself on his culture and primitive life style.  He said he had 3 "wives" and 10 boys and 10 girls, the oldest 62 years and the youngest 12, and he's never been marrried!!!




Although they are called islands, they are protected by atolls and therefore have no sand beaches of their own.  They are all volcanic and it was amazing how sharp the mountain peaks are, covered with lush vegetation all the way done to the blue, blue waters!






The scenery was gorgeous as we went along the coastline and he iterated many of the sites, majestic mountains, tropical plants and fruits, and crystal clear waters.

The FAAROA river that transgresses the island

We went to the Taputapuatea Scared Site which is an UNESCO World Hertigae site.  Rather than go into a lot of detail and get something wrong, we'll let you read the short article below.  It's a very solemn area and is deep in culture.






















We are overnight here so tomorrow will be our walking tour, exploring the 3-block long downtown area.  Raiatea has a population of around 17,000! The majority of shop owners are Chinese and about 1,000 Chinese on the island.  Also a lot of French are migrating to French Polynesia, building large houses and then renting them to visitors.

The townspeople put on a welcome program to show their appreciation for our coming after a long COVID related pause!  It was something to see.  The small children were the hit of the program! The Captain and his staff were "icoerced" to participate andwere taught the male part of the hula dance,  A site to behold!!

The Mayor and other dignateries exchanged gifts with the Ship's senior staff.





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