We have left our last island and are the way on our way to Australia.

Today, I would like to talk about our first island visit in Tahiti, at Papeete.

As we pull in, you can see A beautiful scene. If you look close, you can actually see that bowl of an extinct volcano that helped build this island.

Getting off the ship we are presented with island music from a group of musicians and dancers.

As we walk into town, we are presented with another US invention, McDonald’s. This time we did not go over to the dark side and eat there. (We had just finished breakfast).

However, we did stop at a sidewalk restaurant and have some refreshment. This gave us a chance to rest and cool down a little. It was extremely warm (defined as hot!). We sat there and enjoyed our refreshment. When the bill came, it was more than the menu and when I paid with US dollars which they accepted. When I got my change back, it was in Polynesia Pacific Francs. Walking away, we realized not only did we get took, but everybody who sat down got took. Their exchange rate was definitely in their favor. A coke and a glass of wine cost us $26. We were lucky as those who had something to eat had a bill near $50. Many, many people learned a valuable lesson today.

Walking back to the ship we stopped at a street and I took this picture of a local church.

That afternoon, we took an excursion around the island and our first stop was at the home of James Norman Hall. You probably don’t recognize the name, but I am sure you recognize the book that the author wrote, Mutiny on the Bounty.

Inside their house was a beautiful porch area. It is just the type of home you would expect in Tahiti.

Here is a copy of Mutiny on the Bounty that shows the editing before the book was published.

Speaking of books, this library had every book that he wrote in all languages. They were all first editions. What an amazing collection.

After leaving his home, we drove past the current city hall. What a city hall.

Next we stopped at a park where James Cook first landed in Tahiti. The lighthouse was built in 1967 (oops, make that 1867) and still works today.

We also got Rexie to a black beach. We never seemed to have time in Hawaii, but finally we found it. What is interesting is that a black beach is extremely hot when you walk across the dry sand. The volcanic sand retains the heat more than a normal beach.

Next, we went to the only waterfall accessible without hiking miles.  It took less than five minutes to walk there. The waterfall, while very tall, has a small water flow. It is nothing like NIageria Falls. It is only a small creek that carries the water away from the falls.

During our drive, we were almost always near the ocean. Finally, on the way back to the ship we stopped twice for some scenic shots.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, believe me when I say the islands are beautiful.

And thus, our time at our first Tahiti Island comes to an end.

I must be off!