Tempestuous Tahiti

We were lulled into a false sense of security in the Hawaiian islands – as soon as we were through the breakwater the rough seas hit us once again!  Activities continued onboard for our four-day voyage to French Polynesia.  The Borealis Bark continues to spread around the ship – the constant moving from air-conditioning to hot, humid weather gives our lungs a hard time  – Barking coughs have become the norm! 

Raiatae

Such was our excitement with the thought of visiting such a far-flung place as French Polynesia, that we raced up to the Observatory lounge straight after lunch to get a front row seat, to witness our entry through the narrow gap in the coral reef that surrounds Raiatea Island.  Sadly, it was not to be!  Having already been informed that all ships tours were cancelled in Raiatea due to heavy overnight storm damage, the weather closed in again.  Visibility was down to less than a mile,  50 mph winds were blowing and torrential rain was falling.  Apparently, the pilot had a major challenge to get onboard, and he then stayed with us for two days – it was considered too dangerous for him to disembark.  Our visit to Raiatea was cancelled totally, and we moved on (or should I say ‘rocked on’) to Tahiti. 

Papeete

Arriving in the early morning, we could see the cloud was right down over the mountains.  Immigration here was very easy – we’d handed our passports in and everything was ‘seen to’ onboard without further input from us.  Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia – I should point out here that Tahiti and French Polynesia are the same thing – made up of 118 small islands, many of which are uninhabited.  Population approximately 350,000. 

The ship moored conveniently in the middle of the city – an easy walk to shops and more importantly a HUGE indoor market, selling EVERYTHING.  Regrettably quite a few of the stall holders didn’t arrive to open their stalls, as (Again!) there had been a lot of overnight storm damage, and (Again!) all our tours were cancelled due to flooded roads and fallen trees.  So . . . we just HAD to shop!  Oh!  And eat!  We were recommended the local dish – a salad of raw tuna, tomatoes & cucumber with a dressing of coconut milk and lime juice. Served with rice – delicious!

The Tiare flower is Tahiti’s symbol of harmony.  It is worn daily by Tahitians and they give them out to visitors  – men & women!

 In true ‘rainy season’ style, the heavens opened for the afternoon.  Roads became rivers and pavements muddy skating rinks. . . .We sailed during the evening, hoping for better things tomorrow . . . . . . . .

Bora Bora

We were awoken not by a beautiful sunrise, but by the sound of the lifeboats being lowered!  These were to be our ‘little ferries’ for the day – Bora Bora’s little jetty area is not deep enough for cruise ships so we had to be ‘tendered’ ashore.  True to form, the Bora Bora government had decreed that there were to be no island tours or visits due (Again!) overnight storm damage.  Yes, you guessed it, the cloud was down over the mountains and everywhere was a muddy mess! 

Not to be discouraged ,we were on the first tender of the day at 07:30 and headed for the only café open for breakfast  – pancakes with maple syrup – well it was Shrove Tuesday!!  We then walked along the local road – no pavements here – local rustic houses sitting in a sea of mud – piles of palm tree fronds having been blown down in the wind – we happened upon a local art gallery just opening its doors.  Every shop or business has someone who speaks English – French being their everyday language.  Having admired the art (but not bought any!) we asked the lady how to get to the beach  – could we walk?  No, she told us – the easiest way from here is to hitch-hike!  She assured us it was safe to do so.  Within minutes, a taxi driver stopped – $5 for the 12 mile journey to the beach. 

We were on the beach by 09:30  – the sun never came out but it was 29C and we both got sunburnt!  Glorious turquoise water and so warm.  Rays (as in Stingrays) swam along very close to shore and seemed very friendly. 

As idyllic as it was, we knew that the rains were due to come in again at midday, hence we asked the taxi to come back for us 2hours later. We were back onboard Borealis and eating lunch as the rain started. 

The tenders worked very hard in the choppy harbour swell as the winds got up.  The result was that everyone was onboard promptly, and we were able to ‘up- anchor’ and sail away a little early (one happy Captain!)

Now heading for New Zealand.. . . . . .

Change in Itinerary

My last entry mentioned that we were all waiting with bated breath to hear the changes in our itinerary due to the problems in the Red Sea/Suez Canal area. 

From Phuket in Thailand, we will head south-west across the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, then to Durban, Cape Town, Namibia, Cape Verde Islands, and Tenerife before arriving back in Southampton on the planned day (17^th April)

I’ll take that, thanks!!