Gallery French PolynesiaClick on one picture to view the whole gallery |
14.02.2008
Tahiti - The myth!
The very name Tahiti probably triggers the wildest imaginations in most people, a tropical island with white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, populated by graceful people dressed in exotic costumes with flowers in their hair moving their hips to the wailing music. Well, the truth is, Tahiti is a volcanic island with beautiful steep green mountain slopes and lush vegetation, but there are no beaches to speak of and the often overweight islanders dress in western clothes, speak French and obey to E.U. rules. What Tahiti really...[more] Category: French Polynesia
15.02.2008
Fakarava - A diver’s paradise
The reason why a few tourists come out to this atoll in the Tuamotu Islands is to spend as much time under the water as possible. Fakarava is one of the top-notch diving spots in the world with a marine life that is truly unchallenged! We had contacted the Te Ava Nui diving centre from Rapa Nui and received a prompt answer from the owner, Jean Christophe, who also happened to be on the Easter Island. Yes, it is a small world! This was not the only coincidence: we took the same plane going from Hanga Roa to Papeete and from Papeete...[more] Category: French Polynesia
16.02.2008
A few days on Fakarava
Our top priority for accommodation was kitchen-use since everything we heard and read about prices here seemed outlandish. Accommodation on the atoll is limited and most of them offer rooms with half-board for at least 65 Euros per person and day, but often much more. Only one or two provide cooking facilities, which is why we chose the Relais Marama. It has nice breezy bungalows with shared squeaky-clean bathrooms. The common area is large & inviting and includes a well-equipped outdoor kitchen, all this for “only” 60 Euros per...[more] Category: French Polynesia
17.02.2008
More astonishing diving
The choice of the Te Ava Nui diving center was definitely a great one: everyone there is just nice and relaxed, but when it is about diving, they are all extremely professional and security oriented, just what we are looking for. The instructors know the lagoon inside out and the fauna you find here, making these few days an unforgettable experience! The reason for the incredible amount of fish around the atoll is the two “passes” in the reef of the atoll. These passes, one in the north and one in the south, are raptures in the reef...[more] Category: French Polynesia
18.02.2008
The Black pearls of Polynesia
Monday morning, the day of our departure from Fakarava, we visited Hinano pearl farm. Black pearls are cultivated throughout French Polynesia and the Cook Islands, the only place in the world, whereas white pearls are traditionally produced in China, Japan and now in Australia as well. It was the Japanese who about 100 years ago developed the technique of cultivating pearls. The owner of Hinano pearl farm, Herr Günter Hellberg, gave us a brief tour through the production part of his business, which is basically a wooden shack on...[more] Category: French Polynesia
18.02.2008
Papeete, not such a hot place!
Our flight from Fakarava back to Papeete took us first to Rangiroa, so we got a glimpse of this atoll as well, before we continued to Papeete. Since we were warned by fellow travelers that restaurants close early, we rushed into the center around 06:30 pm and found a ghost town. Everything was closed, shops, businesses and we could not find a bar or restaurant. We walked along the waterfront expecting this to be the hot spot in town, but the main attraction were three gigantic cruise ships in the harbor. There, finally we came...[more] Category: French Polynesia
19.02.2008
French Polynesia - Budget & Summary
We only spent 6 days in French Polynesia, four of them diving in Fakarava and two stopovers in Papeete. So our summery has to be seen in this context. Diving in Fakarava is simply amazing, one of the most fascinating diving spots in the world. We marveled at the colorful fish and often felt as if swimming in the middle of an aquarium. However, what makes Fakarava so special are the many grey reef sharks that literally surround you at certain spots. The Te Ava Nui Diving Center was a good choice: really cool staff but highly...[more] Category: French Polynesia, Summaries, Budget
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