Those of you who are lucky enough to visit French Polynesia will probably first arrive at Fa.a'a International airport on Tahiti. It may be too late to grab a ferry or flight to one of the many islands so a layover is likely. We made the most of our layover ensuring there was enough time to explore the capital city. It is quite developed.
This is a memorial to the hundred plus atomic bomb tests the French conducted in Polynesia throughout the second half of last century. These tests impacted the locals and there are traces of radiation still lingering in this tropical paradise.
Here are some yachts, sailboats and even cruise ships in Nanuu bay where one would take the ferry to Moorea. Naturally we are drawn to the water and in Polynesia nothing is far from the Pacific Ocean. The islands are small and in the middle there is usually a volcano.
You can see Moorea off in the distance. Here is a previous post about a trip to Moorea. Just had to grab this photo of one of the luckies cats in the world enjoying the morning sun.
The park along the Ocean shore was the highlight of our day. While there is a market and small downtown area, we didn't come here to shop. They have various museums and cultural buildings but it was during the height of covid restrictions so not everything was open.
The gardens and this peace pond were fine enough. We had a ferry to catch in a few hours and didn't have time to explore the entire island.
There is always time however for lunch and a beer. While this was on Moorea, the beer is brewed on Tahiti. Hinano Beer has a beautiful label and it's not something most people would ever get to enjoy. No worries, we had two weeks so I enjoyed plenty - there aren't many options on a small island.
The seafood curry and pizza were delicious too - perfect pairings for beer. While the country does have a lot of French impression and good wine, beer is better in the afternoon sun.
We ended up doing a little shopping, picking up this magnet of said beer I wish to one day try again. That symbol would make for a cool tattoo.
We also purchased a hand carved mask from the island and a sketch. Who knows when one would ever return to such a place.
They sell this carton of 8% Tahiti drink. It's made from Tahitian Rum. We didn't bring the drink home but a couple bottles of rum made it back with us.
When you arrive they have these people playing traditional island music. They weren't giving out Lei's probably because of covid. We are definitely going to return, because it's a better, less Americanized more relaxing version of Hawaii.
Thanks for reading.
All photos taken with an iphone 11 pro
Very beautiful park, I like seeing the many boats anchored on the beach
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This place is very beautiful and I have added it now. One day I will definitely visit this place and see with my own eyes all this beautiful place and all the beautiful views.
You should definitely go!