Today is a visit to Tahiti’s little sister Raiatea, the second largest of the Society Islands.  The very friendly, musical welcome was waiting –  –

Always a treat.

An incredible tour can be had here with Tara.  She is absolutely fabulous and a great wealth of information about the island and its culture.  She is a local, but took advantage of the French education benefits obtaining her degrees in French and Italian at a university in France.  She also speaks perfect English and many dialects of the Polynesian language.  Her story telling keeps one attentive and engaged throughout the four hour tour.  What a gem;-)

Tara claims everyone on the island is a relative!  So – the first stop on her tour was at her uncle’s pearl production operation.  No matter how large or small the island – in these South Pacific isles, pearls are the name of the game.  They are everywhere and the buying opportunities are a plenty.

Transportation for the day.  Tara called it the “Barbie Bus” – driven by her cousin!

Tara’s uncle’s black pearl production center. A small but inviting and informative stop.

A beautiful visit – and an educational one if Tara is your guide – is the botanical gardens, Jardin Botanique de Faaroa.  As is true in most of the islands, every plant and tree has some health or nutritional benefit or use.  Tara knew them all – even if it was a particular leaf that could be used as both a plate and then TP;-)

Our guide, Tara, was excellent. The best in our 60 + days.

Well known Bird of Paradise.

The clerodendrum quadriloculare…also known locally as the “q tip” flower (look close).

This island is no different than most in this area – it is the result of a volcano and the lush green mountainous terrain runs right down to the ocean.  Here in Raiatea, Mount Temehani is its jewel.  It is the Polynesian Mount Olympus and just like Olympus, it creates its own weather so the top is rarely seen;-(

The tallest mountain on the island is almost always in the clouds.

Raiatea is widely regarded as the center of the eastern islands in ancient Polynesia. It is likely that migrations to Hawaii, New Zealand and other parts of East Polynesia began here – looking like the arms, or tentacles, of an octopus as the people and cultures spread.  In fact, the traditional name of this island is Havai’i!

Situated on the south east coast of the island is the historical Taputapuatea Marae, which was established by 1000AD.  It is considered the center of the “Polynesian Triangle” and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The remains of this marae form an ancient religious, cultural and political grouping that played a vital role in the history of the Ma’ohi people.  The site contains many marae utilized for different functions and rites.  As said in a prior post, think of the wonderful Kivas of the ancient Puebloans and this is the Polynesian version.

The Taputapuatea site is considered the ‘center’ of the cultural and religious octopus.  It was originally Havai’i.

The great Marae Taputapuatea, the most deified element of the site.  Recent offerings are next to the alter.

The Marae Hauviri – the investiture temple of the paramount chiefs.

A fascinating island that brought home the origination and meaning of the marae.  It also introduced us to Tara who was a true Polynesian gem;-)  But, as always, time came to move on.

Leaving Raiatea..heading for Rangiroa

Still in French Polynesia – visit Rangiroa.  The island is unlike all its sister islands in that it is pancake flat and does not have a volcano at its center.  In fact, this is not one island, but a string of coral encircling a beautiful turquoise and jade-green lagoon.  It is the largest atoll of French Polynesia and the second largest in the world!  It has been called “God’s aquarium” and classified by Captain Cousteau as one of the most beautiful sites in the world.  It is included in “1000 Places to See Before You Die” but it is nothing like the island of Bora Bora.  It does have its expensive resort – but the real sight to see is under water.  A short time from end to end on the island is all one needs before heading for the lagoon – –

Another musical welcome.

Docked in the middle of the atoll.

Main Street?

More main Street. Not much in this “village”

The warm water and sunshine can make one very happy!!

A black tip reef shark, one of many spotted.

A poor shot of one of five dolphins followed for a while. The wave action on the small boat made it near impossible to get good shots;-(

This area is know to divers and snorkelers worldwide as The Aquarium.  The water’s colors were beautiful.

Very enjoyable day in this little slice of heaven.

Another ho hum sunset.

As this trip was started, there was no thought that a little tiny island/atoll in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean could provide such an incredible day.  Words on a page can provide ideas – but there is nothing like seeing for oneself!  What a great few days.

E & G with smiles