We came to Papeete, Tahiti, and everything was closed… well just about everything. All the major shops were closed, with just a few tourist places open. Church and family lunch are the big events for Sunday in this part of the world. So yes, the ports lecturer was right in recommending we took a tour - you really needed to get out of town to see the beauty of this place.
So I decided to take it easy, with a “Highlights” tour. It consisted of a leisurely drive along the west coast of the island, taking in waterfalls, blowholes, tropical flora, with the occasional historical site thrown in. There was much talk of Mutiny on the Bounty, and James Norman Hall, and Captains Bligh and Cook, but for me it was really all about soaking up the atmosphere, and enjoying a relaxing day.
After the tour, there was time for a wander around town, plus a siesta, before heading out to the cultural show and food vendors stationed along side the pier. This is apparently a regular event, not just something organized for the tourists, and lots of locals turned up. I declined the offer of hula dancing with the performers, on the basis that I hadn’t had enough to drink to let myself look that ridiculous…
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