Bora Bora
French Polynesia
March 24, 2019
I lead off with this picture even though it is almost impossible to take a scenic picture without Mount Otemanu in it. Whereas the French Polynesian islands in general are favored with some incredibly picture perfect scenery, Mount Otemanu takes the crown. To the left is Mount Pahia.
Thousands of people are drawn to Bora Bora every year because it is one of the most beautiful islands on earth. Most resorts have designed their overwater bungalows to specifically face Mount Otemanu and rooms that have an unobstructed view typically come with a premium price tag.
With the two above attractions covered, it is time to concentrate upon our tour. Having survived the encounter with sharks and stingrays, we decided upon a tamer, but beautiful, Island Discovery tour.
Family cemetery. If there is enough land, residents are permitted to bury family members on their property. There are no community cemeteries.
On a livelier note, our first stop was a place that made pareo wraps. Pareo is the Tahitian word for a wraparound skirt worn by males or females. It is related to the Malay sarong and other such garments of the Pacific Islands such as Hawaii, Marquesas, and Fiji.
A clean cloth about the size of a double bed is roll-wadded together, then about a 6" portion is dipped into different colors of dye. When unraveled, the wrap has a multi-colored design. Varying the amount dyed and varying the color placement, it is rare to have the same wrap design.
After the dyeing step, different figures are placed upon the wrap.
,When the wrap dries, images of the figures are imprinted upon the wrap due to sun blockage. Didn't price them so I don't know how much one would cost.
The reason for the stop was to take pictures of the beach residents.
Coconut crabs. Here, we did not get out of the bus as it would probably cause the crabs' movement and activity to cease. The guide threw the flowers out for the crabs and they would pull them into their burrow to eat.
The coconut crab sometimes gets a bum rap as some coconut trees have tin wrapped around the trunk--as if to prevent the coconut crabs from stealing the coconuts. However, scientists observing the crab behavior (wouldn't it be nice to get a job like that on Bora Bora?) noted that they take a coconut from the ground, cut it to the husk nut, take it with its claw, climb up a tree 33 feet high, and drop the husk nut to break it open and access the coconut flesh inside. They descend the tree by falling and can survive a fall of 15 feet unhurt. Last but not least, the coconut crab cuts holes into coconuts with their strong claws and eat the contents.
With all of that effort, it is not surprising that they feed primarily on fruits, nuts, seeds, and the pith of fallen trees. Much easier.
Best parking place we could get at Matira Point, the prettiest sand beach on the island. You guessed it. The next shot will be Christine who didn't get off the bus at this stop.
Even in 100% humidity the beauty of the island makes one smile.
Man, how many shades of blue can you see?
Then the tour continued.
Every time I would see Mount Otemanu I would think of Bali Ha'i in the movie "South Pacific." But in the 1958 film adaptation, Bali Ha'i is portrayed by
Mount Makana, Kauai. But it doesn't stop me from pretending--and they should have picked Bora Bora.
South Pacific Bloody Mary conducted business with the troops, this Bloody Mary conducts business with islanders and tourists. One couple from the ship skipped all of the tours and just headed to Bloody Mary's and spent the day. Not sure how they got back as there is no public transportation and few cabs. But they lived to tell about it.
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much.
ReplyDeleteI hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.