| In the fall of 2002 we joined our neighbors and friends on an excursion to Tahiti. This was going to be a cruise on the Wind Song to five islands. They were Ralatea, Huahine, Bora-Bora, Moorea and the main island, with the capital Papeete, where we arrived. After the long flight from the USA, we had a day of relaxation at the Sheraton Hotel with a nice room overlooking the pool and ocean. We did go into town to do some shopping, and, of course, took the local bus, "Le Truck". The rest of the day was spent around the pool. |
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| The following afternoon we boarded the Wind Song for our one week cruise. The ship was one of three "sailing/motor" vessels of this configuration; although the engines were used most of the time. There were about 130 people on this trip and the accommodations, food and service were excellent. However, the best part was that we were able to see the various islands at a leisurely pace and take in the highlights of each while having fun with our neighbors. |
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| On Huahine we rented a car and drove around the island. We stopped at a marea, an old Polynesian temple, visited a pearl farm (a floating island in the middle of the lagoon) and took a look at one of the resorts. In our opinion, Huahine is the most picturesque and tranquil islands we visited and would be our choice for a return visit instead of the over-rated Bora-Bora. |
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| We had a lot of fun on Moorea. The ship stayed there two days which gave us the chance to play with stingrays. These docile creatures love to be fed small fish and will come right up to you looking for a hand-out. |
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Four of us also rented a jeep and drove around the island. Resorts with their bungalows built over the water are very common on all the islands; the room rates, however, are outrageous.
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| One night we had a gala buffet and at Bora-Bora we spent time on a private island with a barbeque lunch. In the evening we were entertained by local dance groups. |
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| The little island on the fringe of the lagoon surrounding Bora-Bora was a neat spot to snorkel and even let Jay water-ski. For us this was more interesting than the trip around the main island with all its tourist attractions. |
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Our story has to end on a sad note. A few months after we were here, the Wind Song caught on fire and later sank in the Pacific Ocean. A similar event took place in Alaska where we had cruised the Glacier Bay area on a small ship, the Wilderness Adventurer. It ran aground and was taken out of service. Some of our friends are skeptical about cruising with us, but we tell them that all the bad things happen after we are back home safe and well. PS. The sunset picture below shows Bora-Bora in the far distance. |
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