World Cruise Day 139: Jan 16 – Bora Bora (Vaitape), French Polynesia
Arrived in Bora Bora today at about 8 am. Vaitape to be more exact, on the island of Bora Bora. The landscape is dominated by an extinct volcano in the shape of two peaks, surrounded by an aquamarine lagoon. Unbelievably gorgeous. Seen from above the island looks like something out of a fantasy-genre story. There were fewer postcards to be had today than I expected given the beauty of the location, and each one was expensive, but I suppose when everything is imported that’s just how things are.
Breakfast on the cruise ship was quickly consumed, and then we were on our way. We were picked up from the ship in a glass bottom boat for the first part of our excursion. All four of us were on the same excursion and we enjoyed an up-close view of Bora Bora's underwater world without getting wet. A nice change of pace, even for an active 9-year-old boy. As the island is surrounded by a lagoon and barrier reef, it is the perfect location to view an incredible array of marine life. While on the boat, we enjoyed the magnificent scenery as we glided over colorful coral and the tropical fish that live there. I would have loved to have been one of the divers that got to feed the fish but there were rules and Frankie was too young. Vit and Nicholas did the honors and Nicholas even played the fool a bit to cheer his brother up by clowning for him through the glass. Frankie wasn’t the only one to laugh at his antics.
Our guide was very experienced and gave us tips on how to identify the different species of fish; from parrot, to surgeon and on to butterfly fish. He also shared the history and legends of Bora Bora. The captain of the boat – once the divers were back on board – took us through the lagoon and made sure we got the best views of sights such as the volcanic backdrop of Mount Otemanu.
Once we disembarked onto the pier, we were quickly directed to climb aboard a 4x4 vehicle that had been waiting for us. The driver had the top down and we were off to take the back roads to discover Bora Bora. Our driver, who also acted as our guide, was professional and a local which gave him better insight than a seasonal visiting employee would have. Thanks to him we had the opportunity to circle the entire island of Bora Bora in an open-air vehicle.
The tour gave us access to sights and viewpoints that there is no way we could have seen any other way. We saw World War II cannons and simply unbelievable panoramic views. I’m going to run out of superlatives at this rate. In the 4x4, something they called a “Le Truck,” we climbed the steep incline of one of the island’s mountains and got a close look at the lush hills and abundant flora that color the island green. The view at the top was indescribable (even with a thesaurus the superlatives are insufficient, not even pictures does it justice). Once we reached the top, we soaked up the panoramic ocean vistas, with sparkling shades of blue stretching as far as the eye can see. Bora Bora is quite literally a dot in the middle of the Pacific Ocena and I am amazed that ancient travelers could even find it.
Tropical panoramas weren’t the only thing we saw. There were natural and historic sites and small villages that fit the stereotype of a Pacific Paradise location. There were so many photo stops along the way that no one complained – a rarity in my experience – as we drove to the district of Faanui and scenic Faanui Bay. There we saw the ancient ceremonial site of the Faanui marae, Bora Bora’s biggest Polynesian temple. Like many sites of its kind it had a raised ahu altar.
There was another bit of scenic drive – every drive is scenic if I am being honest – where we made a surprise stop at Bloody Mary’s Bar & Restaurant. I’d never heard of the place but Vit had. That’s when I found out he’d been to the South Pacific before with his former employer, the yacht owner. The location is a longtime favorite of Hollywood eilite and those that want to hobnob with them. From the outside it looks like a stereotypical tiki bar with a thatched roof, open sides, white-sand floor, wooden slab tables and stools made of coconut stumps. Inside was the same view since outside was inside. Yes, it was nice but the prices for what you were getting nearly knocked me out of my sandals. While everyone else ooooh’d and aaaah’d over the place, to me it was a tourist trap for the rich and famous, with prices that matched. I wasn’t disappointed, it was only a photo stop, but it seemed a lame way to end the tour.
We were dropped off at the pier area and rather than spend the time tendering back and forth to get lunch – though it would have been cheaper – we grabbed some deli food from the grocery store and while Vit and the brothers finished their meals (they didn’t feel like shopping) I looked through a nearby craft market. Thank you, ATM machine. It allowed me to use my debit card to extract some of the local currency (the French Pacific Franc). I came out with what I had been looking for but tucked it in my backpack rather than risk having to answer questions.
It was a good thing that I completed my transaction when I did because the water taxi that was to take us on our next adventure arrived a few minutes early. A short ride took us to the airport; then, after a safety briefing, we boarded what we were informed was a Cessna 208 Caravan. It was a plane, a small plane, and that’s all I’m saying. Vit and I made sure the brothers had the window seats, but we still got a marvelous view. Bora Bora is known as the “Pearl of the Pacific” for good reason. The colors of the island and surrounding water were magnificent from the air (where I got better views than any postcard). We flew low enough we got to see the famous water villas where some people are crazy enough to pay $15,000.00 and more per night to sleep in what amounts to a tiki hut. Some people not only have too much time on their hands, but money as well. Though in all honesty I know neither one is any of my business.
Then there was Matira Point, framed by verdant green scenery. During WW2, Bora Bora was an American GI base and there are remains of the military presence in several places on the island. We’d seen some up close, but it was just as educational to see them from the air. What we hadn’t seen yet was our flyover of Motu Tapu, a stunning private island in the lagoon owned by Hilton. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to know how expensive the hotel on the little island is. We also flew over the heart-shaped atoll of Tupai, one of the world’s most photographed locations and a popular destination for honeymooning couples. Vit briefly brushed my hand, and while not romantic in a traditional sense, it was more than enough to make me feel … appreciated. I was just hoping my purchase gave him some of that back later in the evening.
The air flight was all too brief, but our day was winding down. However, I found out we had one more adventure to go. Instead of taking a water taxi back to the tender boats we were picked up by another boat and taken on what was called an “aqua safari.” Our boat’s captain took us to a shallow part of the lagoon where we met our guide. We donned diving helmets, and after the required safety schpiel, we followed a certified dive instructor 10 feet below the ocean’s surface.
I stuck close to Frankie who got more excited than I was comfortable with. He’d become an old hand at snorkeling, but diving was a different kettle of fish. Pun intended. But all turned out well. The specialized helmet was connected to the surface by an air hose (rather than to tanks on our backs) and that allowed us to breathe freely under the water. Bonus was that we got to keep our heads completely dry.
Oh … my … goodness. I was nearly as giddy as Frankie. The lagoon was teeming with an amazing variety of gorgeous, rainbow-colored tropical fish. It was like taking a stroll in a park … only this was an underwater park. Instead of shrubbery we saw coral formations. Instead of flowers there was seaweed and algae and the blue, green, and purple of the coral itself. Instead of forest and parkland wildlife we saw an abundance of fish as we explored marine life such as manta rays. The only time I got tense was when a blacktip reef shark was spotted but it took one look at us then scooted in a different direction.
We were sharing the excursion with a group of snorkelers from another ship and it took a while to get everyone back onboard, but from there it was a quick ride back to the ship. We were a bit wet which freaked out the security machinery, but everyone was in such a good mood we laughed it off and then carried on. Sailaway was at 6 pm and afterwards Frankie was content to do room service and then put all his pictures up on Traveling Marchand and post about his adventures before going off to bed for the night.
Frankie had taken a couple of pictures of me making a face at a clown fish who seemed to be staring back as if fascinated and I sent those to the family in my own vlog. Within the hour Angelia and Derrick both had face timed me in absolute stitches, saying they had all needed the laugh.
I didn’t laugh when I found out there was another government shut down, this one more extensive than the others that had come before it. This one wasn’t because either party wanted it but because some social programs that had been inacted had seriously crapped out the economy and caused the national debt to explode to such an extreme that several countries that had loaned money to us in the past said they no longer would until we balanced the budget. Wow. It would be a lot worse if the rest of the major economies of the world, China and Russia included, weren’t having their own problems. Word is that it isn’t that they won’t lend us money, it is that there is no money to lend. I’m not sure which was actually true, probably both.
I was momentarily and selfishly irritated that it looked like my moment to stun Vit was going to be ruined then I said maybe it was the perfect moment to do it. I quickly took my purchase and slid it on and then did my hair and make up and lowered the lights in the cabin.
He told me when he first came in, he thought I’d gone to sleep early. When I stepped out of the shadows he wasn’t certain at first whether he was imagining things … or perhaps the story of sirens that inticed sailors were true after all. All I know is that the cabin newsletter he’d brought in with him fell to the floor and then after slowly walking up to me he fell to his knees. The way he looked at me and touched me. Oooo la la.
My purchase had been a sarong and an artificial flower to put in my hair. Neither one stayed on long. But I didn’t mind as I was more than … satisfied … with their effect. Afterwards he didn’t even require a shower to get to sleep. See me sitting here with a Cheshire grin. And now I need to get to sleep. Tomorrow may be a sea day, but I promised to attend an early meet up of the exercise group on the Sports Deck for an advanced yoga session. We’re all feeling the results of rich food and lazy days.
Arrived in Bora Bora today at about 8 am. Vaitape to be more exact, on the island of Bora Bora. The landscape is dominated by an extinct volcano in the shape of two peaks, surrounded by an aquamarine lagoon. Unbelievably gorgeous. Seen from above the island looks like something out of a fantasy-genre story. There were fewer postcards to be had today than I expected given the beauty of the location, and each one was expensive, but I suppose when everything is imported that’s just how things are.
Our guide was very experienced and gave us tips on how to identify the different species of fish; from parrot, to surgeon and on to butterfly fish. He also shared the history and legends of Bora Bora. The captain of the boat – once the divers were back on board – took us through the lagoon and made sure we got the best views of sights such as the volcanic backdrop of Mount Otemanu.
Once we disembarked onto the pier, we were quickly directed to climb aboard a 4x4 vehicle that had been waiting for us. The driver had the top down and we were off to take the back roads to discover Bora Bora. Our driver, who also acted as our guide, was professional and a local which gave him better insight than a seasonal visiting employee would have. Thanks to him we had the opportunity to circle the entire island of Bora Bora in an open-air vehicle.
The tour gave us access to sights and viewpoints that there is no way we could have seen any other way. We saw World War II cannons and simply unbelievable panoramic views. I’m going to run out of superlatives at this rate. In the 4x4, something they called a “Le Truck,” we climbed the steep incline of one of the island’s mountains and got a close look at the lush hills and abundant flora that color the island green. The view at the top was indescribable (even with a thesaurus the superlatives are insufficient, not even pictures does it justice). Once we reached the top, we soaked up the panoramic ocean vistas, with sparkling shades of blue stretching as far as the eye can see. Bora Bora is quite literally a dot in the middle of the Pacific Ocena and I am amazed that ancient travelers could even find it.
Tropical panoramas weren’t the only thing we saw. There were natural and historic sites and small villages that fit the stereotype of a Pacific Paradise location. There were so many photo stops along the way that no one complained – a rarity in my experience – as we drove to the district of Faanui and scenic Faanui Bay. There we saw the ancient ceremonial site of the Faanui marae, Bora Bora’s biggest Polynesian temple. Like many sites of its kind it had a raised ahu altar.
There was another bit of scenic drive – every drive is scenic if I am being honest – where we made a surprise stop at Bloody Mary’s Bar & Restaurant. I’d never heard of the place but Vit had. That’s when I found out he’d been to the South Pacific before with his former employer, the yacht owner. The location is a longtime favorite of Hollywood eilite and those that want to hobnob with them. From the outside it looks like a stereotypical tiki bar with a thatched roof, open sides, white-sand floor, wooden slab tables and stools made of coconut stumps. Inside was the same view since outside was inside. Yes, it was nice but the prices for what you were getting nearly knocked me out of my sandals. While everyone else ooooh’d and aaaah’d over the place, to me it was a tourist trap for the rich and famous, with prices that matched. I wasn’t disappointed, it was only a photo stop, but it seemed a lame way to end the tour.
We were dropped off at the pier area and rather than spend the time tendering back and forth to get lunch – though it would have been cheaper – we grabbed some deli food from the grocery store and while Vit and the brothers finished their meals (they didn’t feel like shopping) I looked through a nearby craft market. Thank you, ATM machine. It allowed me to use my debit card to extract some of the local currency (the French Pacific Franc). I came out with what I had been looking for but tucked it in my backpack rather than risk having to answer questions.
It was a good thing that I completed my transaction when I did because the water taxi that was to take us on our next adventure arrived a few minutes early. A short ride took us to the airport; then, after a safety briefing, we boarded what we were informed was a Cessna 208 Caravan. It was a plane, a small plane, and that’s all I’m saying. Vit and I made sure the brothers had the window seats, but we still got a marvelous view. Bora Bora is known as the “Pearl of the Pacific” for good reason. The colors of the island and surrounding water were magnificent from the air (where I got better views than any postcard). We flew low enough we got to see the famous water villas where some people are crazy enough to pay $15,000.00 and more per night to sleep in what amounts to a tiki hut. Some people not only have too much time on their hands, but money as well. Though in all honesty I know neither one is any of my business.
Then there was Matira Point, framed by verdant green scenery. During WW2, Bora Bora was an American GI base and there are remains of the military presence in several places on the island. We’d seen some up close, but it was just as educational to see them from the air. What we hadn’t seen yet was our flyover of Motu Tapu, a stunning private island in the lagoon owned by Hilton. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to know how expensive the hotel on the little island is. We also flew over the heart-shaped atoll of Tupai, one of the world’s most photographed locations and a popular destination for honeymooning couples. Vit briefly brushed my hand, and while not romantic in a traditional sense, it was more than enough to make me feel … appreciated. I was just hoping my purchase gave him some of that back later in the evening.
The air flight was all too brief, but our day was winding down. However, I found out we had one more adventure to go. Instead of taking a water taxi back to the tender boats we were picked up by another boat and taken on what was called an “aqua safari.” Our boat’s captain took us to a shallow part of the lagoon where we met our guide. We donned diving helmets, and after the required safety schpiel, we followed a certified dive instructor 10 feet below the ocean’s surface.
I stuck close to Frankie who got more excited than I was comfortable with. He’d become an old hand at snorkeling, but diving was a different kettle of fish. Pun intended. But all turned out well. The specialized helmet was connected to the surface by an air hose (rather than to tanks on our backs) and that allowed us to breathe freely under the water. Bonus was that we got to keep our heads completely dry.
Oh … my … goodness. I was nearly as giddy as Frankie. The lagoon was teeming with an amazing variety of gorgeous, rainbow-colored tropical fish. It was like taking a stroll in a park … only this was an underwater park. Instead of shrubbery we saw coral formations. Instead of flowers there was seaweed and algae and the blue, green, and purple of the coral itself. Instead of forest and parkland wildlife we saw an abundance of fish as we explored marine life such as manta rays. The only time I got tense was when a blacktip reef shark was spotted but it took one look at us then scooted in a different direction.
We were sharing the excursion with a group of snorkelers from another ship and it took a while to get everyone back onboard, but from there it was a quick ride back to the ship. We were a bit wet which freaked out the security machinery, but everyone was in such a good mood we laughed it off and then carried on. Sailaway was at 6 pm and afterwards Frankie was content to do room service and then put all his pictures up on Traveling Marchand and post about his adventures before going off to bed for the night.
Frankie had taken a couple of pictures of me making a face at a clown fish who seemed to be staring back as if fascinated and I sent those to the family in my own vlog. Within the hour Angelia and Derrick both had face timed me in absolute stitches, saying they had all needed the laugh.
I didn’t laugh when I found out there was another government shut down, this one more extensive than the others that had come before it. This one wasn’t because either party wanted it but because some social programs that had been inacted had seriously crapped out the economy and caused the national debt to explode to such an extreme that several countries that had loaned money to us in the past said they no longer would until we balanced the budget. Wow. It would be a lot worse if the rest of the major economies of the world, China and Russia included, weren’t having their own problems. Word is that it isn’t that they won’t lend us money, it is that there is no money to lend. I’m not sure which was actually true, probably both.
I was momentarily and selfishly irritated that it looked like my moment to stun Vit was going to be ruined then I said maybe it was the perfect moment to do it. I quickly took my purchase and slid it on and then did my hair and make up and lowered the lights in the cabin.
He told me when he first came in, he thought I’d gone to sleep early. When I stepped out of the shadows he wasn’t certain at first whether he was imagining things … or perhaps the story of sirens that inticed sailors were true after all. All I know is that the cabin newsletter he’d brought in with him fell to the floor and then after slowly walking up to me he fell to his knees. The way he looked at me and touched me. Oooo la la.
My purchase had been a sarong and an artificial flower to put in my hair. Neither one stayed on long. But I didn’t mind as I was more than … satisfied … with their effect. Afterwards he didn’t even require a shower to get to sleep. See me sitting here with a Cheshire grin. And now I need to get to sleep. Tomorrow may be a sea day, but I promised to attend an early meet up of the exercise group on the Sports Deck for an advanced yoga session. We’re all feeling the results of rich food and lazy days.