Many of you have told us how much you love sharing your s...
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Many of you have told us how much you love sharing your space with guests. Beyond the financial rewards, you’re inspired b...
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The original topic was created in the French speaking Community Center, by @Lea130 and translated below.
I’d like to share with you a small piece of my life in Tahiti.
French Polynesia, Tahiti, Papeete, is a dream destination, with postcard-like landscapes, generous wildlife, magnificent lagoons, and a gentle way of life, filled by the welcome and kindness of Polynesians. I have been lucky enough to be living here for a few years now.
As soon as you get off the plane you will immediately be immersed in the Polynesian atmosphere thanks to the sounds of the ukuleles, and you will be enchanted by the sweet scent of Tiare (gardenia flower), which makes up the many necklaces of flowers called “wreaths”, which are passed around the necks of visitors to welcome them.
Tahiti is first and foremost this sense of welcome and the smile of the Polynesians.
We head to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, on the island of Tahiti.
Papeete, which means “Basket of Water”, was a place where Tahitians would gather and come to fill their calabashes with water.
Let’s explore its lively market, which was founded over 170 years ago.
A real treat for the 5 senses: admire the talent of local artisans, smell the sweet and intoxicating scent of flowers, vanilla, monoi, taste the Pua Roti, (thin slices of roasted scented pork), banana cake, ice cream at the Tiare, touch the multiple fabrics so rich in colours of the multiple pareos and traditional Tahitian dresses and shirts, listen to the sound of ukuleles. Do your shopping in hundreds of stalls overflowing with examples of Polynesian crafts, monoi, Tahitian vanilla, fruit, Tahitian flowers.
From the Market, let’s go to the seafront, and its beautiful waterfront promenade to get to the Robert WAN Pearl Museum. It is the only museum in the world entirely dedicated to pearls from Tahitian cultures. Its unique exhibits describe and explain the history and practice of pearl culture. By visiting the Museum, you will immerse yourself in the heart of the Tuamotu and Gambier pearl farms. You will then benefit from the best advice to guide you in your choice of a precious souvenir.
Let’s now explore one of Papeete’s little-known aspects : Street Art. As you walk through Papeete, you will discover many painted facades. That’s no coincidence, as every year for 5 years, one of the most renowned Urban Art festivals in the Pacific Region has been held here, with more than 80 renowned artists from 32 nationalities participating. The facades of Papeete therefore now offer superb frescoes murals.
On our next stop, let’s taste a cocktail made with fresh pineapple juice. Pineapple comes from plantations on the island of Moorea, the sister island of Tahiti which is located 17 km away. Take the opportunity to admire a traditional Polynesian dance performance, and appreciate the superb sunsets over the Pacific Mother Nature offers us.
And now let’s head to the trailers of Place Vaiete, by the seafront.
We all meet at 5.30 p.m., the hour at which many caravans, vans in which an auxiliary kitchen has been installed, settle in, open their awnings, and set up their plastic tables and garden chairs. The caravans offer many varied dishes: raw fish marinated in Polynesian speciality coconut milk, sashimi, bluefin tuna carpaccio, steak fries, burger fries, Chao men, Breton pancakes, in short, there is something for everyone!
The most difficult thing to do is to choose between the many trailers and dishes on offer! We sit with family and friends and enjoy those very generous portions in a good atmosphere, to the sound of ukuleles who often play under the kiosk nearby.
To end our tour, I have to talk to you about Polynesian Mana. Polynesian Mana is the sacred force, a vital energy that surrounds us here in Tahiti and in all of Polynesia. An energy felt all around us and you are bound to feel whether you are a resident or a visitor
Thanks for sharing these lovely posts .
Such a beautiful island with the most amazing food and wonderful night skies
The International street artists that were in Tahiti also did a tour last year of my local city . I would recognize Fin Dacs work anywhere .
small pic enclosed 🙂
Stay safe Tahiti
