We woke up early, looked out the window to see the bustling town of Papeete. Unlike Moorea, Papeete is a busy place of business and tourism.

Another cruise ship had docked next to us last night. It’s a very old ship (The Astor), originally from South Africa, then Russia and now we understand Germany. We saw people getting on and off the ship, but to our surprise, no security. Interesting. Princess is very good with security. We all have cruise cards (keys) that are scanned as we exit and enter the ship. We also have a scanner (x-ray) when entering the ship (same as an airport). They know at all times when a passenger is on or off the ship. Great idea, in my opinion.

Bob and I boarded a 50-ft catamaran this morning. The crew greeted us with big smiles. I immediately went out on the net (front of catamaran) to ride across water. We left the dock and went out across the blue lagoon. Suddenly we slowed down, but we were not sure why. O, I remember now from flying in to Papeete years ago. The runway for the airport is right on this lagoon. Suddenly, loud engines of a huge plane right over our heads. We all laughed and then the captain moved forward past the airport.

We went past some beautiful over water bungalows, around a marina with enormous sailboats and unbelievable yachts from all over the world. We sailed out to the edge of the barrier reef and suddenly, a whole pod of dolphins (pod? – I’m not sure if that’s correct but what came to mind). I was on the very front of the catamaran and leaned over the front and could almost touch them. They looked like they were having fun just riding the wake of our boat. They rode with us for some distance and I had a wonderful time leaning over to watch them. Unbelievably fast creatures!

We went just a short distance and dropped anchor. We all got our snorkeling gear ready and walked down some steps into that beautiful blue lagoon. We swam out to the coral reef and immediately saw a large school of iridescent blue fish. I was fascinated by their color. So beautiful! The sun shining through the water and sparkling everywhere. The coral head was surrounded by these blue fish that seemed very territorial. I moved on, swimming along the edge of the coral and now seeing French angel fish, parrotfish, butterfly fish. All sizes and colors….bright, brilliant colors. Bright yellow fish with bright blue eyes. I had no idea what kind of fish they were, but it was if I was swimming in someone’s aquarium. The corals were living and moving. Bob and I went in and out of the coral, being very careful not to touch it.

At one point, I closed my eyes and just floated trying to soak in this experience. I could hear my own breathing and crackling sounds coming from the fish. It was so relaxing and beautiful, we could have spent the whole day there. Our guide informed us, it was time to get out of the pool. Lol. On the other hand, let’s recall where I am from….the northeast and I barely see sun. Although I had applied a 70 spf, I could feel my skin starting to burn so it was a good idea to get back on the catamaran.

They had prepared a large tray of fresh fruits for us to snack on. Delicious, juicy fruits. I had no idea what some of them were. Certainly fruits that we don’t find in upstate NY. We took a leisurely trip back to Papeete, past the bungalows and the airport. What a great memory and made us long for more.

Quickly changed and headed back out to explore the town. We remember going to the main market years ago and wanted to go there before they closed. We walked 3 or 4 blocks and found it. Full of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, fish, jewelry, oils, etc. The flower arrangements are unbelievable. Hand made baskets full of fresh picked flowers and only $5 US.

There were many jewelry stores in the market that sold their famous black pearls. Fun to look at the many shades of pearls from light and dark grey to egg plant. Beautiful!

I found a store down the street that sold native Tahitian design clothing. I wanted to buy Bob a shirt. He doesn’t like the typical flowery, tropical shirts that are so busy. He likes something less crazy. We walked into this store and a very nice man met us. He explained that his shirts are all made there, high quality material and have mother of pearl buttons. I immediately spotted a shirt that was Bob. Dark blue with one single stripe down one side of the shirt with a Tahitian design. It was very classy. I had him try it on and it looked perfect. I told the man, I’ll take it! He wrapped the shirt, gave me a receipt and then gives us a fresh mango from his garden. I told him that was very kind, but I don’t think we can take the mango back on the ship. He asked would you like to eat it here with me? We both said yes, so he peeled it, but it up and we stood there eating mango with this very nice man. He told me his shirts have 1 extra button and I said, if I lose 2, I will just need to come back to his shop to see him. He smiled, laughed and said he’d see us in a few years. We took pictures of us together and went on our way. What a nice memory. And btw, that was the best mango we’ve ever had.

We walked in and out of shops enjoying the shops of artisans. Great talented artists from all over French Polynesia, especially the wood work. I just love the native designs of Tahiti, so unique and beautiful.

As the sun began to set, we boarded the ship and met our friends for dinner. The cruise line is very good about inviting local dance companies onboard to perform their native dance. Last month we saw a show from a group in Mexico. In Hawaii, a group of young girls and woman showed us how graceful Hula dancing is. Tonight a very talented group from Tahiti. The costumes were amazing and the dancing was so fun and energetic. Wow, can those hips move! When the show was over, we went out on deck and as the dancers crossed the gangway to leave, we clapped and shouted Ma-ru-ru (thank you in Tahitian) and they all waved and shouted back to us.

We stood out on deck and watched as we prepared to leave the port. Looking straight down into the water from many decks up, we could see schools of fish jumping out of the water trying to catch bugs. We started to move. We crossed the lagoon out to the barrier reef and into the open ocean. We could see the island of Tahiti getting smaller and smaller. We enjoyed the warm, tropical breeze as we waved good-bye.

There are so many things that I love about French Polynesia, but failed to tell you something very important. There are no snakes! Do you believe it?! It’s like a dream come true. Blue water, green mountains, beautiful fish and no snakes. Yes, there are still creatures that can eat you alive, like sharks, but just sayin……….