Moorea

Moorea was the place I had most looked forward to visiting when we were dreaming about French Polynesia, and it did not disappoint. Considering I could barely walk when we arrived, there’s no denying it’s allure. Michael hiked to his heart’s content, and I did not. However, the natural beauty surrounding Opunohu Bay motivated me to get moving. Imagine this: Morning sunlight blankets the valley. There are horses to my left and sky-scraping peaks to my right. Then, boom! The trail bursts wide open at a lush, golden pineapple field. I wanted to pick and eat one right then and there.

Luckily, fruit stands sprinkle the streets in Moorea, and if you’re not in the mood to carry a prickly pineapple, you can spoil yourself at the Rotui Juice Factory. I’ve never tasted so many different types of juice in my life!

In the end, the highlight of our visit was a three-way tie between 1. Michael joining a group haka dance at TamaHau, 2. Me reading to the students at The Primary School of Paopao, and 3. Both of us watching humpback whales swim into Cooks Bay Harbor at sunrise, complete with frequent spouts.

Author’s note: There may be some debate regarding highlight number one. It’s possible Michael enjoyed the hiking more than the haka. 

Last Remarks

• Thank you Teacher Caroline and students for welcoming me into your classroom at The Primary School of Paopao.
• Arno and Coraline (SV Maracujua), thank you for the company and the real French baguette recipe.
• Chris and Laura (SV Zephyr), thanks for the good times and our new sunshade
• Happy Birthday Carine! (SV Noxoma) It was great to celebrate with you and Bruse