Papeete, Tahiti
Jackamy
Paul & Derry Harper
Sat 8 May 2010 04:11
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17:32.417S 149:34.235W
Saturday 8th May
Happy Birthday
Paul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We left Tikehau yesterday morning headed for
Tahiti with our ETA being sometime this morning. We had good winds but it was
quite a bumpy ride making it a rather uncomfortable night. It was also another
squally trip with them hitting us one after another. The worst were first thing
this morning with winds up to 40 knots. I had a shower and we were hit with a
powerful squall, then Amy thought she'd have an attempt and surprise surprise we
were hit by a squall, we both came out exhausted. When Paul decided it was safe
to shower he left Amy in control while I was doing the roll call, the next thing
we hear is Amy shouting "Squall, squall, squall!!!!!", we just had no rest this
morning. On the plus side we made the 180 mile trip in good time and arrived at
around 10.30 this morning.
We're now berthed in Papeete at Quai des
Yachts and it couldn't be more different to where we've spent the last month or
so! We're tied up to a pontoon which is next to the main road, a 4 lane
dual-carriageway! I think we all feel fully relaxed after our stay in the
tranquil Tuamotus and we're ready for the hustle and bustle of the city of
Papeete if only to replenish our provisions as we have hardly any food to eat on
board!
I'm not sure what you envisage Tahiti to be
like but you have to forget about stereotypical fantasies of tantalizing blue
lagoons and sandy beaches, and look for a different take on paradise to get
Tahiti's beauty. They say you shouldn't dismiss Tahiti upon first glance as the
largest and most industrialised of the Polynesian islands is more than just a
required arrival point, it's a destination on its own. A cacophony of colour and
sound, Papeete oozes humidity and teems with outdoor cafes and vibrant markets.
Beyond the city there are black sand beaches, velvet green mountains and lush
valleys dripping tropical foliage.
So where we are now, Papeete, is a concrete
jungle bursting with bright lights and grimy edges. You either get its chaotic
passion and colourful clutter or run quickly from its pushy crowds and lack of
gorgeous vistas.
We'll let you know in a day or two what
we think!
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