Tropical Paradise

 Sunrise from behind Raiatea Island in French Polynesia began one of the best days ever.  French Polynesia consists of 118 islands comprising over two million square miles. The Polynesians are keenly aware of climate change as their waters are warming and their islets are sinking.  Still, they are a culture who lives in harmony with nature.  They utilize solar energy, except in winter when solar energy becomes undependable, they power their generators with coconut oil.  In the summer, they pump extremely cold water from deep in the ocean to fill their radiators in buildings and homes for cooling.  As children, we were both fascinated with coconuts and prodded our mothers to buy them at the supermarket.  Coconuts are used for food, fuel, cooking, cosmetics, ropes, construction and more.

There are ukulele players and drummers everywhere!

We visited an oyster farm where they specialize in cultivating black pearls among many other colors, including rainbow.  The lecture showed us how complicated cultivation of oysters is and way beyond anything we imagined.

Later in the afternoon, we docked on a montu (islet) with  the most beautiful tropical views imaginable.

There, we met with stingrays in the shallow waters and petted them between their eyes.

Dinner at Fish and Blue at sunset nearly ended our day.  The fresh tuna prepared several different ways was delicious.

Ruth Ann with the owner.

Finally, when we returned to town, a drum circle called to me.  I played Polynesian rhythms with them for  a half hour.

Eddie Money sang;

I'm gonna take you on a trip so far from here
I've got two tickets in my pocket now, baby
We're gonna disappear

[Refrain]
We've waited so long

I've got two tickets to paradise
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight
I've got two tickets to paradise

I've got two tickets to paradise
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight