Pacific Paradice

Trip Start Dec 28, 2006
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64
135
Trip End Dec 2007


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Friday, May 4, 2007

Went to the Sheraton to pick up a car and a nice lady there recommended someplace cheaper (do we look that poor?) so we went there and, after getting a car, moved our stuff to our new fancy bungalow in Les Tipaniers Iti and began a day of island cruising.  Thinking that 8 hours would be all the time in the world we stopped at ever hole in the hedge.  We checked out the fancy Intercontinental with their dolphins and turtle rehabilitation centre and bought a lovely photo album; shopped at Le Petit Village for black pearls (didn't buy any!) and drove along the west coast stopping at various scenic points.  Took a pic at our most westerly point - keeps T happy.  Went round the south of the island which is quieter but just as gorgeous and stopped at a wee beach where T climbed a tree and we had a great view of Tahiti.  On round the coast where we tried to see some waterfalls inland but didn't want to risk the car on the very uneven roads and it was too hot to walk.  Got lots of supplies at a big supermarket near the port and had sushi by the ocean.  Our last stops where at a marae (ceremonial site) and a quick drive up to a belvedere for incredible views over the 2 bays. Phew!  Back with the car and then dropped off to recover in our little bungalow.  It's lovely and great to have a private kitchen and a small tribe of geckos to control the fly and mozzie population.  The bungalow is just one of a group of 5, again right beside a lagoon and in a small garden-like enclosure.  It has views out over the mouth of a bay and anyone could happily stay there for a long time.

The next day was a bit more energetic as T had seen a T-shirt he really liked at a market the previous day (but for some reason didn't get) so we ended up making a 30km (half the circumference of the island) round trip to the market in Cooks Bay to get it for him - what a lucky little husband he is.  The weather was great though and it was a nice wee cycle along the coast and we actually saw more than we did in the car.  On the way home we were boiling so we stopped off at Jus de Fruits de Mo'orea and bought delish fruit juice to cool down.  When we got back we had cold showers to cool down and then a wee nap.  Ah it's a hard life here in the Pacific Islands.  Guess what we did for the rest of the day - that's right!  Relaxed by the water.

The following day was our last full day in Mo'orea so we made the most of it by getting up early and walking the 5km to the main Les Tipaniers complex.  It seemed a long walk under the hot sun but when we got to the beautiful beach we knew it was worth it.  We quickly ran down to claim our bit of white sand and rested with beautiful views of the lagoon and an islet just off the coast but within swimming distance.  After a wee rest we got our snorkeling stuff and headed out into the lagoon.  The variety of corral and fish is just amazing and you could spend ages just lying in the water and watching the underwater world.  After the long walk home (with stops for fresh fruit juice of course) we once again relaxed in our cottage, ate great food and just enjoyed being here.  It's amazing how happy this place makes you feel.. 01 - The port (not Portstewart)
01 - The port (not Portstewart)
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