It was a short tender ride to the pier. There we were met by local people offering a gift of fresh local fruit. Past them were the necessary craft stalls. We completed our stroll past these without buying anythng.
As we left this market, we were besieged by numerous people offering tours for $50 each. Then Sharon, with whom we had lunched a few days ago, approached us. She had found a man offering a 3 hour tour completely around the island with stops at Mount Belvedere and other overlooks for $35 each. He just needed to find 5 more passengers. We agreed. Now, as he looked for 3 more we boarded his van. It was very comfortable.
After waiting another 20 minutes he had his full load of 8, and we set off. The engine was loud so we in the back could not hear Piero's narration. Barbara graciously repeated his every word for us. She and her husband had started a circumnavigatin of the world on a sailboat many years ago. The boat was now in Turkey where they had left it to return home for a visit. They discovered then that they could not finish the voyage and they have the boat up for sale in Turkey. This world cruise will allow them to fulfill their dream.
The tour was great. The stop at Mount Belvedere provided fantastic view of the bay we were anchored in, Opunohu Bay, as well as of Cook's Bay on the right. On the way down. We visited an archeological site. There was a long trail to get to the various components, but the walk was worth it. Only one oher passenger, Ursula, did this with Us. The others waited at the van.
We followed the shore road around each bay and around the whole island.
Hotel Sofitel, Moorea
We passed the tender pier that we had used in 2011. It was closed for repairs. That is why we could not anchor in Cook'sBay. The nice hotel next to the pier was closed and in ruins. Later on we drove through a town that had been built on the strength of the Club Med that was here. It collapsed in 2008. The ruins still stand. They cover many acres of waterfront. The town is a ghost town. Everything is closed and houses are abandoned. The islanders had depended on tourism and the sale of Tahitian pearls, which they cultivate.
Back at our tender pier we bid Piero farewell and went home.
We have often been asked which of all the places we have visited would be our choice to live in. We both agreed after returning to Moorea that this would be our choice. The natural beauty is amazing. The water color can't be matched. The flora and fauna match all that we have seen. Tahiti can be seen on the horizon. A 30 minute fairy ride for $7 gets you to Papeete. The major hospital and medical care are there, but Moorea has doctors and a small hospital for routine care. The people are friendly and welcoming. We would have to learn the tax laws and the rules for property ownership. We think that would be worth the effort.
Tahiti from Moorea
No comments:
Post a Comment