Feb 14 - 15th Trip to Tahiti

Our Quantas 747 flight left JFK at 6:00pm on Tuesday, and after a short layover and connection in LA, arrived in Tahiti at 5:00am on Wednesday the 15th.   It was already 82 degrees, which it stays basically all the time.   On arrival we were greeted be a hula dancer and musicians and we were leied with beautiful flowers. 

We checked into our hotel, the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort, and took short naps.   All the rooms have ocean view balconies, and you can hear the sound of the surf pounding just below each balcony.  The beach below us is a black sand beach, as are most of the beaches on the island.  

 

                                                    Nancy on the beach in front of the hotel.  

We had a nice lunch and then took a four hour 120 km tour around the island of Tahiti.  Our guide, Maui, provide a great commentary on the history, culture, and geography of the island.  He showed us a number of waterfalls, wonderful beaches, a blowhole (which made an incredible dragon breath sound), and monuments.  

  
      We saw a number of waterfalls and a grotto full of water, a favorite swimming hole for the locals.

 

Memorial for the crew of the Bounty, who landed here before going on to Pitcairn Island, created by their decents.  

 

                                    Memorial for Captain Cook, at the site where he landed. 

 

                                 Light house designed by Robert Lewis Stepehson's father. 

We returned to the hotel for a nice sunset, excellent dinner, and early to bed.  Tomorrow we look around town a little bit and board the ship to begin our cruise. 

 

   Dinner - flank steak rolled with goat cheese, potatoes, and a tomato.   PS - The local beer is great!!!