MilliOnAir Magazine Dec 2018 - Jan 2019 | Page 159

Samantha’s Travel Diary
Tahiti - Welcome to paradise.
Descending into the French Polynesian capital, Papeete, we were greeted to the strumming ukuleles and garlands
of heavenly scented flowers. The general arrival time in Papeete is around 5am, which means in addition to our
tropical welcome from the locals, the island bestows its own gift of colour upon us. The fiery tangerine sunrise.
As the famous painter Gauguin once said of the island, “Everything in the landscape blinded me, dazzled me” and he
couldn’t have been more accurate.
Tahiti has become somewhat of a beautiful stepping-stone for travellers heading to the more remote French
Polynesian islands, the outer islands. If there is a paradise on earth today, that’s where you will find it. Tahiti,
however, is worth a tour. The mighty forest-cloaked mountain island and the black-sand beaches are just the
beginning. Gracefully positioned way above sea level and tucked so perfectly within the clutches of the rugged
mountains, waterfalls hide. You have to be prepared to explore the inner depths of the island if you want to
witness theses hidden gushing spectacles. Once found, you will find yourself succumb to the magic of Tahiti.
Moorea
In the distance from Papeete, Moorea rises majestically out of the ocean. Crowned by clouds, this enchanting
island is a combination of emerald green pinnacles and lagoons with fifty shades of blue. Home to stingrays,
sharks and turtles, the enchanting beauty Moorea possesses is truly unforgettable. The journey across from
Papeete via the fast ferry was as-though Moorea had summoned her most beautiful and wild marine life to
personally escort us across the south seas. Humpback whales danced in the distance as dolphins played carelessly
alongside us. The life force and spirit that surrounds and connects all living things in the Islands of Tahiti,
known as ‘Mana’ to the Tahitian people, consumes us. You can see it, touch it, taste it and feel it, and we knew as
we made our way across the sea we had surrendered to its effortless magic. As we approached the pass its soon
became apparent the spirit of Moorea was just as welcoming as the lucky Tahitians that get to call this island
home.
As we drove around the islands edge with each bend unravelling a new and alluring sight, we had the opportunity
to fully immerse ourselves in true Tahitian culture. Tattooed locals walked barefoot along the roadside, usually
with a brood of smiling children skipping along in toe. Quaint villages, boutiques and restaurants lined the
roadside with fresh brightly coloured, exotic fruits sprawled across stalls. Uninhabited beaches and secluded
coves seize the edge of the shady lagoon adding to Moorea’s unique charm. We also couldn’t help but be
transported through the luscious smell of the islands flowers. A combination of the locally known ‘Tiare
Tahiti’ (Tahitian Gardenia), Frangipani, Hibiscus and Jasmin (just to name a few) fill the air with their sweet
perfume.
We decided to rent a villa directly on the beach as we were joined by family and friends to celebrate the birthday
of my boyfriend Jean, who is actually native Tahitian. We spent our weekend snorkelling the picture perfect
lagoon, free-diving with the local black-tip sharks and spearfishing for our supper. While French Polynesia is
more typically identified as the place of scorching romance and delicious Mai-tai cocktails, it quite evidently
offers so much more. An adventure packed tropical paradise that consists of 118 islands screaming out to be
explored. With the advantage of travelling with native Tahitians, I was able to experience authentic Polynesian
life in its most natural form.
With the overwhelming desire to see more of what Moorea possessed, we made our way inland to the foot of
Mount Rotui, to saddle up and explore the pineapple fields and Opunohu Valley. Trekking through the unspoilt
setting, surrounded by nature via horse-back is undeniably transcending. The volcanic mountains, cascading
waterfalls and panoramic views are as bewitching as the legend of the pierced mountain. According to ancient
myth, the pierced hole which can still to this day be seen at the top of Mount Mouaputa, is a result of Hiro, God
of thieves, planning to steal one of Moorea’s three mountains, Rotui, and take it to Raiatea. When warned of
Hiro’s evil intent, Pai – who was half god, half man and known to have incredible strength – decided to keep
close watch from Point Tata’a on Tahiti. When the thieves attempted to steal the mountain, Pai threw his spear
through the top of Mount Mouaputa, awakening the roosters who sounded the alarm and drove away the
unwelcome visitors. However, the thieves still managed to steal a piece of Mount Rotui and with it, some toa
trees, which can be found isolated on a mountain on Raiatea. Moorea’s timeless beauty and virtually untouched
scenery are what have lead to her obtaining her status as the ‘Enchantress’.