what happens in Tahiti, stays in Tahiti...
It has been a crazy two weeks. If you have a bucket list, then by all means, put a visit to the Marquesas Islands on it. There is nothing that will change your outlook on life faster than visiting an island in the middle of the ocean inhabited by less than 600 people, then traveling to the next island inhabited by less than 200 people, and on to the next island…
Each one the Marquesa Islands has its own individual ecosystem. Birds, flowers, and trees- not found anywhere else in the world, not even on neighboring islands- are right there for you to explore. Farming and sporadic tourism drive the islands' economies, and the citizens of these islands are genuinely happy for visitors. Life here is comparatively rustic. It will make you grateful for all the luxuries you have, and profoundly sad that you don't live with this kind of insane beauty every day.... and every night the Milky Way sets a band of light across the sky.
Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the rest of the Society Islands have been visual backdrops for movies like South Pacific, The Bounty, and The Blue Lagoon. There is color here everywhere. Polynesian beaches made out of coral or lava rock come in three colors- white, pink, or black. The sky and sea represent in a myriad of blues, aquas, and seafoams. As beautiful as the scenery is, this is the place to grab your snorkeling gear and take a look below sea level. Kingdoms of coral, tropical fish, stingrays, and other sea creatures are awaiting your discovery.
Polynesia is not like other places. It's ancient history is archived only through the oral tradition of storytelling. Its warm and open culture is accepting of visitors, and quite frankly it's chicly French. This is the place to dive into tiki legends, unwind with Polynesian dance, absorb the beauty of the scenery, and get in touch with your inner free spirit.
Me, I'm going back. The tattoo on my leg is temporary, but once I work up the courage, I hear there's a guy on the beach in Moorea named Giles...
sunset over Moorea...