Tours In Tahiti.

We were still a bit dazed next morning, but managed a hearty breakfast - since that was part of the hotel rate that we had already paid. Then we got the shuttle into Papeete which is the biggest town in French Polynesia, located on the Island of Tahiti.
Unfortunately Papeete has been built in a rather haphazard way, not realising that footpaths are usually horizontal, not with slopes, steps or ruts. We trundled our way around the town, and bought in supplies of wine, beer and food.

The Maire (Town Hall) was an attractive building

The Catholic Church had a nice Polynesian vibe.

 We walk down by the port and stopped to have a beer. (A shandy is called a panache), and then just as we had about 10mins until the shuttle picked us up, we spotted the Pearl Museum - what a shame we didn't manage to get to it.
The Hotel Intercontinental was a wonderful setting, this is the view from our balcony looking towards the restaurant and pool area.

 After a nap and a swim we sat out on our balcony and had the light meal we had bought from town and a few wines, with the sounds of the Tahitian Cultural show wafting over the lagoon

View from the balcony looking over the lagoon area.

After another lavish breakfast - we are realising that breakfast and dinner are the only two meals we need- we head out on a Round the Island Tour, which only takes half a day. Our driver, Jean Baptiste, is amusing as well as informative. We are amazed at all the Pacific links which we are familiar with

This is a lighthouse to guide ships through the reef at a spot designated by Captain Cook. During WW2 they painted it as a stand of Coconut Palms, and the Japanese - who were looking for a lighthouse were deceived.

Having been to Norfolk Island this is another link - Norfolk, Pitcairn and Tahiti - in the Mutiny of the Bounty saga with Captain Bligh, Fletcher Christian etc

This fetching sculpture of a white whale was made using flattened cans.

 Back on the bus, and to our next stop, a huge waterfall. The Island is tall, being the remnants of a volcanic cone, and catches a lot of rain which cascades down the lush hillsides.

I'm pointing in case you miss the waterfall. LOL.

 The blowholes in the North were not "blowing" today as it was low tide and the swell was from the south, so we drove on around the pretty coastline until we came to the Botanical Gardens.

Duncan amongst the aerial roots of an Indian Rubber tree

 The colours of the flowers were truly outstanding.

We stopped at some caves too - all part of the volcanic landscape.

That evening we went to La Plage for dinner. The eating area was on the wooden floor, but the bar area was on sand. Very pleasant with the sound of the sea, on a warm tropical night. Food was great, and loved the French Cotes du Rhone wine.