5 June 2010
The French Polynesian Islands, being nothing short of amazing, are where I will come to die.
Upon waking this morning, we were greeted by the glorious sounds of dozens of birds outside singing their little hearts out, begging us to come outside and bask in the sunshine and ocean....so we did...
Susie and I went down to the open air restaurant for a breakfast of fresh fruits, croissant, french press coffee, and some good ol' scrambled eggs and bacon.
From the balcony of our suite, we are none of us able to take our eyes off the beauty that is Tahiti. We do not overlook the ocean, instead our view is towards the interior of the island and the volcano that formed this beautiful landscape. Embedded into the side of the mountains are various styles of homes and villages. Birds fly in a constant stream back and forth over the crest and into the clouds that seem to be content merely brushing the tip of this part of the earth.
We head down towards the oceanside pool which is separated from the sea only by a retaining wall. Poolside, there is a man made beach and a bar with submerged seats, so that leaving the water never has to be an option when one is in need of refreshment. We order a fruit blend of pineapple, mango and strawberry, content to sit and soak up the Tahitian rays and watch the natives paddle out towards another island, more remote than ours, to catch a few waves. Mostly they sit on their boards and talk, as the waves are few and far between this early in the day. Tourists and natives alike head out in motorboats, kayaks, jet skis and sailboats to take advantage of the crystal waters and swift ocean breezes carrying them far out to sea.
For now, we are content to stay in the safe harbor that seems to be our personal slice of heaven, for we are seemingly part of a tiny group of vacationers occupying this side of the island.
After a lunch of fresh baguette with ham, cheese and spicy american mustard, we gather ourselves and our things to board the plane for Bora Bora...
We were told by the travel agent that Bora Bora is the most beautiful of the French Polynesian islands, and many people, upon first sight of the island, promptly burst into tears. Expecting the worst and best, I crane my neck towards the window, silently willing the dual prop engine plane faster through the clouds. It is late afternoon and we are chasing the fast setting sun through the clouds and onto the tiny island of Bora Bora. When the plane finally descends through the clouds, the view is better than any picture, any dream, any imagining..... Simply put; breathtaking.
We are greeted with lei's and smiles at the airport, our bags are whisked away before us and we are guided onto the boat that will take us from the airport to the satellite island of Tevairoa and the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort.
In the open air hotel lobby, fresh lime juice and damp towels are presented to us, while we wait to be shown our home away from home for the week.... Nothing less than an overwater bungalow. Amazing.
We planned on having dinner in one of the resort restaurants, but we are so obsessed with our bungalow, we decide on room service. While waiting for our various foods to arrive, we brave the waist deep ocean water, get freaked out at the thought of sharks, turn all the lights on and off several times, find all the clever places where glass has been installed in the floors and countertops to allow prime water viewing while bathing, brushing teeth, lying in bed, sitting on the couch, writing at the desk, marvel at the week to come.....
When dinner finally arrives, we are no better than kids at christmas; choosing to sit on the floor around the glass box which serves as a coffee table and a window to the coral world below us, we watch the fish swim lazily by and discuss tomorrow's adventures...
A bientot!
No comments:
Post a Comment