It was hot and humid morning when I saw once again the green, clouded mountains of Tahiti.
We docked in the central Papeete – the capital of this island – just steps from the coastal promenade and marina where the famous Polish saillors: Teliga, Baranowski, Chojnowska-Liskiewicz once docked their yachts. When I disembarked the ship I noticed many changes: they built nice passenger terminal, full of souvenir stalls. On the pier a group of ladies was playing ukulele and singing for us:
in front of the terminal local ladies in crowns of flowers offered expensive tours to the well-known places on the coast of the islancharging 50 USD for 2,5 hours tour. I have been here many times, so why should I pay? I took a pleasant walk around the city, passing small catholic cathedral, enjoying tropical flowers and trees.
The visit to the municipal market was obligatory to see once again many lei (shell necklaces) and crowns made of tropical, natural flowers. They made them on the spot.
I came to the conclusion that Tahiti is more expensive than ever. In the supermarket a bottle of local rum costs equivalent of 26 dollars US – more than on the ship! Black pearls costs 200 USD and more. Only the price of the French baguette is reasonable: US 60 cents. No need to change currency to euro or USD – western cash is widely accepted. In the evening we will sail to the nearby island of Moorea. Greetings from Polynesia!
