Dec 21 – Huahine, “Sacred sites and legendary places” tour
Island of Huahine behind our ship as we head out for today’s tourGuide for the tour – another expat with a ton of information. I couldn’t take notes fast enough – especially since our trip was in a Le Truck – the older style local transportation. He decided that it would be much more fun for his tours to rehab a traditional open air bus/truck vehicle for use. He was right!This vanilla farm grew their vanilla in a greenhouse. Since it’s a vine that grows under tree cover, they use shade cloth to shade the plants. Coconut husks provide mulch.A walk up to a ceremonial site – and a critical spot to see approaching boats though it’s overgrown now.A very happy banyan tree.A wonderful museum. In addition, our guide dove into the continuing exploration of where the first Polynesians came from. DNA analysis of chickens, evidence of sewn plank boats vs dugouts, carbon dating of headdresses, navigation skills – the science is grand and fascinating.A stone fish trapJamie at the blue eyed eel location. They’re viewed almost as pets – at least they’re not eaten. We’d expected California snake sized creatures but they’re more the size of fire hoses.I got this picture off the web.Back on the ship – last sailaway with the very dramatic music.Waiting for the disembarkation talk and the goodbye address by the captain. Onto a week in Moorea at the Sofitel.
