TAHA'A is a smaller, quieter island about 45 minutes away from Raiatea by boat. I went on tour by myself because Jeff had a rehearsal scheduled. Since I'm finally feeling a bit better I was confident I could make it through the boat ride without a calamity...and I did...make it through. Maurice, our guide told us about the island people and their three main sources of income: coconut oil, vanilla, and tourism/black pearls. Once on the island, which is very much subsidized by France, we rode in "Le trucks", or open air flatbed passenger buses...kind of. Not too much comfort here, but manageable. Electricity just came to this island in the late 1990's so it's not very sophisticated..."third world" might be too enthusiastic.
We visited a vanilla plantation and later a pearl farm. The plantation was owned by a Danish gentleman who had at least two beautiful Polynesian daughters...reminded me of "South Pacific" in a very literal way. I did purchase vanilla beans which, he said, can be brought into the US without declaring them. He also said the beans can and should last for years and years if kept in glass in cool, dark places. When they lose their odor they can be thrown away.
The pearl farm was interesting too. Our guide showed us how the "little intruder" sand or a tinier pearl is inserted using a scalpel into the mussel or oyster. The mussel then works at the irritant for two or three years to make the pearl. Only about 60% of the grafts work.
I returned to the ship and watched Jeff's raggedy rehearsal for their newest show...suffice to say they need a few more rehearsals. Later we came in third again at evening trivia.
Quote for today: "Travel light and you can sing in the robber's face." ...Juvenal
Nana. (Which is local patois for "good bye"...)
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