This is our lovely cruise ship, docked in the bay at Huahine. I couldn't believe how green and beautiful the island was. And then I went outside and felt the 100% humidity and began to understand the cause of the lush growth!
Incredible! We had a Motu picnic planed for today. This entailed a boat ride around the island, a trip to a pearl farm, drift snorkeling, and lunch on a motu (sandy island). We slapped on the sunscreen and jumped on the tender into the dock.
This is what was waiting for us. A native wearing a pareo blowing a conch. Naturally, we were game.
I was armed with Bonine, a miracle motion sickness pill, and ready for the tour.
A nice shot of Eric with the island and ship tender in the background.
Tahiti is known for their black pearls. We went to this pearl farm (note the hut made of oyster shells) and got the run down on how they help the oysters make the pearls. Pretty interesting...and pretty expensive!
Onto the snorkeling.
We got an underwater video camera a couple years ago and thought we'd try it out. If it didn't work the first day then we weren't going to loose 2 weeks worth of pictures. Lucky for us the camera worked awesome the whole trip!
I spared you the numerous underwater pictures of us just swimming around...you're welcome.
There was lots of beautiful coral and fish.
Giant, and I mean GIANT sea slug!
When I got back in the boat the guide asked how it was. I said "It looks like finding Nemo down there!" I got a blank stare. Evidently Disney animated movies haven't made it over to the Island of Huahine yet.
Last we stopped on the motu for our picnic. The water is really that amazing, no filter on this one!
The picnic tables were set up in the water and the alcohol was free flowing. Luckily so were the Diet Cokes, so Eric and I were pretty much the only ones not trashed at the end of the day.
The food was incredible: grilled chicken and fish and this amazing tuna/lime/coconut dish that I fell in love with.
Enjoying the scenery with lots of sun and DC.
We had a demonstration from our guide on how the locals use nature for different things. Since coconuts are plentiful there are a million uses for them.
Eric gave coconut husking a try. I felt like I was at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Success!
We went back to our ship full and not too sun burnt. This was a great way to start our trip!
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