2004-South Pacific

SOUTH SEAS - Rogers and Hammerstein may have called their musical South Pacific but less than 15 seconds of it actually was filmed in Polynesia. In 2004, we decided to spend somewhat longer ...

2009-02-14T17:45:47Z

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SOUTH SEAS - Rogers and Hammerstein may have called their musical South Pacific but less than 15 seconds of it actually was filmed in Polynesia. In 2004, we decided to spend somewhat longer ...

PAPEETE, TAHITI - The islands of Polynesia are all about color - and there is no better display of the islands' colors than in its flowers.

2009-02-14T17:41:46Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - The islands of Polynesia are all about color - and there is no better display of the islands' colors than in its flowers.

PAPEETE, TAHITI - With its profusion of flowers, it probably makes sense that even though the English were the first foreigners to visit the islands (Samuel Wallis, followed by James Cook), ...

2009-02-14T17:46:31Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - With its profusion of flowers, it probably makes sense that even though the English were the first foreigners to visit the islands (Samuel Wallis, followed by James Cook), ...

PAPEETE, TAHITI - Tourists are not the only creatures attracted to the colors of Tahiti. A flowering lilypad in Papeete's central park attracts a bee.

2009-02-14T17:44:00Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - Tourists are not the only creatures attracted to the colors of Tahiti. A flowering lilypad in Papeete's central park attracts a bee.

PAPEETE, TAHITI - Color abounds everwhere, such as this market in Papeete.

2009-02-14T17:42:37Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - Color abounds everwhere, such as this market in Papeete.

PAPEETE, TAHITI - A pond of lilypads in Papeete's central park.

2009-02-14T17:42:58Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - A pond of lilypads in Papeete's central park.

PAPEETE, TAHITI - The color of the islands is also present in the flowers and dresses worn by the local women.

2009-02-14T17:44:04Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - The color of the islands is also present in the flowers and dresses worn by the local women.

PAPEETE, TAHITI - At a local craft center, a Tahitian woman weaves a basket.

2009-02-14T17:41:34Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - At a local craft center, a Tahitian woman weaves a basket.

PAPEETE, TAHITI - An astounding - and colorful - array of fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, handicrafts, and other items are sold under the big tin pavilion of Papeete's bustling public market ...

2009-02-14T17:37:43Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - An astounding - and colorful - array of fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, handicrafts, and other items are sold under the big tin pavilion of Papeete's bustling public market ...

PAPEETE, TAHITI - The shimmering golden sheen of freshly caught fish adds to the color of the Sunday market.

2009-02-14T17:41:56Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - The shimmering golden sheen of freshly caught fish adds to the color of the Sunday market.

PAPEETE, TAHITI - The fish available at the market was probably caught only hours before.

2009-02-14T17:45:27Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - The fish available at the market was probably caught only hours before.

PAPEETE, TAHITI - Fish of every species -- and color -- are available, although at this particular moment, business seemed a little slow.

2009-02-14T17:42:44Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - Fish of every species -- and color -- are available, although at this particular moment, business seemed a little slow.

PAPEETE, TAHITI - The most impressive building is the Town Hall, a magnificent replica of Tahiti Queen Pomare's circa 1830s mansion. This structure, with its wraparound veranda, captures the ...

2009-02-14T17:45:30Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - The most impressive building is the Town Hall, a magnificent replica of Tahiti Queen Pomare's circa 1830s mansion. This structure, with its wraparound veranda, captures the ...

PAPEETE, TAHITI - The Eglise Evangelique, with its impressive steeple, is the largest Protestant church in French Polynesia. The local evangelical sect grew out of the early work by the Lon ...

2009-02-14T17:43:51Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - The Eglise Evangelique, with its impressive steeple, is the largest Protestant church in French Polynesia. The local evangelical sect grew out of the early work by the Lon ...

PAPEETE, TAHITI - The monument is to Pouvanaa a Oopa, a Tahitian World War I hero who led the islands' struggle for independence. In 1958 as vice president of the Council of Government, he ...

2009-02-14T17:05:43Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - The monument is to Pouvanaa a Oopa, a Tahitian World War I hero who led the islands' struggle for independence. In 1958 as vice president of the Council of Government, he ...

PAPEETE, TAHITI - Our trip to Polynesia was divided into two parts. For the first week, we cruised the islands aboard Windjammer Barefoot Cruises Amazing Grace, here docked in the "Quay", t ...

2009-02-14T17:45:38Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - Our trip to Polynesia was divided into two parts. For the first week, we cruised the islands aboard Windjammer Barefoot Cruises Amazing Grace, here docked in the "Quay", t ...

AMAZING GRACE - The Amazing Grace was refurbished by Windjammer in 1988 to serve as both a cargo ship (delivering supplies to its sailing fleet in the Caribbean) and a passenger ship. It wa ...

2009-02-14T17:44:40Z

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AMAZING GRACE - The Amazing Grace was refurbished by Windjammer in 1988 to serve as both a cargo ship (delivering supplies to its sailing fleet in the Caribbean) and a passenger ship. It wa ...

AMAZING GRACE - Our captain aboard the Amazing Grace was Captain Jorge Murillo, a self-effacing sea-faring veteran from Colombia.

2009-06-14T04:50:37Z

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AMAZING GRACE - Our captain aboard the Amazing Grace was Captain Jorge Murillo, a self-effacing sea-faring veteran from Colombia.

AMAZING GRACE - A thoroughly competent captain, Jorge could also be convinced to try most anything, including the paraeo-tying demonstration one night courtesy of a local Huahine girl.

2009-02-14T17:42:29Z

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AMAZING GRACE - A thoroughly competent captain, Jorge could also be convinced to try most anything, including the paraeo-tying demonstration one night courtesy of a local Huahine girl.

AMAZING GRACE - Jeanne poses for a photo with Captain Jorge.

2009-06-12T10:13:45Z

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AMAZING GRACE - Jeanne poses for a photo with Captain Jorge.

AMAZING GRACE - Although young in appearance, the officers of Windjammer's Amazing Grace were both competent and friendly.

2009-06-12T10:16:41Z

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AMAZING GRACE - Although young in appearance, the officers of Windjammer's Amazing Grace were both competent and friendly.

AMAZING GRACE - One of the officers was Jeannie, who had the title of "Assistant Activities Mate," but who turned out to be the granddaughter of Windjammer founder Mike Burke.

2009-06-14T04:57:11Z

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AMAZING GRACE - One of the officers was Jeannie, who had the title of "Assistant Activities Mate," but who turned out to be the granddaughter of Windjammer founder Mike Burke.

AMAZING GRACE - Like most of the Windjammer fleet, the rooms of the Amazing Grace are not particularly spacious but beautifully paneled in polished teak. We actually had one of the larger p ...

2009-06-14T04:54:59Z

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AMAZING GRACE - Like most of the Windjammer fleet, the rooms of the Amazing Grace are not particularly spacious but beautifully paneled in polished teak. We actually had one of the larger p ...

PAPEETE, TAHITI - During our first night onboard the Amazing Grace, while still in port, we sat on the aft deck and watched the moon over Papeete.

2009-02-14T17:06:13Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - During our first night onboard the Amazing Grace, while still in port, we sat on the aft deck and watched the moon over Papeete.

PAPEETE, TAHITI - Everything is colorful in Tahiti - including the Chinese satellite tracking ship (we preferred to think of it as the "spy ship") that was docked in the Papeete harbor.

2009-02-14T17:05:53Z

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PAPEETE, TAHITI - Everything is colorful in Tahiti - including the Chinese satellite tracking ship (we preferred to think of it as the "spy ship") that was docked in the Papeete harbor.

AMAZING GRACE (somewhere in the South Seas) - One of the most enjoyable aspects of a trip aboard a Windjammer vessel is that the sailing (or motoring in the case of the Amazing Grace) takes ...

2009-06-12T10:34:10Z

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AMAZING GRACE (somewhere in the South Seas) - One of the most enjoyable aspects of a trip aboard a Windjammer vessel is that the sailing (or motoring in the case of the Amazing Grace) takes ...

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Huahine was our first Windjammer stop. The island is just beginning to discover tourism, and most of its two islands remain covered by lush forests. The literal meanin ...

2009-02-14T17:42:05Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Huahine was our first Windjammer stop. The island is just beginning to discover tourism, and most of its two islands remain covered by lush forests. The literal meanin ...

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - After a night sail, the Amazing Grace docked at Huahine's capital and largest city, Fare.

2009-02-14T17:41:08Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - After a night sail, the Amazing Grace docked at Huahine's capital and largest city, Fare.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Awakened when the ship pulled into the dock, we looked out our porthole to see a young Huahine-ian gazing in at us.

2009-06-12T10:13:22Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Awakened when the ship pulled into the dock, we looked out our porthole to see a young Huahine-ian gazing in at us.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - The capital city of Fare is a colorful town -- "colorful" is a frequent adjective in Polynesia -- with only two main streets.

2009-02-14T17:41:55Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - The capital city of Fare is a colorful town -- "colorful" is a frequent adjective in Polynesia -- with only two main streets.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Huahine is known as "The Garden Island" due to its abundance of lush green tropical foliage and wild jungle-like scenery. After walking through the town of Fare, we fou ...

2009-10-07T07:41:08Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Huahine is known as "The Garden Island" due to its abundance of lush green tropical foliage and wild jungle-like scenery. After walking through the town of Fare, we fou ...

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Within minutes we found ourselves away from civilation and the jungle rapidly closing in around us.

2009-10-07T07:35:37Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Within minutes we found ourselves away from civilation and the jungle rapidly closing in around us.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - As we walked deeper into the Huahine jungle, we discovered more color bursting out of the green foliage.

2009-10-07T07:27:27Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - As we walked deeper into the Huahine jungle, we discovered more color bursting out of the green foliage.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Hibiscus flowers bloom everywhere naturally on the island.

2009-10-07T08:16:20Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Hibiscus flowers bloom everywhere naturally on the island.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - As we continued our exploration of the jungle trail, we came upon a pineapple plantation.

2009-10-07T08:49:49Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - As we continued our exploration of the jungle trail, we came upon a pineapple plantation.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Walking along the jungle trail, we would occasionally catch glimpses of movement alongside the path. Observing more closely, we discovered scores of land crabs scurryin ...

2009-10-07T08:09:46Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Walking along the jungle trail, we would occasionally catch glimpses of movement alongside the path. Observing more closely, we discovered scores of land crabs scurryin ...

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - One of the reasons the islands are so clean is that the crabs act like little garbarge collectors, snatching almost anything dropped on the ground and disposing of it in ...

2009-02-14T17:10:59Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - One of the reasons the islands are so clean is that the crabs act like little garbarge collectors, snatching almost anything dropped on the ground and disposing of it in ...

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Back in the capital city of Fare, we stopped by a local shop and Jeanne got a quick lesson in how to tie a paraeo - a lesson that would prove exceedingly valuable as our ...

2009-10-07T08:42:36Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Back in the capital city of Fare, we stopped by a local shop and Jeanne got a quick lesson in how to tie a paraeo - a lesson that would prove exceedingly valuable as our ...

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - When we returned to Huahine (by airplane) after the Windjammer trip, we were transported to this small dock where this small boat was ready to transport us to our hotel.

2009-10-07T08:49:16Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - When we returned to Huahine (by airplane) after the Windjammer trip, we were transported to this small dock where this small boat was ready to transport us to our hotel.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Our hotel was the elegant Te Tiare Resort, about a 10 minute boat ride from Fare and reachable only by boat.

2009-02-14T17:43:32Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Our hotel was the elegant Te Tiare Resort, about a 10 minute boat ride from Fare and reachable only by boat.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - "Rooms" at the Te Tiare Resort are these thatched bungalows scattered around manicured grounds. This was our's.

2009-02-14T17:39:51Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - "Rooms" at the Te Tiare Resort are these thatched bungalows scattered around manicured grounds. This was our's.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - We were awed by the exquisite decor, such as the lighted outrigger hanging in the open air reception lobby.

2009-02-14T17:33:49Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - We were awed by the exquisite decor, such as the lighted outrigger hanging in the open air reception lobby.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - A hibiscus flower catches the early morning sun outside our bungalow.

2009-02-14T17:35:40Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - A hibiscus flower catches the early morning sun outside our bungalow.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Despite the nearby presence of the ocean, Jeanne couldn't resist a quick dip in the palm tree-surrounded pool.

2009-02-14T17:31:56Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Despite the nearby presence of the ocean, Jeanne couldn't resist a quick dip in the palm tree-surrounded pool.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - We quickly made friends with Sophia who made the island's best panini at the resort's beach bar.

2009-02-14T17:32:10Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - We quickly made friends with Sophia who made the island's best panini at the resort's beach bar.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - So several times during our stay, we would take long walks away from the resort.

2009-02-14T17:35:56Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - So several times during our stay, we would take long walks away from the resort.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - The Te Tiare Resort had its own white sand beach, but we preferred exploring beyond the boundaries of the resort.

2009-02-14T17:34:59Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - The Te Tiare Resort had its own white sand beach, but we preferred exploring beyond the boundaries of the resort.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - One day during our walk we came upon one of the local children who happily wanted us to look at his collection of seashells.

2009-02-14T17:35:38Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - One day during our walk we came upon one of the local children who happily wanted us to look at his collection of seashells.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - One day we met Paul Atallah, an American-born graduate of the University of Hawaii who now lives in Huahine. Paul is an expert in Polynesian anthropology, archaeology, ...

2009-10-07T08:28:15Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - One day we met Paul Atallah, an American-born graduate of the University of Hawaii who now lives in Huahine. Paul is an expert in Polynesian anthropology, archaeology, ...

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - ...which included a stop at one of the ancient marea, a sacred meeting place of the "pre-contact" Polynesians.

2009-02-14T17:28:41Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - ...which included a stop at one of the ancient marea, a sacred meeting place of the "pre-contact" Polynesians.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - The marea were used by ancient Polynesians as places of religious worship, for weddings, tribal meetings, the crowning of kings and in celebration of victory.

2009-06-14T05:06:41Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - The marea were used by ancient Polynesians as places of religious worship, for weddings, tribal meetings, the crowning of kings and in celebration of victory.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - We saw a local fishing hut where fish are "herded" into nets by "v"-shaped stone dams built in the estuary.

2009-02-14T17:29:47Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - We saw a local fishing hut where fish are "herded" into nets by "v"-shaped stone dams built in the estuary.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - We hiked up a hill to a fortification built in 1846 with stones from a marea to defend the area against the invasion of the French.

2009-10-07T08:49:16Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - We hiked up a hill to a fortification built in 1846 with stones from a marea to defend the area against the invasion of the French.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Our tour leader Paul waded into a shallow creek with a can of fish food to attract the blue-eyed Polynesian eel - or in this case, several of them. Each eel is about tw ...

2009-06-12T10:26:18Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Our tour leader Paul waded into a shallow creek with a can of fish food to attract the blue-eyed Polynesian eel - or in this case, several of them. Each eel is about tw ...

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Back at Te Tiare, we spent some time roaming the grounds and found that like all of the South Sea islands, one of the main attractions of Huahine is the abundance of col ...

2009-02-14T17:33:32Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Back at Te Tiare, we spent some time roaming the grounds and found that like all of the South Sea islands, one of the main attractions of Huahine is the abundance of col ...

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - The hibiscus is the most prevalent, appropriate since the flower originated in the islands of the Pacific.

2009-10-07T08:29:34Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - The hibiscus is the most prevalent, appropriate since the flower originated in the islands of the Pacific.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - There are literally thousands of variations of hibiscus - and it is quite likely that you can find most of them somewhere in the Polynesian islands.

2009-10-07T09:20:37Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - There are literally thousands of variations of hibiscus - and it is quite likely that you can find most of them somewhere in the Polynesian islands.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - If one color of hibiscus is more prevalent than any other on Huahine, it is probably pink.

2009-10-07T09:16:32Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - If one color of hibiscus is more prevalent than any other on Huahine, it is probably pink.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Or maybe the most frequent color was this yellow, red and white variety.

2009-10-07T08:57:57Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Or maybe the most frequent color was this yellow, red and white variety.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Everything seems more colorful in the South Pacific, even a sunburst from behind a palm tree.

2009-02-14T17:06:23Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Everything seems more colorful in the South Pacific, even a sunburst from behind a palm tree.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - There is nothing more dramatic than a Polynesian sunset.

2009-10-07T08:44:07Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - There is nothing more dramatic than a Polynesian sunset.

HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Before we left Huahine, we snapped our own "formal" Tahitian self-portrait on the deck of our hibiscus-surrounded bungalow.

2009-02-14T17:28:27Z

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HUAHINE, POLYNESIA - Before we left Huahine, we snapped our own "formal" Tahitian self-portrait on the deck of our hibiscus-surrounded bungalow.

RAIATEA & TAHA'A - Two of the smaller islands we visited in Polynesia. Raiatea is the most sacred island in the South Pacific. It was the center of Polynesian religion and culture 1,000 ye ...

2009-02-14T17:32:23Z

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RAIATEA & TAHA'A - Two of the smaller islands we visited in Polynesia. Raiatea is the most sacred island in the South Pacific. It was the center of Polynesian religion and culture 1,000 ye ...

RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - Sailing into the small port at Uturoa (inaccessible to the larger ships), we were greeted by a tiki sporting a flower tiara.

2009-10-07T09:16:34Z

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RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - Sailing into the small port at Uturoa (inaccessible to the larger ships), we were greeted by a tiki sporting a flower tiara.

RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - Exploring the streets of the small village of Uturoa (pop. 3,500), we discovered this picturesque church.

2009-10-07T09:06:35Z

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RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - Exploring the streets of the small village of Uturoa (pop. 3,500), we discovered this picturesque church.

RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - We walked through a beautiful water garden in a small park in Uturoa.

2009-02-14T17:29:20Z

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RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - We walked through a beautiful water garden in a small park in Uturoa.

RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - A closeup of a water lily in full bloom.

2009-10-07T09:03:43Z

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RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - A closeup of a water lily in full bloom.

RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - Growing on Raiatea is the rare five-petaled Tiare Apetahi flower. It is found no other place on earth.

2009-02-14T17:29:15Z

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RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - Growing on Raiatea is the rare five-petaled Tiare Apetahi flower. It is found no other place on earth.

RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - An hour's drive south from Uturoa is theTaputapuatea Marae, the most sacred of all Polynesian maraes (ancient meeting and religious sites).

2009-10-07T08:43:46Z

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RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - An hour's drive south from Uturoa is theTaputapuatea Marae, the most sacred of all Polynesian maraes (ancient meeting and religious sites).

RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - The temple area of the marae stands on the edge of the huge lagoon that encompasses both Raiatea and the neighboring island of Taha'a. The great standing stone is about ...

2009-10-07T09:10:48Z

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RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - The temple area of the marae stands on the edge of the huge lagoon that encompasses both Raiatea and the neighboring island of Taha'a. The great standing stone is about ...

RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - Legend tells that it was from this marae that the ancient Polynesians took to the sea to populate other islands, extending from New Zealand to Hawaii.

2009-06-12T10:10:44Z

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RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - Legend tells that it was from this marae that the ancient Polynesians took to the sea to populate other islands, extending from New Zealand to Hawaii.

RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - The significance of many of the badly worn carvings at the marae have been lost to history.

2009-10-07T09:01:35Z

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RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - The significance of many of the badly worn carvings at the marae have been lost to history.

RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - One of the local women who had prepared snacks for us when we visited the Taputapuatea Marae.

2009-10-07T09:03:01Z

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RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - One of the local women who had prepared snacks for us when we visited the Taputapuatea Marae.

RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - Local legends say that the natives used to sacrifice humans on the marae, but we found today's residents to be considerably more gracious.

2009-10-07T08:37:39Z

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RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - Local legends say that the natives used to sacrifice humans on the marae, but we found today's residents to be considerably more gracious.

RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - Some of the beautiful flowers on Raiatea.

2009-10-07T09:16:09Z

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RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - Some of the beautiful flowers on Raiatea.

RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - Another of the vivid flowers of Polynesia (next time we should try to be more specific in identifying these flowers).

2009-06-12T10:53:01Z

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RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - Another of the vivid flowers of Polynesia (next time we should try to be more specific in identifying these flowers).

RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - The vivid colors of the native vegetation of the Polynesian islands.

2009-10-07T09:27:26Z

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RAIATEA, POLYNESIA - The vivid colors of the native vegetation of the Polynesian islands.

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - From the small island of Taha'a, we took a launch to an even smaller island called a "motu."

2009-02-14T17:31:53Z

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TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - From the small island of Taha'a, we took a launch to an even smaller island called a "motu."

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - By the time we had arrived at our "wet landing" on the motu, the skies had darkened and rain appeared imminent.

2009-02-14T17:33:30Z

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TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - By the time we had arrived at our "wet landing" on the motu, the skies had darkened and rain appeared imminent.

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - Stepping onto the sandy beach of the motu, we were greeted by a local Polynesian band.

2009-06-12T10:13:40Z

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TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - Stepping onto the sandy beach of the motu, we were greeted by a local Polynesian band.

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - The leader of the Polynesian band sang a traditional local ditty to welcome us.

2009-06-12T10:07:30Z

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TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - The leader of the Polynesian band sang a traditional local ditty to welcome us.

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - Some of our fellow passengers perhaps could have used a few hints on coordinating island attire.

2009-10-07T08:25:05Z

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TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - Some of our fellow passengers perhaps could have used a few hints on coordinating island attire.

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - The rains came but that didn't disrupt preparations for a traditional Polynesian feast. Since early that morning, our hosts had been slow cooking a variety of fish, pork, ...

2009-10-07T08:55:25Z

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TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - The rains came but that didn't disrupt preparations for a traditional Polynesian feast. Since early that morning, our hosts had been slow cooking a variety of fish, pork, ...

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - One of our fellow travelers obviously enjoyed his traditional Polynesia fire-pit-cooked lunch.

2009-10-07T08:58:17Z

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TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - One of our fellow travelers obviously enjoyed his traditional Polynesia fire-pit-cooked lunch.

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - Our lunch was prepared and served by the extended family of Patricia Amaru who, along with her husband, run a small hotel, a black pearl "farm" and a guided tour service ...

2009-10-07T08:53:24Z

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TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - Our lunch was prepared and served by the extended family of Patricia Amaru who, along with her husband, run a small hotel, a black pearl "farm" and a guided tour service ...

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - As we finished our Polynesian picnic, the rain moved away and the sun burst through the clouds. Now, our little island took on much more of the look of a South Seas para ...

2009-10-07T08:56:11Z

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TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - As we finished our Polynesian picnic, the rain moved away and the sun burst through the clouds. Now, our little island took on much more of the look of a South Seas para ...

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - On the motu, we met two lovely Polynesian women, Hae'mae ("pure wreath") in the foreground and her sister.

2009-10-07T09:01:08Z

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TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - On the motu, we met two lovely Polynesian women, Hae'mae ("pure wreath") in the foreground and her sister.

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - The sudden appearance of the sun gave us the opportunity to dry out wet paraeos.

2009-10-07T08:22:40Z

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TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - The sudden appearance of the sun gave us the opportunity to dry out wet paraeos.

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - While others in our group took to the beach, Jeanne found a spot of shade.

2009-10-07T08:25:56Z

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TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - While others in our group took to the beach, Jeanne found a spot of shade.

AMAZING GRACE - After a full day on the motu, we returned to the Amazing Grace on the launch...

2009-10-07T08:40:42Z

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AMAZING GRACE - After a full day on the motu, we returned to the Amazing Grace on the launch...

AMAZING GRACE - ...in time to soak in the last few rays of the setting sun....

2009-10-07T10:18:18Z

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AMAZING GRACE - ...in time to soak in the last few rays of the setting sun....

AMAZING GRACE - ....and head to the snack table in time for the traditional daily Windjammer "happy hour."

2009-10-07T08:38:16Z

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AMAZING GRACE - ....and head to the snack table in time for the traditional daily Windjammer "happy hour."

AMAZING GRACE in POLYNESIA - That evening onboard the Amazing Grace we were treated to our first grass-skirted Polynesian dancers.

2009-10-07T09:20:55Z

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AMAZING GRACE in POLYNESIA - That evening onboard the Amazing Grace we were treated to our first grass-skirted Polynesian dancers.

AMAZING GRACE in POLYNESIA - Traditional Polynesian dance is a combination of beauty....

2009-02-14T17:28:58Z

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AMAZING GRACE in POLYNESIA - Traditional Polynesian dance is a combination of beauty....

AMAZING GRACE in POLYNESIA - ....and motion, all with symbolism of the island's culture.

2009-10-07T09:14:57Z

1000places
AMAZING GRACE in POLYNESIA - ....and motion, all with symbolism of the island's culture.

AMAZING GRACE in POLYNESIA - Almost all Polynesian dances end with an invitation to the audience to join in.

2009-10-07T08:34:42Z

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AMAZING GRACE in POLYNESIA - Almost all Polynesian dances end with an invitation to the audience to join in.

AMAZING GRACE in POLYNESIA - Jorge, our Amazing Grace captain posed with the two lead dancers. (Note: The "tongue out" pose is a traditional sign of Polynesian friendliness.)

2009-10-07T08:59:41Z

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AMAZING GRACE in POLYNESIA - Jorge, our Amazing Grace captain posed with the two lead dancers. (Note: The "tongue out" pose is a traditional sign of Polynesian friendliness.)

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - The next morning it was back to the island of Taha'a where we were greeted by the same Polynesian band that had welcomed us to the motu the day before.

2009-10-07T08:57:47Z

1000places
TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - The next morning it was back to the island of Taha'a where we were greeted by the same Polynesian band that had welcomed us to the motu the day before.

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - To tour the island, we climbed into vehicles equipped with 4-wheeled drive and our mid-morning snacks strapped to the top.

2009-10-07T08:15:01Z

1000places
TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - To tour the island, we climbed into vehicles equipped with 4-wheeled drive and our mid-morning snacks strapped to the top.

TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - The rains had returned and the island's roads had turned muddy and slippery.

2009-02-14T17:30:29Z

1000places
TAHA'A, POLYNESIA - The rains had returned and the island's roads had turned muddy and slippery.