Our journey brought us to Raiatea, the birthplace of Polynesian culture, in the western part of French Polynesia. Its stunning natural beauty and elegant beaches captivated us. This island, known as the “birthplace of the gods,” is home to numerous archeological treasures that tell the story of a unique people’s history and culture. The “mare of Taputapuatea” once served as the central hub of religious and political power in Polynesia, including Hawaii, New Zealand, Easter Island, and the Cook Islands.
The pristine environment, lush tropical vegetation, and vibrant coral reefs were magnificent. The coconuts swaying from towering palm trees on the shore created a romantic atmosphere. We had the pleasure of meeting friendly locals fluent in English and French, and they enthusiastically shared their knowledge of the local scene with us.
The Polynesians provided an in-depth account of their history and colonization by the French. They took us on a tour of their island home, highlighting their traditional architecture, culinary practices, and way of life. The stories they shared, the places they showed us, and their warm welcome created a comforting environment.
After familiarizing ourselves with our immediate surroundings, my husband and I engaged in local activities. We selected snorkeling at the coral reef garden, where we were captivated by the diverse array of fish species surrounding us. The absence of threatening oceanic predators enabled us to appreciate the underwater world fully. We spent considerable time exploring the coral reef, finding the experience to be enjoyable and relaxing.
We witnessed the Polynesian islanders expertly harvest coconuts from towering palm trees by climbing them and extracting the juice for us to drink. This highly recommended experience is for those willing to travel to the distant shores of French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean. Afterward, my husband and I ventured into the bustling commercial area to explore the various shops and stores offering local products and unique art forms synonymous with the island’s sun-kissed atmosphere.
Following our exploration of Raiatea, we ventured to Taha’a, a sister island with the same lagoon. The turquoise lagoon is home to many motu with stunning white sandy beaches. At a Tahiti black pearl farm in Taha’a, we witnessed experts extracting pearls from oyster shells. The pearls vary in size and color, with their value determined by these factors. Some pearls are sold separately, while others are incorporated into high-priced necklaces and earrings. The black pearls are the most valuable and highly sought after. The local farm benefits from consistent customer demand for these pearl jewelry items, supporting their sustainability.
Author: Rosalina Norita
Photo Credit: Rosalina Norita
