Papeete, Tahiti

Jackamy
Paul & Derry Harper
Sat 8 May 2010 04:11
17:32.417S 149:34.235W
 
Saturday 8th May
 
 
Happy Birthday Paul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
We left Tikehau yesterday morning headed for Tahiti with our ETA being sometime this morning. We had good winds but it was quite a bumpy ride making it a rather uncomfortable night. It was also another squally trip with them hitting us one after another. The worst were first thing this morning with winds up to 40 knots. I had a shower and we were hit with a powerful squall, then Amy thought she'd have an attempt and surprise surprise we were hit by a squall, we both came out exhausted. When Paul decided it was safe to shower he left Amy in control while I was doing the roll call, the next thing we hear is Amy shouting "Squall, squall, squall!!!!!", we just had no rest this morning. On the plus side we made the 180 mile trip in good time and arrived at around 10.30 this morning.
 
We're now berthed in Papeete at Quai des Yachts and it couldn't be more different to where we've spent the last month or so! We're tied up to a pontoon which is next to the main road, a 4 lane dual-carriageway! I think we all feel fully relaxed after our stay in the tranquil Tuamotus and we're ready for the hustle and bustle of the city of Papeete if only to replenish our provisions as we have hardly any food to eat on board!
 
I'm not sure what you envisage Tahiti to be like but you have to forget about stereotypical fantasies of tantalizing blue lagoons and sandy beaches, and look for a different take on paradise to get Tahiti's beauty. They say you shouldn't dismiss Tahiti upon first glance as the largest and most industrialised of the Polynesian islands is more than just a required arrival point, it's a destination on its own. A cacophony of colour and sound, Papeete oozes humidity and teems with outdoor cafes and vibrant markets. Beyond the city there are black sand beaches, velvet green mountains and lush valleys dripping tropical foliage.
 
So where we are now, Papeete, is a concrete jungle bursting with bright lights and grimy edges. You either get its chaotic passion and colourful clutter or run quickly from its pushy crowds and lack of gorgeous vistas.
 
We'll let you know in a day or two what we think!