Last days in Tahiti and moving around to Moorea
Nickanddenisesailing
Tue 1 Aug 2017 19:43
So we left you on the eve of the arrival of our friends Stine and Renato. Stine is Danish, Renato Brazilian and they both live in New Zealand. Stine has been a great friend of mine over the last 5 years and friend of Nicks too. We had not met Renato yet but heard lots about him so were excited about their trip. Manu - (the boyfriend of one of my ex students) picked me up to take me to the airport - we managed to buy some lei's (flowers to hang around the neck -a traditional arrival gift here) and met them (+3 surf boards, spear guns etc) at the gate. They settled in quickly to boat life and the next day we did some exploring with them around the city before heading out to some live music with Manu and Mahana in the evening.
Thursday and the big feast upon 'Sold the Farm' came quickly. We shopped and boat job'd in the morning and the afternoon was spent preparing food. The whole gang (Marge + boyfriend Hugo, Marges Mum and Dad, Marges sister, Marges brother +wife and 2 year old baby girl, Manu + Mahana) all arrived about 5pmish in time for the sunset (and Stine and Renato on board as well). Marges dad was holding a massive box all wrapped up in brightly coloured paper............... haha!! Everyone got settled in and in the mist of all the laughter and chatter we were given that big box for both of us and a small box - just for me :) The box was presented and inside we found 2 large beautiful carved wooden bowls, 3 incredibly carved tikis and a lovely carved coconut shredder - all made by a close friend of the family. Jaws on the floor (again)! Then I opened the small box - a stunning pearl bracelet from Marg's sister! Tears were shed again and many thanks given. We had been hoping to buy some ca
rvings
but had found them to be extremely expensive ($50+ for something small) and had been struggling to justify it - so this was really special.
Dinner was then served and everyone seemed to really enjoy the food. Lots of salad type dishes, corrination chicken, pulled pork, raw fish in many ways, etc etc. A massive chocolate pear pudding for dessert and a tiramisu (made by Hugo and Marge). Dinner was followed by beautiful music and singing. Stine plays the Ukelele beautifully as well, so everyone was involved. The night was a hit, the cooking master (Marges Dad) was very impressed with the food and everyone seemed to have a great time. We were so glad we made the effort to do it.
On Friday we moved the boat over to Moorea (the next island by Tahiti) where we are now. The anchorage that was recommended was full of boats - so it was a bit tricky to find a spot. Finally a nice chance for snorkelling and swimming off the boat again. A beautiful spot with nice clear turquoise water. Our kiwi friends on Eudora arrived with their new crew and we had a fun afternoon of surfing on paddleboards behind the dinghy.
The Tahitian gang joined us again on Saturday (Marge, Hugo, Mahana and Manu). Another feast planned and this time 13 on the boat with the full crew from Eudora as well. Ukelele's and guitars were broken out again and with the rums, gins, wines etc everyone was having a great time. Nick and I had made some paintings for the Marge and Mahana to say a big thank you and they went down very well. It was a fantastic night and Jevon and Tracey (Eudora) and his Dad (80+ paddleboarder :) ) and brother and wife (who are visiting after the loss of their Mum) seemed to have a great time.
Hugo and Marge stayed the night with us and then kindly offered to tour Nick and I around the island on Sunday. Renato and Stine hired a scooter and all of us got a good taste of the island. Marge showed us around her work and I was able to get lots of warm fuzzy proud feelings of how much she had accomplished in such a short time. They also took us out to a beautiful spot for lunch. Cheeseburgers!!! waaayyyoooohhhh!! On our way back around the island we stopped into Mahanahs mum and dads place and were quickly loaded up with fruits of all kinds. We were introduced to the grandmas (who live next door) and given a show of Manus skills of coconut husking - 1 coconut in less than 10 seconds! We left there loaded up with fruit and more gifts. These people are incredible!! After a bit of a rush Marge and Hugo made the ferry in time back to Tahiti and the four of us sat back and relaxed on the boat.
Yesterday we moved the boat around the island in search for some waves...... we had heard about an achorage where the pass was good. It was pretty windy leaving around the northern coast but once we were in the lee of the island it was pretty calm. It really tricky to anchor and after 4 attempts it still wasn't right. We have it now (we think) - making good use of the stern anchor. After we were finally sorted we headed out to catch some waves. Some dolphins welcomed us into the spot and we paddled out as the last of the guys who has been surfing there through the day paddled back to their dinghys. We got the waves to ourselves for an hour or so before it started getting dark. The boys caught some nice waves and Stine and I got some good beatings and washing machines. One put me up on the dry reef and my back is a bit sorer from the whole experience (just a bit bruised and scratched nothing too bad). Nick came to try and rescue me in the dinghy and just as I got into the boat
the
engine died we we were blown into the breaking waves. I threw the anchor down and Nick managed to fix the issue just in time. So after all the excitement we headed back to the boat ready for food and a quiet night.
So here we are - Nick is making banana pancakes for breakfast, Stine and Renato have just got back from a swim, the wind has died and the surf is bigger. Hopefully we will get some good photos of the boys today and enjoy some snorkeling in the pass with the dolphins. Life is good.
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