Bora-Bora
Lynn & Mike ..around the world
Mike Drinkrow & Lynn v/d Hoven
Tue 25 Jun 2013 23:49
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16:30.85S 151:46.28W Bora-Bora
After a few windy days in Raiatea, we headed to Bora-Bora, the most
well known of all south Pacific islands. There are a string
of hotels overlooking the crystal clear blue waters of the lagoon that
surrounds the mountain. Every major 5-star chain is represented, famous
for their bungalows over the water and their $500 per night price tags!
 This is the
Inter-Continental
The snorkeling and diving is very good, due to the clear water and
abundance of fish. Sadly the coral is not the best we have seen
and fairly bleached/ damaged in many places due to Tsunamis, cyclones
and global warming. A highlight has been swimming with the giant
Manta Rays - what majestic creatures. We have also seen a huge school of over 40
eagle rays, but sadly did not get a good shot of them.
 Manta Ray "flies"
past
  Mike fighting off the reef
fish
Moray Eel - always looking aggressive!
The local population is only about 5000 and is totally focused on
tourism. We have however been lucky enough to be here during their annual
Heiva. With is a celebration and resurgence of Polynesian culture. A
festival "village" has been built in town with restaurants, fun stalls, and a
large stadium where the dancing and singing events occur. Each town (5) is
represented by a large troupe of up to 140 people who compete in dancing
and singing events. The costumes, music and dance moves are quite something to
see. ..and hear. Drumming is BIG in Polynesia!
 If this was a video, you would see some extraordinary hip
swaying and shaking! Part of the Heiva is also a number of sporting events -
the most important being the canoe races for both men and women. They have all
sizes, from singles and doubles to the incredibly fast 12 man
boats. Today we watched this team win, with some very nicely built
men amongst them!
 Again we have been seeing cruisers that we
have met before - enjoying their company and doing stuff together. So far
we have seen Encantado; Gray Matter; Mary Powell; Shadow; Chaotic Harmony
and True Blue. A few days ago we "circumnavigated" the island with our dinghies
and then popped into Bloody Mary's for a quick drink .. great view
they have!
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