Bora Bora Wasn't Boring

My quest for getting in the ocean water in French Polynesia was almost completed in Tahiti.  I got close.  Well, today it actually happened!  I got in the ocean water.  Yippee!!

Bora Bora is called the “Pearl of the Pacific.”  Ocean waves brush the barrier reef that protects the turquoise blue waters of the lagoon that surround the island.  Locals pronounce the name as Pora Pora as there is no B sound in their language.  The airport is located on a motu (an outer island) and one has to take a water taxi to the main island.   So what is the attraction of Bora Bora?  Beautiful hotels on sandy beaches (many which are closed due to a poor economy), and scuba diving and snorkeling – anything water related. 

The day was hot and humid, and overcast.  We went to town via tender.  There isn’t much here in the town; there are pearl shops, a few souvenir shops selling pareos, a grocery store (very expensive), a gas station and a police station.  We walked around town, poked our heads into shops; I was looking for a blouse or shirt to wear in this hot and humid climate as I did not bring enough of the right kinds shirts.  If there was something resembling a sidewalk, cars were parked on it, forcing pedestrians to walk out in the street.  I swear, the drivers were having a ball playing dodge human beings. 

Main Street

Unusual flower with thorns -- very beautifull

During our walk about, it started to rain, which cooled the air but increased the humidity.  The rain didn’t last very long.  We were hot and sweaty (is there a theme here?) so we headed back to the ship to change into swimsuits and head out to the ship sponsored beach and BBQ day. 

The seas were very choppy as we road in a pontoon boat over to an island where the BBQ was being held.  Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a local blowing a conch shell and others playing guitars and singing. 

I took off looking for the perfect place to sand and surf (no surf here, but that sounds good).  It was pretty windy so we went to the leeward side of the island.  We set up shop and I headed for the water.  At home, I had taken out my aqua sox to pack, but took them out at the last minute to save packing weight.  I sure was sorry about that decision, because to get to the good water, we had to walk out over a rocky bottom. 

We were warned that this beach was shallow, and and they weren’t kidding.  I floated out over the rocks and used my hands to propel me forward for at least ¼ mile -- and the water was only up to my knees!   We finally got past the rocks and hit the sand bottom.  We were waaay out from shore and were in waist deep water.  We kept on going and finally got to where we could stand and the water came up to my chin.   Ah, finally, bobbing around in the beautiful aquamarine waters.  The temperature of the water was almost too warm. 

This is the beach we swam in

The island

We never did see the sun.  And of course, it was time to feed again.  You could see the lemmings heading for the picnic area.  I could have stayed out longer, but Michael decided he was hungry and was ready to eat again.  So we headed back to shore and I repeated the “floating over the rocks using my hands to propel me” technique. 

Lunch was OK.  It was set up and delivered by the Hilton hotel as the ship was not allowed to bring any food items off the ship.  These islands are very careful about the agricultural items they allow.  After lunch, we noticed dark, stormy clouds on the horizon.  The wind has increased and it was not such a nice day for laying about on the beach, so we decided to go back to the ship.  I had my ocean swim so I was very happy. 

See people congregating to eat.  Notice pine trees.

 After we returned to the ship and showered, Michael went to play bridge.  We made a great decision to return when we did, because the heavens let loose and boy did it rain.  Remember, they have to collect rain water because there is no fresh water on these islands. 

The ship weighed anchor around 6pm and after clearing the reef, we were out in ocean waters – and BAM, the seas were huge – around 12-15 feet.  It was going to be a bumpy night.

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Editors Note:  I am writing about yesterday at Bora Bora today, a sea day.  The night out of Bora Bora was rocky, noisy, and I didn’t get any sleep.  Apparently, there is a storm causing the high swells and seas.  It has been a rocky day aboard ship all day and it looks like more of the same tomorrow.  We may not be able to anchor at our next port, Rarotonga, because of the bad sea conditions.  The captain will determine if we have to skip this port at 6 am.  It is unsafe to tender when the sea conditions are rough.