Tahiti 2018

Here we are again, beautiful Tahiti. This trip is in several parts as the WiFi is dodgy. 

We booked this trip online and found one week out from departure that Lance had booked accomodation to start on the wrong date (International date line and all that). A phone call to the company we booked through revealed that we had cancelled our accommodation? Very strange considering we had a confirmation number and had paid $3800. A quick plan needed to be hatched and this fell upon Lance's sister who is a travel agent. 

Our Air New Zealand flight left at 6:30pm and after a four and a half hour flight we arrived in Papeete at 2am. We had, had an upgrade to a sky seat on the flight so were well rested but also ready for a bed. The Manava hotel is reasonably central with a 15 minute drive from the airport. The room is large with lounge, kitchen and seperate bedroom and a large balcony with a peep of the sea.

A complication - I googled the plug type before coming and it said 3 different plugs, so I brought the 3 different converters. We always travel with a plug bank so that we can charge many devices at once. But! The converter that I brought only has 2 holes on the female side and our power bank has 3 prongs ahhhhh. Luckily our Apple charger has 2 prongs and we have a battery pack as well. Phew! And best of all my hair straiteners have only 2 prongs. 

Next morning we set off for the ferry to the magnificent island of Moorea. We felt pretty relaxed being amongst the organised chaos when we disembarked. Tourists stand staring frantically around looking for luggage and transport and the local people pick them out and gently steer them in the right direction. 

So far, so good, Sofitel.

We have stayed at many hotels and resorts in the past and have always had to stand at the counter for check in.  Not at the Sofitel, we were guided to comfortable chairs and given a pineapple juice whilst they ran backwards and forwards with the relevant paperwork.  Our room was not ready so we had lunch beside the water. Tuna tatare for me and croquet monsieur for Lance. 

Our room or fare (like whare) is fantastic, spacious with the bed aimed at the beach for morning views. The bathroom is huge with a wide shower that has glass doors leading to the outdoor tub with another rainforest shower. This is where I have to take my showers just because I can. It is 20 short paces to the turquoise blue beach. I am in heaven. 

Quickly sorting ourselves out we slipped into the water, the temperature was perfect not too hot and not too cold and of course crystal clear. Because it is quite salty, it is very easy to just lay on your back and float around. There are plenty of sun loungers so no need to squabble or save with a towel. Dotted around the bay are coral reefs and what are best described as clumps. Standing in the water we have had fish come within centimetres of our feet and legs with one even having a wee taste of Lance! We do have our goggles but hardly need to use them as the water is crystal clear. Further along the beach there are large canvas pillows to lie on and cabana style loungers. And it would be remiss of me to leave out the beach bar for cold beer, cocktails lunch etc. Funny enough though our first beers were from Samoa!

Wandering down to the restaurant we came upon a little place offering a 'Kberet. We booked a table and went for a pre-dinner drink; we had been told to return promptly at 7pm.

Gathered at the entrance were small group of people and we were welcomed into a small circular room with white curtained walls and a sandy floor. Hanging in front of us from long white fabric and sitting in a hoop was a beautiful woman pouring champagne as we shuffled by holding our glasses high. Sitting on a table was a guy in dark glasses playing some soulful jazz on a saxophone. 

Soon it was time to enter the restaurant, also swathed in white curtains and with a sandy floor. The elegantly set tables were scattered around the room creating an exotic and intimate feeling. 

Throughout the evening we were entertained by the acrobatic woman dangling from ribbons and the saxophonist. The food was fabulous and Lance was in his element when the huge scallop was served (especially when I don't like scallops so he got two). 

Toilet escapade

The toilets were located off the first curtained room and those that know me well know that I am terrible at finding my way in new or strange surroundings, especially with a few drinks on board. Needless to say I pulled back the white curtain that I presumed was the restaurant but ended up in the curtained kitchen, oops. 

The setting was great, however after a while both of us were getting a little twitchy, we turned to each other simultaneously and said "my feet are getting eaten alive". Even now a day later my feet a still rubbing against each other trying to satisfy the itch. Lance nipped back to the room and got the mozzie spray and we lathered ourselves. 

It was a great night and something very different to anything that we have experienced before.