Tahiti

Well we have returned the campervan on Sunday and are now at the airport waiting for the flight to our next destination.

Today we are off to Tahiti which is a four and a half hour flight. All goes well and we arrive on time at Papeete airport at 9.45 pm on Saturday. We have crossed the International Date Line so have gone back in time which is very strange. We get picked up at the airport by the owners of the apartment which is great as we have no idea where we are going and it's the early hours of Sunday so transport is a bit difficult to find. We soon settle in and it's off to bed for a good night's sleep.

Day 2

Today we have a nice lie in, take it easy and do some washing and enjoy the view from the apartment which has a view of the mountains behind us and the sea in front of us.

That afternoon we walk down the hill to the beach and the local marina where there are some very nice multi million pound yachts moared. We sit in a little bar overlooking the marina and watch the world go by.

Its pretty quiet here so we continue along the road to see what else there is and eventually come to a big supermarket which also has a few shops within it but there isn't much going on there either so stroll back towards our apartment and back to a different part of the marina where we came from.

Its now about 5pm and we find a much nicer bar and restaurant at the far end of the marina and sit for a while with a beer and watch the world go by. By 6pm the sun has set and the bar is getting busy and the restaurant opens so we stay here for dinner. The food is good and the place has a nice atmosphere and we have a lovely relaxing evening.

Day 3

Today we have another lie in and then breakfast. Andrew has organized a car for us for tomorrow and whilst doing this realizes that we have booked various accommodation and our car hire from Los Angeles with the wrong dates due to the International Date Line issue so he spends part of the day trying to amend these, how annoying.

Later on that day we go for a walk back down to the beach and explore in the opposite direct to yesterday. It's a bit disappointing and there's not a lot to see so it's back to the marina area to have a drink and get some food to take back to the apartment as we are going to have a night in and a roast chicken dinner.

Day 4

Its another relaxed start to the day and the car we have booked turns up at 10 o'clock as arranged, yippy.

After sorting our last accommodation issues for our next stop for Las Vegas we are ready to head out and explore the Island.

First we head to Papeete which is the main town on the island where we have a walk along the harbour front and through the gardens. In the gardens there are some nice carved stone statues, nice water features and pavilion buildings with traditional reed roofing. Under the trees there are some women practising the hula hula dance in colourful grass skirts.

We continue into the town and into the market which is quite colourful with all the vegetables and bright clothing shops.

Apart from that there isn't much to see so it's back in the car and off again and we head to Venus Point where there is a lighthouse. This site is also the first place that Captain Cook set foot on the island. There is a lovely beach here but the sand is grey and there are a few fishing boats.

From here we head along the coast road which has the sea on one side and the mountains on the other, it's quite beautiful.

We eventually come to Teahupoo which is on the further point west you can go on the island. The area is known for surfing but the currents are very strong and dangerous here and have been known to claim lives of those who are not experienced.

We continue on our journey and just up the road from here Andrew notices a little bar/restaurant which is right on the edge of the water.

It's a great find with a beautiful view across the water and surrounding beach. We go inside and get a table which is right next to the wall which you can look over and see straight into the water below.

The water is so clear you can see the coral reef and right to the bottom. The water is teaming with lots of fish of different shapes, sizes and colours. Its like starring into a tropical fish tank, and a great way to spend half an hour or so just watching the fish whilst we enjoy a drink.

From here we continue our journey west along the coast road and back to Punaauia where we have been staying. There wasn't much else to see on the way back apart from the sea on one side of us and the mountains on the other. The sun is now setting and it will soon be dark.

We head back to the Marina as this seems to be the only decent place around here. We go back to the Dingy Bar, It's full but luckily they manage to squeeze us in. Again we have a lovely meal here and there is a good atmosphere. Andrew has the chicken tagliatelle which I had the other night and I have a lasagne and salad followed by profitaroles and ice cream.

Well that's the end of our day so it's back to the apartment and time for bed. Having the car for a day was certainly the best thing to do and means we have been able to see a lot more of the island. It been a great day.

Day 5

Well it's our last day here and we have decided to have a lazy day by the pool and enjoy the sunshine. We have got to wait in anyway for the car to be picked up and pack our bags, tidy up etc.

It has been a nice few days here but we wouldn't rush back. You need a car to go exploring as public transport is unreliable and there is not a lot to do near by. However the apartment was lovely with great views and a nice pool.

Looking forward to our next stop Los Angeles and Vegas.