Taha'a

Since we have the time and since Max hasn’t been able to snorkel for a month due to her big toe injury, we returned to Taha’a to snorkel again at the Coral Gardens. Some things are worth repeating over and over and over again. What an amazing snorkel site loaded with beautiful coral and fish – the ultimate giant aquarium experience.

Sunday morning we visit the Pari Pari Rum Distillery for a tour and a taste or two. Started just 6 years ago it has grown into quite the operation. Not only does it make rum from sugar cane grown on the island, it processes coconuts, vanilla and other local plants to make balms, oils and sprays to improve your skin, heal wounds and to ward off insects. Their award winning Rum Agricole “T” – pure rum without molasses – is 55% alcohol and tastes like it. We did, however, like their vanilla, passion fruit and mystere rums. And Whitey’s most recent injury is healing fast with one of their balms.

The best part of the visit was the floating Tiki Boat Bar at the end of the dock serving rum drinks, beer and tapas. A popular spot for the local tour boats to bring their visitors, the guides not only look good and dress the part, they are musicians. Several of them grab a guitar and ukelele and start singing Tahitian songs for us. We are then joined by a large Maori family visiting from New Zealand. Proud of their Tahitian and Maori indigenous heritage and culture, and interested in each other’s, the Maori family also entertain us all with their lively music and dance. What an honor to be in the right place at the right time to witness such a display of both cultures entertaining each other. What a great way to enjoy our Sunday morning!

Glad we came back for a quick visit to Taha’a!
XO XO
Gma & Gpa