Raiatea rises as the religious center of the Polynesian culture.   Legend has it that Raiatea and Taha'a were the first islands settled by Tahitian ancestors.   It is thought that the religious stone platforms called Marae built here are revered by the islanders.   It has also been said that all other Marae's throughout the islands have as their cornerstone a rock from Marae Taputapuatea, the largest in French Polynesia.   Raiatea also is the middle leg of the Hawaiki Nui canoe race that starts on Huahine and ends on Bora Bora each October.   The 116 KM of paddling over three days in open seas ends with thousands of spectators lining the beach, drummers pounding out encouraging rhythms and the paddlers greeted with flower leis

We arrived early morning and were on our way to an 4x4 tour of the island perimeter and interior.   One of our first stops was to see local fishermen drying out their nets and some of the spectacular lures that were made with mother of pearl shells.   The lagoon is dotted with small structures that are part of the booming black pearl cottage industry.   As Tahitian pearls have become known worldwide, local families are getting into cultivation on a small scale.   We then proceeded to drive up some rather wet and steep trails to soak in   wonderful vistas from the center of the island while snacking on fresh coconut, fruits and juice.   Ahhh what a life.   Next stop was the Marae and a glimpse into early Polynesian religion on this island.

The Marae picture to your right was the ceremonial platform to crown a new king.   Once pronounced the new ruler, usually after a long and bloody battle, the new leader would then be lifted on to the upright stone for all the island natives to see.   Sort of puts   perspective into our globally orientated world of today.   The flora and fauna were intoxicating anywhere you ventured.   There were tiny delicate flowers and massive dense tropical jungles, and this was all back dropped against the deep blue and green colors of the Pacific.   It was color overload.   During our drive around the island, we were greeted by a busload of Tahitian school children on their yearly two week trip to another island.   This is a part of the regular curriculum that gives all the Tahitian children the opportunity to live on other islands and gain an understanding of their island cousins .   Not a bad idea for the rest of the world.

  The next day brought on some cloudy skies, but it did not deter us form taking a Pirogue ride in the lagoon to explore a cool water river flowing from the interior and then head out to the coral reef for snorkeling.   As we started out, we knew good luck would come our way as we came across an active pod of Spinner Dolphins cavorting in the bay.   Our guides knew the territory and we were treated to a quiet spot with lots to see.   Especially the Moray Eel protecting its coral reef cave.   Off to the coral reef as we took a cautious walk along to see the life forms that exist on the island perimeter.   Sea Slugs, Sea Anemones, Coral Clusters and Blue Lip Clams were there to take in.   It was a great experience, but given the fragile nature of the Tahitian reefs we will skip that portion next time.   The rain then came down and sent us scurrying back to the Pirogue and a return to our ship.   As we showered and came out on to the balcony, a rainbow greeted us in tropical fashion.     Now it was time to head on to Bora Bora