There are many corners of this world that deserve praise for their beauty and splendor. But very few rise so spectacularly from the ocean floor as does Polynesia.   The islands are mystical, magical and leave you with a sense of wonder and beauty that we have not matched in our travels throughout the globe.   This was to be 10 days of rest and pampered treatment.   However, as is our trend it ended up as 10 days of nonstop activity and exploration.

We started out on the island of Tahiti, docked at the capital city of Papetee for our first two days.   We arrived on Hawaiian Airlines after a comfortable flight from Los Angeles and were whisked away to our awaiting ship and cabin on board the R4, operated by Renaissance Cruises.   We spent the first day strolling about, shopping and picking up tickets to the Heiva 2000, a month long Island celebration of Dance, Art, Sport and Agriculture.   The Dance competition was being held just a short distance away and we scurried out after dinner to take it in with the locals.

  The next day brought a warm sun rise and Bastille Day.   A perfect day for traveling around the Island and taking in the sights.   But our first stop was to the Heiva Art/Craft show where our senses were delighted from displays of tribal talent and the lines of beauty.   We picked up a Tapa, which is a canvas made from local tree bark, pounded into shape and then adorned with Polynesian graphics,   such as a Turtle or Tattoo pattern.   From here we proceeded to take in the spectacular scenery as we rounded the island.   Stop off to swim under a waterfall, see a blow hole and stroll through a Botanical Garden made for a wonderful day of leisure.   We returned under the cover of darkness and a pounding rainstorm to catch dinner and push off the dock to our next island of adventure, Moorea