This post was written back in September, blame nonexistent internet for the delay!
“GRANDMA and GRANDDAD! Today is the day!” exclaims Teo before he even has his eyes open. This happens for at least three or four days before the day actually arrives and the anticipation is palpable as we all waited, rather impatiently for them to arrive. We are so humbled and flattered and happy that they were keen to make an epic journey to see us! We found them in their paradise suite with a view of the garden and the sea at the Manava hotel. We enjoyed a lot of time around their suite, making ourselves at home and using the hotel facilities, Teo had a bath and long shower every day and we took care of lots of jobs that need internet. We enjoyed the happy hour cocktails with the views of Moorea and we enjoyed daily trips to the pools (both fresh and salt water) where Teo turned his hair green and made friends with Ralf, the pool guy. The place was perfect for lunches and light dinners and relaxing together and catching up. Teo loves his grandparents and playing with granddad and reading with grandma were his favourite parts of the visit. I think the three of them thoroughly enjoyed their mornings on their own.
We rented a car and explored Tahiti with its volcanoes, caves, black sand beaches and tikis.These islands are rich in history and the people have been so connected to their environment. It is lovely to see the traces of it everywhere. We visited the museum that is well worth a visit and sheds light on the islands and their history and culture.
We went into the city of Papeete one day and checked out the market which is lined with Polynesian fabric covered tables full of tourist wares and stands with local fish and fruits and the outside perimeter is lined with more Polynesian fabrics or tables full of artistry. We soaked up the impromptu ukulele concert and stood a long time and watched the ladies making crowns and leis of fragrant flowers. And of course there are pearls EVERYwhere. We visited the pearl museum as well and got some insight into the process that results in Tahitian pearls.
Our drives included most of the perimeter of the figure eight that is comprised of Tahiti Nui (big Tahiti) and Tahiti Iti (little Tahiti). I had to write that because I love to say it, Tahiti Iti. We went all the way down to the location of the professional surf contest at Teahupoo and on the way ate an incredible lunch at Plage de Maui. We enjoyed lovely sea food with our toes in the sand watching humpback whales playing in the pass. We also got out to stretch our legs at the botanical garden on the way back.
Another day we went up the East Coast where we went to Venus Point with its lighthouse designed by Robert Louis Stephenson’s father, Thomas Stephenson. It was where crew of one of Cook’s expeditions tracked the movement of Venus in front of the sun aiding the development of modern navigation. We also experienced the typical weather they have there, and it rained all day. This was not the day for a picnic but it adds to the story and there was nothing wrong with the atmosphere as we enjoyed our grilled tuna at the beach at the end of the road at TePari.
We had plenty of low key meals in the suite at the Manava and one evening we splurged with a wonderful meal at a great little place called the Blue Banana. In a parallel universe this would be our local. You should have seen the look on Teo’s face when they told him frog legs and snails were on the menu, but in the end I think he was happy with his pizza. Everyone enjoyed their choices and after dinner we went to watch a show of Polynesian dancing with drums and fire at the Intercontinental.
Zoom zoom the week rushed by and we were hugging them goodbye, oh how heartbreaking the goodbyes are! REALLY wish we could be in multiple places at once!