February 3, 2017

After 5 days at sea, everyone was happy to see land here.  We arrived late in the day as expected and it was a tender port, so that means that they lower usually 3 of the lifeboats and take us in groups to the shore.  It was pretty choppy but we made it in to see the port.

This is the largest of the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia.  We had a very weird 30 minute time change – ahead, before this port.  Some people got very confused!

There wasn’t much going on, but we walked to the small and charming church and also saw the black volcanic beach.  It started to get dark before we left to go back to the ship.  Here are some pictures of this beautiful volcanic island.  Lots of mountains, and most of the places here are only accessible by boat.

the tender port as we were getting ready to go back to the ship

Beautiful carvings in the church courtyard

View of the harbor

After we got back to the ship, there was a wonderful presentation by local dancers and drummers.  We were so lucky to see this, it was because we came late and stayed late. Normally this show is only available to those who are in port overnight.  They were really terrific.  It was hard to get shots without people in the front of the stage so you don’t really get the effect but it gives you an idea. One of the pictures shows me up there dancing, they picked several of us out of the audience!  I couldn’t make the picture any lighter. There are friends on board who apparently have video to share with me.  I doubt I can upload it though, maybe when we are on land!

My dancing debut!

Tomorrow is a sea day before the next French Polynesian port, Rangiroa.