Bouncing around the island - and loving it!

So, bright and early we went ashore for an off-road tour of the island… and WOW!  It was great!  I think our driver is one of the reasons… great personality and loads of info.  We were gone about 3 ½ hours and probably bounced around for at least an hour of time… and we’re talking bounce!!!

So, the islands belong to France, but during the WW2, the US had lots of soldiers stationed here.  Si, our driver, told us that it the US who built much of the infrastructure for the military and consequently, the folks living here.  They also started schools for them, taught them how to earn a living besides bartering, and even brought in news ways to handle some of the illnesses they had here.  Yes, they use a lot of their native plants for healing, etc, but sometimes, you need an antibiotic.  Fortunately, the soldiers didn’t bring in any illness, etc.

They did put in 4 canons on different parts of the islands and bunkers to store ammo.  The canons are still here, but were dismantled only so that they could not be fired ever again. 

The views on top of the mountains (we would call them hills) were exquisite!  It only showcased the water and the green vegetation even more.  We went to a gentleman’s art studio in the hills.  He paints cloth with beautiful floral scenes.  His brother, mother, cousin all live on the same property.  This is something they do on the island, so property is always divided among members.  Use to be done just with word of mouth, now, of course, involved paperwork, etc.

The islands use to have 16 gods that they worshiped.  In the 1800’s missionaries came and as the natives converted, that became a thing of the past.  They use to build monuments to all 16… the photo belong shows one of those.  Now, there are no believers in that old way and the superstitions that went with it.

Oh… no cemeteries on the island… they bury their family In ground (they don’t believe in cremation… (If you want to be created, your body must be flown to New Zealand to make that happen!).  So, the family, has a crypt or two in the ground in the front yard.  As one person dies, the lid is removed and the new person added.  Warm enough here that the other body is pretty well gone by then.  Different customs for sure!

Well, don’t want to bore you, so I’ll bring this to a close.  Tomorrow Moorea, which is the island “Bali Hai” is based on!!! I can’t wait to look out our deck window tomorrow morning

 Best Donut shop on the island is what Si told us... and they were lined up

 

 Fresh Tuna... from yesterday... and the ice chest had more! 

 The road was cray cray!!!!

 Old Ammo Bunker

 Sap from the Bread Fruit Tree is used for medicinal purposes.  Freezes the muscles around the injury... 

 One of the few stones left representing the old 16 gods of the island...

 This artist was so good... vibrant, gorgeous colors!

 Our bouncy vehicle!!!!

Yes, we have us some bananas!

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