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!
!
