Day 10 Thursday 28 February in Papeete, Tahiti
Bonjour!
Breakfast arrived right on the dot of 7.30am. We could see the beautiful peaks and palm
trees as we glided in toward the port of Papeete the capital of Tahiti. The air
was warm and the sun shining so it was lovely to enjoy our breakfast out on the
balcony. As we approached Papeete boats,
the tug and canoes arrived to greet us.
This is another maiden port of call for Queen Elizabeth. There were
crowds on the shore taking photos of us and we were taking photos of them as we
sailed in. Captain Chris Wells backed the ship into its position alongside. He
mentioned in yesterday’s midday report that the ship could not fit in forward
so he would be reversing in.
As we had been here many times before we chose not to
venture out of town and just went for a wander.
I must say things are a little cheaper here than on our previous visits.
We purchased a few things that were priced very well. The wharf is only about
50 metres from the town so it’s easy to come and go off the ship during the
day. We came back for a late lunch in
the dining room and met others who had been out on tours and thoroughly enjoyed
the magnificent scenery and friendliness of the locals. During lunch thunder
could be heard over the mountains and a sprinkling of rain that only lasted for
about 5 minutes thankfully.
A local international Tahitian dance group put on a
magnificent show for us this afternoon.
They have won many titles around the world. Everyone, including us, loved the energy and
wonderful costumes and colours of Tahitian dancing. They received a standing
ovation at the end of their performance from a packed Royal Court theatre. I will try and upload a short video on here on
our next port.
Just before sunset we went for another little walk
around the waterfront. Can’t believe how many people are here to view the ship.
Found a couple more little pieces of local jewellery made by the local women at
a market stall we strolled to along the waterfront.
We’re now sitting out on our balcony enjoying a
pre-dinner wine overlooking the town and the hundreds of people who’ve come
down to the waterfront. We don’t sail
until 9.30pm so will have a quick dinner tonight and then up to a deck party on
the aft Lido deck for our sail away with our favourite band Synergy.
Thank you the people of Papeete for a great welcome and
wonderful farewell on a magical day.
Tomorrow we’ll be arriving in Bora Bora so will have
breakfast on the balcony again, and enjoy the view as we enter the reef which
is a fabulous sight and drop anchor in the lagoon before going ashore by
Tender.
