Jacaranda Journey

Showing the large Polynesian Triangle. Within it is French Polynesia, the size of Europe with 3%of it being land.

Six inhabited islands - 3 in the south, 3 in the north

Dramatic volcanic landscapes in the Marquesas

The archipelago flies 3 flags: Marquesan, Polynesian, and French

Tiare flower behind her ear, long flowing hair, flower crown, carved bone earring, tattoos

Nuku Hiva (photo: leeabbamonte.com)

Metropolitan Museum of Art's groundbreaking exhibit showing historical engraving of Marquesan man on the catalogue cover (1813 by W. Tilenau, artist on A.Krusenstern's voyage of 1804)

1813 by W. Tilenau, artist on A.Krusenstern's voyage of 1804

It spread from the Marquesas to Easter Island and Hawaii

Approaching Tahuata Island on June 10 after 3 weeks at sea in our Puddle Jump from Galapagos

Lots of cowrie shells found beach combing

Ella and Millie from svMuneera follow a manta ray

The position of their cephalopods means they are feeding in these plankton rich waters

The identifying pattern underneath is as unique as a fingerprint. You can also see the gills clearly.

Research has shown that they distinguish divers by eyesight - so we always smile at them when they come close to eyeball us

About 5 feet across, these mantas were much smaller than the 18-footers we rode in the Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico

As seen from the village of Hapitoni

Royal Road

Royal Road with archeological religious site on the right

Palm frond fence

Picking breadfruit

Playing petanque (lawn bowling). Our two French cruiser friends, Serge and Gerard (left) are quite at home.

Lots of people were wearing League T-shirts

Children fishing for prizes

Elementary schools exist on each island. The only high school is in Tahiti and their middle school is in Hiva Oa so the older kids are gone from their families all year and only return on holidays.

Women making flower crowns for their hair (hei)

People from other Tahuata towns who come for the festival bed down in the school building - there are no hotels.

Cook's in the kitchen preparing a free public dinner for everyone in attendance

Church in the evening during the free public dinner

The little ones are so loved and shared by everyone

At the church service on Sunday mornings, women wear their flowered crowns. The singing is wonderful!

All the island schoolteachers seem to speak english

Their birthday/happy landing dinner on Jacaranda with crowns and Hand-steering awards

Bay with the Aranui