After two months in French Polynesia it’s time to move on. We have had a nice time here and visit three different archipelagos. Marquises with its mountain landscape; Tuamotus with its low laying motus and crystal clear water; Society islands with its mix of those two. It’s hard to make one of them to a winner when each on have something special. Marquises and Tuamotus will be remembered for its people and theirs hospitality. Society islands will we remember for its paradise views/sights: High mountains surrounded by a lagoon in different nuance of blue.
Unfortunately but not unexpected, French Polynesia is very expensive. We found it most expensive in Marquises and least expensive in Papeete. Our biggest expense has been petrol much depending on all motoring between and around the islands. Food is expensive but it is possible to find cheaper brands. Baguette is cheap (50 XPF) everywhere but to get one you have to be early. After 08 AM there’s no left. The shops are often closed between 12-15.
The villages and buildings does mostly look the same no matter where in French Polynesia you are. One type of house is seen more common. On the backyard you will often see a pig tied to a tree waiting to grew and become food. Everywhere you go you’ll see or hear roosters or chickens. In their gardens there are a lot of fruit trees: Mango, banana, Papaya, breadfruit etc. It is often possible to find some wild growing fruits too. The roads are mostly good but we think the speed limits are to high especially when they exceed it the same road you are walking on. In Papeete there are sidewalks and the traffic (and everything else) is like a big city elsewhere.
In the beginning we were a little bit surprised how well people seemed to have it especially when there isn’t a core industry. Cell phones, Internet, nice cars, sort of modern equipped house etc. what we have heard the people get a monthly payment from France. How much depends on some factors.
The most popular sport seems to be paddling canoe because it doesn’t matter when or where we are. They are there too! There are also many local sailboats. We are not very fond of the powerboats because nowhere else are they driving so fast and close to us sailboats. A very big contrast what we experienced in Panama.
