Today Bora Bora is world famous as a luxury holiday resort and the island’s economy is almost solely driven by tourism. This wasn’t always the case as this huge World War II cannon over looking Pofai Bay and the main town of Vaitape. The United States used the island as a military supply base for the South Pacific. There were originally seven artillery guns like this one dotted around the island to protect the base from attack. Over sixty years later much has changed for Bora Bora.
Aerial view of Bora Bora
Flying into this French Polynesia island I wasn’t sat in a good seat on the plane. On my way back I asked the flight attendant for a good window seat. The window was pretty dirty but the lagoon and barrier reef from the air is stunning. In this photograph we see the luxury five star overwater villas of the InterContinental Resort. Here we can see the wonderful colour and clarity of the lagoon water.
Bora Bora
On my flight out of Bora Bora I knew it would be worth trying to capture a few snap shots through the plane window. Of course, despite sitting on the correct side of the aircraft the window was very dirty. This is the main island of Bora Bora from the north side just after take off. Looking down on Vairou Bay and the beautifully turquoise colour of the lagoon. Ariel photography is something I really enjoy, as I like flying. It is sadly, something I rarely get a chance to do. My camera is usually stowed away in the bag.
Notre Dame Cathedral, Tahiti
Close to the waterfront esplanade is this brightly coloured cathedral. It is of course named after its famous Parisian counterpart. Completed in 1875 it is not only the oldest Catholic church in Tahiti but also one of last remaining examples of early colonial architecture. The yellow walls, red roof and red steeple stand out very well against the blue sky. Being in the centre of the capital city it is hard to capture a photograph of the church without other people in the frame.