Taking only photographs – leaving only footprints
Wondering the streets of new cities, looking for things to photograph is something I enjoy very much. Despite being in French Polynesia for nine days and nights I was only on the main island of Tahiti for my first night and last day in the country. The above mural was taken in the capital city of Papeete. It was on a corner of building that housed on of the many tourist gift shops. The shop was just a couple of blocks inland from the main harbour.
This was the first tiny islands you come to arriving in Bora Bora by plane. The airport is located on it’s own separate island. To get to the town or any of the resorts and accommodation requires a boat trip. I captured this from the ferry taking travellers from Vaitape to the airport. It was one of the last of my photographs of Bora Bora but seems to capture the look and colour of the lagoon. The small statue on the left side is also an added focal point.
Aside from cycling and hiking I did little else in my time in Bora Bora, which is popular for diving and many other aquatic activities. I was fortunate enough to go on one boat trip on the lagoon. There were two guides and only three passengers on the boat. It was the best day of my brief time in French Polynesia. We went snorkelling a few times during the day in various parts of the lagoon. Even swimming with baby sharks. Here we were feeding and snorkelling with stingrays. There were dozens of them and they were extremely friendly.
Exploring Bora Bora on foot is challenging. The island is extremely mountainous and there is only one sealed road around the island (about 20 miles around). In the tropical heat a 20 mile walk was not something I was about to do. Fortunately, I borrowed a push bike and cycled about half way around the island before heading island. This was taken at 250 metres above sea level and about two miles inland. From Tereia point, we are looking down the main island to where I started my walk. Across the lagoon is the long, thin island of Matu Mute. This is were the airport is; if you look closely you can see the tarmac of the runway and the small wooden terminal building.