I have no desire whatsoever to visit Tahiti or any other sun-drenched locales. Is this normal? Upon receiving tickets, one might assume everyone would immediately yearn to go.
I felt the same way. Why? Because I’ve already traveled extensively across Europe, America, Asia, and Africa—Oceania was the only continent left unexplored.
From May to June last year, I spent precisely 28 days in French Polynesia, not just in Tahiti.
I harbored prejudices: that it would be flashy and garish. Yet, it proved otherwise!
Having lived in Saint-Tropez for eight years, I know it differs greatly…
The landscapes are breathtaking, the sea’s clarity akin to a vast pool, abundant vegetation, Polynesian natural kindness, warmth, and hospitality prevail.
Everything remains authentic there. No trendy bars, blaring music, influencers, fashionable girls, or ostentatious individuals.
People live in shorts or dresses; on Sundays, women dress up to attend church.
We followed a path around the islands, visiting Papeete, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Maupiti, Rangiroa, Fakarava (two uninhabited atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago), and Moorea.
I’ve already discussed this on Quora.
I had an unforgettable stay, but now live in the warm, beautiful South of France.
I was moved when boarding the return flight, despite being seasoned in travel.
Upon being presented with the stunning scenery upon landing, I found myself marveling at the sight!
Welcomed with a lei of fresh, fragrant flowers 😍 and bid farewell with a seashell necklace as a keepsake.
It’s like stepping into a postcard brought to life by reality 🙂
Indeed, the sands of Polynesia are coral-based; the sand here at this resort is imported.
Oh, it does rain in Tahiti. Without it, nature wouldn’t be this lush 🙂
There are cows, though only on Moorea.
Mountains are present.
You can climb and hike.
While vegetation is plentiful everywhere, only coconut trees grow on the atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago. Ah, what a pity 🙂
Moorea has them too.
Beneath the sea lies a marvelous world of nature easily seen with underwater goggles.
Beautifully colored fish.
I’ve noted down their names.
And just a few meters from the shore (harmless) blacktip sharks.
You can swim in the beautiful lagoon.
Swimming is possible without a swimsuit 🤣
You can enjoy delicious Tahitian-style fish dishes 😂 😋
The food is delicious.
However, restaurants are pricey, around 20 euros per dish (in Pacific francs, the currency of Tahiti).
If you’re not into fish, New Zealand-imported beef is also delicious 😋
You can see some of the world’s most beautiful tattoos here too.
Sometimes, travel is by taxi boat.
People are relaxed and cheerful, fond of festivals, rising with the morning sun and retiring with the sunset 🤣. Shops close early, shutting by 5 PM. Even in Papeete, stores are closed on weekends!
There’s no rowdy nightlife!
The only downside is that living costs in Polynesia are high. Food and accommodation are pricey!
If you can get your hands on a ticket, definitely go! It’s a 22-hour flight including a 2-hour layover in the US, but you won’t regret landing in this paradise.
You should stay for at least three weeks.
Many French people settle here and never want to leave 🥰
But hey, have you already ventured out of mainland France or your own region?
If you’re gifted a trip, it might just be the perfect opportunity! 😂