Mark's Pages

October 19 – 21, 2005. Raiatea, French Polynesia.

Raiatea was the center of Polynesian religion during ancient times. The most sacred marae was here, where priests from all over the Pacific came. It is from Raiatea that the epic migration canoes departed for Rarotonga, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Hawaii.

A new cruise ship landing has been built at Uturoa, the island's only town. When the ships are in, the single block surrounding the landing is crowded with tourists. With that exception, the island is highly untouristed. There's just one resort, and a handful of smaller pensions. Driving out to the west side is like going back in time: people say, This is the Polynesia of 100 years ago.

I loved it, but I was injured and feeling it.

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