Tantalizing Tahiti

We docked in Pape'ete and took the walking excursion to tour the little city of some 27,000 people. Humid, warm ... typical for this latitude.

My initial impression was that the town was a little run down. But it was surely alive!

Our first stop was the Tahiti City Hall. This impressive building, opened in 1990, is a replica of Queen Pomare's mansion who ruled in 1845 when Tahiti became a French Protectorate. The City Hall is the office of the mayor of Pape'ete. Leaving this impressive building, we ambled by the Catholic Cathedral.

Next, we shopped at the Pape'ete Market, a fun and colorful experience.

We visited two jungle-lush botanical gardens on the walking excursion!

In the afternoon, we took a long coach excursion that included the Vaipai Gardens and the Gauguin Restaurant. The gardens, including a picturesque waterfall, were absolutely gorgeous!Read more