Bora Bora

Tuesday 30^th September 2014

If Papeete is Paradise, I’m not sure what Bora Bora is!

Heaven on earth could be it.

I am sure all of you have seen photos of this beautiful oasis, and not truly believed that it is possible and that perhaps they were enhanced.

But I can honestly and gladly admit that to even try to enhance any photos of Bora Bora and its magnificent lagoon would be sacrilege, unless you are lousy photographer.

Our day (mum & I) started out slowly as our first tour wasn’t till 11.45 am, so I had a big Breakfast as I knew once our first tour ended we would be queuing up for the next one. But first we had to collect a tender ticket, and then wait for our number to be called. It seemed to take ages, but probably wasn’t, just concerned that perhaps we didn’t allow enough time.

It turned out that it was probably just enough, if we were any later. Well it doesn’t matter now.

Our tour number was called and we were led to our transport, which happened to be a 21 ft. Bay Deck liner. I took a seat up the front, only as the ones at the back which were covered were taken. There were 8 of us and our driver Tava took us out to the Coral Reef which ringed the Lagoon, although there is only 1 spot that was a channel which allows marine traffic in and out. Tava spoke about the lagoon and about the Motu’s (little islands) that were used by the locals on weekends and holidays. The majority of the Motu are owned, but you are able to seek permission to stay or visit, as long as you treat it with respect and clean up after yourself. It would be a true camping experience as there is no electricity or running water.

As we left the dock the water was a pretty blue, but the closer we got to Motu Tapu the colour was changing from a deep blue to a lighter blue. At one point we could count at least 5 different shades.

We were taken around to the other side of the island, where we saw the over water bungalows which Bora Bora is renowned for, a magical sight. I was awestruck by the beauty of my surroundings and I am so hoping my photos will convey what I saw.

We were then taken to a spot over some coral, where 4 passenger’s snorkelled over the coral and got to see some beautiful fish. Mum and I chose not to. After the others got back into the boat we headed off to another spot where they got to stand in waist deep water which was so clear, it was unbelievable. Tava produced a bottle of rum and cut up some local fruit which he offered to all of us. It was a wonderful tour which spoiled Mum & I for our tour around the Island by Le Truck which followed shortly after disembarking. It was interesting to see from another perspective, and yes I got even more photos a total of over 300 for the day.

By the end of the bus trip mum and I were tired and red from sunburn.

We were lucky as there was a tender boarding when we got back.

Bora Bora was a busy port today with Wind Spirit and another Cruise ship (Paul Gaugin), although smaller than the Radiance sharing the lagoon.

Our guides told us that Bora Bora was a volcano and that the lagoon was the crater.

Mum and I have been going to each nights show in the Aurora Theatre which has been very enjoyable and a wide variety of entertainers have performed for us. Tonight’s entertainer was Jonathan Clark who had mum laughing so much and me too, although there were some who left shortly after he started, everyone is entitled to dislike something or someone.