French Polynesia

















A Dream Come True
Whenever I had to talk about where I’d end my life story and just live in peace, I’d certainly spoken of an island that was quiet, beautiful and car-free – simply away from the modern world. I’d fish and gather fruit to survive.
And this island exists. It is Bora Bora, one of the world's most famous islands.
But yet I experienced isolation on the island.
I had to look closely to find my way around the island without being affected by feelings of exile. And fortunately I stumbled upon a campsite on the island surrounded by coral reefs – which was simply the most beautiful place I came across during my travels.
Starting the day early with a swim in the clear waters, I usually ate “coffee” – a Polynesian term which refers to the brunch where everything is spread out on the table, including a buttered baguette with cheese and the night’s dinner.
Then, I’d go by boat to the main island’s shops to replenish the supplies for the restaurant I helped out at. At other times, I spent the morning reading and working on architectural designs for a new development of the camping site.
And so the days went on, as do my relationship with nature, moments of isolation and inspiration from books by Confucius amongst other.
Ever so often, I’d like nothing changed and for time to stop.
But the journey must continue.
Moments
August, Sept 2012
Did you know...
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- The official languages of the country are both Tahitian and French.
- There are 118 islands and atolls spread out over five archipelagos.
- Most Polynesians believe the mythical island of Hawaiki, today known as Raiatea, rose from the bottom of the ocean and was the beginning of all life on Earth.
- The over-water bungalow was invented in the islands of Tahiti 45 years ago.
- The Islands of Tahiti is the only country in the world to have a winery, Vin du Tahiti, on a coral atoll.
- The word "tattoo" originated in French Polynesia. The legend of Tohu, the god of tattoo, talks about painting all the fish in the ocean and showing their vibrant colors and designs. In Polynesian culture, tattoos are thought to be signs of beauty, and were ceremoniously applied to the body as a celebration of adolescence in earlier times.
- Mount Temehani on the island of Raiatea is home to the Tiare Apetahi flower. This flower will not grow anywhere else in the world, despite botanists having tried to replant it for centuries.