Two Tickets to Paradise

David and I had been talking about taking a trip someplace tropical since we got back from New York. After that wintery urban experience, we were ready for a swimsuit-and-sand vacation! So on Monday, July 23, 2001, we took an overnight flight from L.A. to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, on the island of Tahiti. From there we took a ferry to the neighboring island of Moorea; less developed than Tahiti, Moorea has dramatic mountains and picturesque bays.

(Click on the thumbnail to see a larger picture)

	We stayed at the Club Bali Hai, owned by the "Bali Hai Boys"--three Americans who started the tourism industry in Tahiti back in the early '60's. It's not as fancy as some of the newer hotels, but we loved its laid-back, historic charm, not to mention its spectacular views of Cook's Bay. This is the view from our balcony, looking out over the pool and tiki bar. Pretty nice, huh?
	On our first full day in Moorea, we took a lagoon tour that included shark-feeding (we were spectators, not participants), swimming with bat rays, and a barbecue picnic on a motu (a small islet in the lagoon). Note the color of the water.
	This peak, one of many that ring the island, is usually considered the "Bali Hai" of "South Pacific" fame. This picture was taken from Oponohu Bay.
	David looking all hunky during our lagoon tour. That's Bali Hai in the background. We've just been snokeling with black-tipped sharks, and in a few minutes we'll be cavorting with some large rays.
	We took a 4 x 4 (open jeep) tour of the island interior which culminated in a slippery climb up to a waterfall. On the way we saw pineapple plantations, ancient temple ruins and some spectacular views from the hills.
	Our hotel had arranged for a very good Tahitian dance troupe to perform for its guests once a week. Afterwards, they invited the audience to take pictures with the dancers. David feigned reluctance, but allowed himself to be persuaded...
	Later in the week, we went to a dinner and dance show at the Tiki Village, a sort of hippie-artist-commune where all the dancers live together and practice traditional Tahitian handicrafts. I got my chance to pose with some friendly natives too.
	This is the only public beach on Moorea (technically, all the beaches are public, but getting access is another matter). We enjoyed some incredible snorkeling here, and also fended off several attacks from an irate triggerfish.
	The day we left, we had to catch an early morning ferry back to Papeete. David snapped this shot of me as I was trying to take a picture of the sunrise.
	It rained all day our last day on Moorea. As if in apology, we witnessed this huge double rainbow, which completely spanned the bay, the morning we left.