Well we’re definitely not in Kansas, Ecuador, Central America or Mexico anymore. Two dozen eggs, 1 large cucumber, 4 small tomatoes and a head of cabbage. In Ecuador that’s maybe $3.20 (probably $2.20 if you’re a local). In Panama maybe $4.50 and in Mexico probably $5.00. So what do you think that cost here in French Polynesia? $18.00. Really, it was $18.00. I am so thankful I’m only shopping for fresh fruits and veggies here.
But on the positive side, I’m starting to get used to naked people. This morning when the catamaran behind us got their anchor snagged and someone had to go in the water to tug it loose the wife did. And really, why get the whole bathing suit wet when you can just hop in with the bottoms on? We’ve been traveling with Europeans long enough now that we’re really getting quite used to people considering anchorages clothing optional.
We’re in a very very crowded anchorage in Hiva Oa today after a quick motor/sail over from Fatu Hiva yesterday. The boats in here are anchored bow and stern so we don’t move and we can pack them in as tight as possible. I can literally chat in a normal tone of voice with the boats on either side of us. We’ll go check in tomorrow or the next day with the officials and start our 90 day French Polynesia clock. Some friends rented a car earlier this week and did a tour of the island, which I think we’ll do tomorrow or the next day. The anchorages on the north side are untenable right now due to a big north swell so by car is the only way we’ll get to see them. We’ll share the car with friends and do our check-in and touring and shopping all in one day.
So far what we’ve seen of French Polynesia is unbelievably beautiful. I’m uploading some pictures to a gallery album now, and we should have more before we leave here later in the week. When we were on Fatu Hiva we stayed on the boat the first two days cleaning up after the long passage (shouldn’t we want to get off after 24 days at sea). Then I had some problem with my shoulder so I took some pain medication and the hike to the waterfall was about all we managed for a tour of the island. We’ll spend more time on this island before we move on and hopefully get to spend a little more time with the Polynesians, who at first glance are so welcoming and friendly compared to the conservative Latin Americans we’ve been visiting for the last three years.
Today on Yohelah we’re having a rainy day and getting settled in to life in the land of the French and Polynesians…..
