30.10.2021 - 06.11.2021: Oceania: Tahiti (1)

Calendar:

30.10.2021
Flight LAX to Tahiti Faa'a International Airport (Arrival 20:15)

30.10.2021 - 02.11.2021
Bungalow Bounty Lodge in Arue (Tahiti), searching for suitable accommodation

02.11.2021 onwards
Villa Te Miti, Puna'auia, Îles du Vent, Tahiti, 2.11.21: Return of rental car and receipt of the first scooter, shopping at Carrefour

Noteworthy:

The flight from Los Angeles went smoothly and was on time, except that many people were coughing on the plane. I believe an additive was mixed into the circulating air (hopefully). The entry preparations for Tahiti were already terribly bureaucratic in advance. In the plane, we had to fill out additional forms. This is where Sylvia's and my 65 years of Swiss administrative experience came into play, even Polynesian immigration officers had to give up. I was even able to support our seat neighbor on the plane, he is American and wants to convince the Polynesian indigenous population of something in the next 6 months as a missionary. A misdirected freedom fanatic, I thought to myself at first (see last blog). It didn't quite fit the missionary, though, that he was playing killer video games for almost the entire flight. But let's not assume anything bad about him.

Another PCR test was conducted immediately after landing. We never found out the result, but the test we had done in Los Angeles shortly before departure had already come back negative.

The landlord of our accommodation had informed us shortly before departure that she had definitively canceled the (partially paid) booking. Fortunately, before departure, we still had a short amount of time to make an alternative reservation for the first two days. We also booked a rental car for the first three days.

The pickup of the rental car went perfectly and was uncomplicated. However, the car already had many dents and scratches, so the handover protocol was actually just one big black spot.

First, we had to realize that our tomtom (including world map) we brought with us does not work in Polynesia, apparently there is no cartography here and the roads have names or not depending on the whim. We then tried Google Maps. However, we were guided deep into the mountains. The road conditions became more and more precarious, narrow, and steep. Just before giving up, we met three tipsy but helpful locals somewhere in the middle of nowhere. They contacted the accommodation by phone and were able to describe the approximate way there. However, we still had to ask several times and, in the end, a young man got into our car to show us the way.

We have never experienced such an adventurous journey and such a steep access to accommodation: Other guests (or the other family who stayed here besides us) later told us that their taxi driver refused to drive to the lodge. They were then forced to carry all their luggage uphill. But I was ambitious and gave it my all with our car. The car hit the huge curbs at least three times, luckily the landlord didn't look under the car when we returned it.

The Bounty Lodge (total of 3 bungalows) is adventurous to reach, but the view up there is amazing. And then the kitchen: It is located outside on the terrace and is well equipped. Sylvia cooked an excellent sauce here. All in all, we were able to recover perfectly from the strain of the 9-hour flight and our jet lag.

Already on the second day, we found a suitable accommodation. We were looking for a place to relax, as relaxation is our priority here in Tahiti. Villa Te Miti in Puna'auia offers pretty much everything the heart desires: huge living space, perfect kitchen, private pool, and fantastic view of the neighboring island Moorea. The decor is stylish, and we are now definitely fans of Airbnb (mediator).

We informed the landlord of the canceled accommodation that we will file a criminal complaint for fraud if the prepayment is not refunded within a week. She got nervous and assured us by email that the refund would be processed. We will see.

The shopping infrastructure is also perfect here in Tahiti. The Carrefours are as big as in France and have the same assortment. The prices are at European level, but we only paid 50 CHF for a whole beef fillet (2.3 kilos, imported from New Zealand). We are looking forward to delicious stroganoffs, sliced meat dishes, and carpaccios, enjoyed on our terrace. Only certain products, especially alcohol, are significantly more expensive than in Switzerland.

Finally, we exchanged our means of transport and will be using scooters for the next few weeks. We already received the first one, and the second one will follow on Saturday. It is very pleasant to drive around at 28 degrees.

As for the first impressions of the Tahitian beaches, we are somewhat disillusioned. Most of them are very narrow, located on the main road, and are not white but black. Everything depicted in the travel brochures could be considered fake. But we haven't seen much of Tahiti yet....

Best regards from the South Pacific to all of you.