Navigation
Polynesians are among the world's greatest navigators. By the
time Columbus discovered America, they had traveled thousands
of miles across the Pacific. Using a coconut shell filled with
water as a quadrant, they learned to take angles on the sun
and stars. They had an intuitive understanding of the elements:
wind, waves and currents. They learned to guide a clumsy wooden
craft through hidden openings in coral reefs or to steady it
on the crest of formidable breakers. They rank high among the
greatest mariners and explorers of all time.
Noni
One of the most abundant of all trees in Tahiti
is the Noni (or Nono), morinda citrifolia. The leaves have often
been used to wrap fish for the earth ovens; its small white
flowers were used to treat sore eyes. But it is the noni fruit
- about the size and shape of a potato - that has been recognized
for centuries by the people of Polynesia for its natural medicinal
value. The ripe fruit has a somewhat bitter taste, but the pulp
is extracted into a juice sought after for its natural pharmaceutical
properties. It is purportedly an effective natural healing agent
for a list of illnesses ranging from flu to arthritis, diabetes,
high blood pressure, chronic pain, even reinforcing the immune
system and slowing tumor growth.
Omai
This young Polynesian was taken on as interpreter aboard the
Adventure, one of Cook's second voyage ships, which was forced
back to England after a violent storm. So it was that Mai, the
typical "noble savage" arrived in London, almost by accident.
The South Seas were in fashion, and during his two years there,
he was presented to the king, attended hunts and balls, and
even inspired several successful plays.
Operation
Bobcat
American G.I.s came to Bora Bora in 1942 to establish an airfield
on an adjoining reef. For three years, more than 5,000 military
troops were stationed on the island at Matira Beach.
Pandanus
The pandanus, or fara, is second only to the coconut palm in
its importance to the Tahitian way of life. Its many uses range
from waterproof roofing to harpoon handles. But its leading
role is as a craft material, when it is deftly transformed into
baskets, mats, and hats that are prized for their coolness and
lightness.
Papeete
Market
At its best on Sunday mornings, but well worth a visit any day
of the week. With stalls selling woven hats and baskets, pareos,
tifaifai quilts, floral arrangements, shell necklaces, cushion
covers, vegetables, fruit and fresh brightly-colored fish, the
Papeete market is a photographer's delight.
Pareo
Originally made of tapa cloth which Tahitian women wrapped around
their hips, today the pareo (or pareu) is two yards of colorful
printed or dyed fabric. Worn by both men and women, it can be
tied in many different casual and elegant ways and is the ideal
daytime wear for vacationers.
People
The rarest and most precious of Tahiti's gems is its people
with their sparkling eyes, radiant smiles, flawless beauty,
and priceless innocence. Their pace of life is slow. Their philosophy,
"aita pea pea" (not to worry), is truly the Tahitian way. They
love to share their wealth of ancient traditions through songs
and dance, leaving you with a treasure trove of memories that
will linger long after you have left their paradise home.
Poisson
Cru
A popular dish served throughout the islands, poisson cru (marinated
fish) is a perfect light lunch or refreshing appetizer. The
recipe is simple, and the results delicious: cube raw tuna or
bonito and marinate it for ten to thirty minutes in lime juice,
until it's just "cooked." Mix with minced tomato, grated carrot
and chopped onion. Blend with unsweetened coconut milk. Bon
app¯tit! 
Polynesian Art
All Polynesian arts and crafts tell a story. The Pacific island
traditions of timber carving, tapa cloth-making, tattooing and
weaving are empowered with the mythology of their own genesis.
Art is representative of the Polynesians' ancestry, and as a
result they love and respect it, just as they love their ancestors.
Raau
Tahiti
Traditional Tahitian medicine (or Raau Tahiti)
has, for centuries, treasured many tropical plants, trees, fruits,
nuts and herbs as natural remedies.
Rock Art
Stone carvings were believed to hold mana, or spiritual power,
and were crafted only by trained specialists, tuhuna taai tiki.
Archeological sites now show thousands of petroglyphs based
on common designs: geometric patterns, human stick figures with
realistic faces, and animals. As well, the only rock paintings
in Polynesia are found on Hiva Oa.
Les
Roulottes
Stroll along Papeete's waterfront in the early evening, after
5:30pm. Dozens of gaily-lit vans known as les roulottes form
a colorful night market selling everything from couscous and
pizza to steak with real pommes frites (French fries). The food
and atmosphere are excellent. 
Shells
French Polynesian waters are home to over 1,500 shell species,
some of which are sought after by collectors. It is possible
to dive for shells, but as this upsets the ecosystem, it is
better to collect them on the beach, or to buy them in shops.
Small shells made into leis and jewelry make ideal souvenirs
to take home.
Shopping
Tahiti offers a wide assortment of goods as international as
anything you'd find in Paris, or as local as the goods in a
village store... 
