| Legend
: Creation of the World
In 1893 Gauguin returned to France from his first journey to
the Pacific and decided to compose an illustrated book entitled
Noa Noa on the ancient culture of the Polynesians. It told the
story of the Areoi, and the world as created by the gods, believed
to be resident on Bora Bora. According to ancient myth, Noa
(fragrance) was the first miracle of creation. Legend has it
that this feat was followed by Le Tagaloa, the supreme god,
rolling gigantic stones from the heavens into the sea to form
islands. Flying clouds then married clear heavens to create
offspring, including shadow, daylight and sunset. Creatures
of the land and sea eventually gave rise to people, and chiefs
were descended directly from the gods. |
|
|
|
Undoubtedly
the most famous island in Polynesia, Bora Bora is surprisingly
small. But what this tiny gem lacks in size, it makes up for in
beauty. Approach it from the air or sea, and you are greeted with
a captivating vision... a coral reef dotted with emerald islets
encircles the main island like a string of luscious pearls. At
the center of this dramatic setting the chisel-like bulk of Mount
Otemanu rises sharply out of the gentle lagoon, a palette of unimaginable
blues and turquoises. Underwater coral formations teem with countless
brightly-colored fish, while a pod of playful dolphins breaks
the shimmering surface, and an outrigger canoe glides lazily by.
In this vast lagoon there is only one navigable pass, facing
the principal village of Vaitape, with its eclectic mix of Polynesian,
French and American culture. More than 5,000 American G.I.s
were stationed on Bora Bora during World War II, leaving behind
them an airport, still in use today, and inspiring the romantic
musical South Pacific.
Life here is casual, relaxing, blissful. A place of dramatic
beauty, warm waters, and gentle climate, Bora Bora is an enchanting
island which bestows upon visitors a sense of peace--a special
gift to take home with them from the Polynesian gods. |
|
