SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISE: PAPEETE, TAHITI AND FRENCH LABOR DAY

Who knew that May 1st is French Labor Day and a National Holiday?  I am betting that both our travel agent and Holland America Line knew but it was a surprise to all of us until we arrived in Papeete, Tahiti and found nearly everything closed. 

All of my life the word Tahiti conjured up the ultimate in tropical paradise - azure waters, palm trees, gorgeous natives with flowers tucked behind ears; exotic and foreign.  There we were in downtown Papeete and it seemed like we could have been in any other semi-seedy South of France beach location.  Granted my impressions were tainted by not being able to do the usual tourist things, like shop in the fabulous farmer's market...

Marche Municipale (through the closed gate)

or do more than window shop to see what was new and different at this port. 

Polynesian-themed dishes

Or talk to locals and learn a little more about their culture. 



Had we known ahead of time that this was a major holiday, we could have planned to do a shore excursion on this day.  But we didn't. 




Instead, we walked around and did see some really interesting things like this lovely tile work depicting many kinds and colors of fish.

And of course the lovely tropical vegetation - things we have at home as house plants.

I was intrigued by these flags, which would indicate that Tahitians have some sort of rights within the European Union.  A quick look at Wikipedia on this topic shows that the loose connection probably doesn't affect the average Tahitian.  For further information on this click here.

After a bit of traipsing around (and seeing lots of "street people" in various states of inebriation) we did find one cafe open and sat down for a cafe latte and croissant (this is France, after all). 

Jim with Statendam in background

Really, the only other places open were the vendors in the covered square right where our ship docked.  This area opened onto a really nice plaza between the cruise ship dock and the inter-island ferry dock.  It had a sort of colonial-old-world feel to it and was a great place to people and bird watch.

Later we saw the sun set behind this gazebo and watched food truck after food truck come in and set up on the plaza.

Food vendors setting up on plaza

We later learned that it is a really big deal when the cruise ships are in - maybe not so much for the passengers but certainly for the crew who party into the wee hours with the food trucks, live music and dancing. 

Plaza and Statendam

Setting up portable tables

And, once again, another reminder that we are in French territory.

All in all, a disappointing first trip to Papeete, Tahiti.  Somehow, though, I feel I will be back (but not on May Day).

Next, beautiful Moorea, The Magical Island.

Audrey