Fatu Hiva, the Marquesas

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April 7th

A sleepless night with the television coming on several times  during the night. The  ship arrived  at Fatu Hiva in the Marquesas by 7 am. Went. ashore  at Omoa soon after 8. A lovely welcome with 3 small children giving us  their  flower garlands. . We then walked up  to the large town meeting place, still beside the sea; there were lots of things for sale. Eventually their  art and craft demonstrations began, but I was unable to follow any of it. After this the majority of us walked up to the Petroglyph of a large tuna, passing through pleasant coconut plantations.

 

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Once back  at the meeting area we had to wait quite a while  before being loaded into the 22 jeeps assembled; we shared with Ian and Christine. Then a most impressive drive to Hanavava with several stops for the majestic scenery. Right at the top we sat on the cliff edge and ate the picnic provided by the ship,  absolute bliss. We were driven past a couple of shopping opportunities,  to David´s annoyance.

 

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Then a long noisy wait  for their welcome dances: I was fascinated by 2 young girls, say 6 & 7, who stood in the doorway imitating their mothers!

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Their long hike turned out  to be just back up the road we had driven down, so we wandered by ourslves, crossing the river on stepping stones , with help from a local but then had difficuñyi shaking him, and his rear red car, off. But eventually we had a pleasant stroll.. stopping at the next ford we encountered!. On our way back to the zodiacs we passed the local church, which was packed  and singing was vibrant. We were not sure whether it was a Good Friday service or even possibly a colourful, happy funeral; people were constantly entering and leaving

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. Once aboard I had a jacuzzi  and we had a drink up there. Then had a siesta and missed the Briefing!. Went up to Hot Rocka, but I did not enjoy it as it was so breezy; just had a starter and a dessert. Then we had a confrontation with the butler and the senior butler just before bed; on the lack of an apology for the previous night´s TV debacle

on to Hiva Oa

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