Sat 11 Nov

We’ve had another busy day - who said cruising was lazy! I was worried I’d finish my book and have nothing to read, I’ve barely read half a dozen pages.

We are still on the island of Hiva Oa but we’ve sailed around to Puamau on the other side. We took the barges at 8:30 to go ashore to visit the archaeological site Te l’lpona. The sea was a bit rough and it was quite the feat to get us all onboard and off safely on the pier. No injuries 😎. Once ashore we took 4x4’s for the short drive. We were told not to sit on any red stones or walk on the top platform (that was only for the elite). Of course the French don’t listen and had to be told off several times. Our guide said the spirits will get their own back, those people won’t be able to pee pee later 🤣. Time will tell. The site has large tikis (next in size to Easter Island). Sacrifices were made here! At least there doesn’t appear to be any more cannibals.

We then walked down and had an opportunity to swim before going back on the ship. We had lunch while we sailed to another island, Tahuata, which is only 4 km away, and the smallest island in the archipelago. We went ashore again (not as rough) and visited the main village of Vaittahu. There was a lady yelling welcome (in Marquesan) and a guy blowing a horn. We went to the covered square and there were musicians playing guitars and ukuleles, and locally made handicrafts for sale. Lots of wood carvings and also bone carvings - very intricate work. We also went in the Catholic Church, the style was again beautiful woods and river rock, and a large stained glass window behind the alter. Our guide sung three songs, he does like to sing but he does have a good voice. On the walk back we passed a plaque commemorating the French landing here in 1595. We took the barges back to the ship again, very easy this time. Showers and a rest were on the list! While having dinner tonight we could see some of the crew, through the window, and they were fishing, so after dinner we went out and hung out with them for a while. They caught five yellowfin tuna (they kept) and a barracuda (they threw back). One caught something big but it broke the line.