The ship sailed at 4 a.m. this morning and we reached the village of Hakahau, on the island of Ua Pou while having breakfast. We could see the soaring mountain spires, unique to Ua Pou, it is often called The Cathedral Island.
We had signed up for a hike up the hill to the cross for terrific lookout views, that started at 8 a.m. to avoid the heat. Good job the base of the cross at the top had some steps, which made good seating to rest for a while. We then went for a walk around the cultural centre and looked at the local handicrafts. There was lots of jewelry, wood carvings and flower stone carvings. We bought a tortoise carved from flower stone, which is only available here and in Brazil. After that there was local music to listen to, and local fruits to taste (served on a banana leaf), followed by a Marquesan show (like the Haka), which seems to get more fierce as we go along. We then went for a local buffet lunch, which seems to be the best way to feed everyone from the ship (separated by language again). We then walked to the church and looked at the beautiful wood carvings, due to the temperature here there are open areas to allow the breezes through.
We then returned to the ship and changed into swimsuits to go have a paddle/swim in the bay where we are docked. There was lots of unloading of cargo again today, and local kids playing in the water for hours right next to the boat. The water was lovely and warm, very refreshing.
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