2018 Grand World Voyage, Day 16, Taiohae, Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia (Part 2 of 2)

After 8 days at seas, the ship set anchor at Taiohea, Nuku Hiva, the first of our French Polynesia stops.  Nuku Hiva is the second largest island in French Polynesia.  Arriving by ship, the sparsely populated island’s beauty is striking and the views are stunning.  Cathy and I left the ship on the first tender and made our way around the bay.  Timeless little Taiohae, with its bay bobbing with sailboats and tattooed locals has a fascinating portfolio of archaeological sites, with more tiki (sacred statues) and open air gathering places known as tohua.   We made a couple of stops for WIFI and cool drinks as well as visiting the market to see the beautiful handicrafts available.  A stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Museum is always a pleasure.  Since my last visit to the Marquesas, a new warrior/tiki statue towering over the ocean has been built.  We climbed up to the monument to see the statue and get some great views of the town.  It was very warm today but it was refreshing to take a long walk on the island.  A day at sea tomorrow and then Rangiroa.