Koningsdam adventure, Uturoa, Raiatea, French Polynesia

Another early morning sail in to capture the beauty of this island…Much to my surprise we sailed directly to Taha’a past Raiatea towards the reef, the ship turned, after entering the reef and went back toward Raiatea… This created an absolutely beautiful scenic sail in…  The island of Raiatea, to the south of Bora Bora, is the most sacred island in the Polynesian Triangle. We rented a car and Ann, Cathy, Jim, Lisa and myself headed out for a circle island tour of Raiatea. Enjoying the scenic views of nearby islands and the lagoon of Raiatea we made our first stop of the day at the Raiatea Botanical Gardens. This botanical garden boasts an excellent array of native and exotic plant species. As you wander through the lush pathways, you will encounter vibrant flowers, towering trees, and unique plants, all beautifully arranged to create a serene atmosphere. Next, we stopped at the Mystery House. The owner Gérard gave us a guided tour of his Mystery House and had us follow a trail filled with optical illusions that defy the laws of gravity and common sense. It was an enjoyable out of the ordinary experience in French Polynesia. Leaving the Mystery House, we had a pleasant drive up Tefatoa Mountain through the middle of the island to the Faaroa Belvedere. This was another great stop…This 2,000-meter-high site offered wonderful views of the Faaroa Valley from a platform overlooking the caldera. The weather was perfect for the panoramic views. Next, we headed south following the lagoon…stopping at a number of scenic sites before arriving at the Marae Taputapuātea. This Marae is at the center of the ‘Polynesian Triangle’, a vast portion of the Pacific Ocean, dotted with islands, and the last part of the globe to be settled by humans. More than a thousand years old, the archeological remains are classed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is the biggest Marae in French Polynesia and was the religious, cultural and political center of ancient Polynesia. Heading back to the ship we again encountered wonderful views of the lagoon and it’s the mountains in the distance…this is such a green and lush tropical paradise. Just before arriving back in town, the heavens opened…how fortunate were we! There you have it, a great day in Raiatea with a couple hours of relaxation in the Retreat….  I posted way too may photos, over 200, but that was just the kind of day it was...  Life is good!