Koningsdam adventure, Taiohae, Nuka Hiva, French Polynesia...

Our final port in French Polynesia…the ship set anchor at Taiohae, Nuku Hiva…of course I was up early to capture the magnificent sail into Nuka Hiva. Nuka Hiva is lush, green and magnificent… just a beautiful island and the second largest island in French Polynesia.  We went ashore this morning on the first tender with Cathy, Lisa and Jim.  Our plan was to have a relaxing day and explore the town of Taiohae. Before starting our walk, the others looked in the shops and I took a hike up to see the Tiki Tuhiva…The towering statue celebrating Marquesan culture and got some great views of the town.  We walked around the bay taking in the natural beauty, passing the Town Hall and the Monument to the Dead honoring fallen soldiers. From here we went to the Togo’s Temehea, an ancient ceremonial site and open-air gathering places known as a tohua.  This area is adorned with many carved stone tikis and statues of which some originating from Easter Island. On our way back towards the ship, we stopped at the Notre Dame Cathedral, a unique cathedral blending European and Marquesan styles with many lovely wooden carvings. Spent some sun time in the Retreat…I must say, was very, very warm today. Now we start our eight-day journey back to San Diego.