"b1bob lives it up in Tahiti" Top 5 Page for this destination French Polynesia by b1bob

French Polynesia Travel Guide: 1,713 reviews and 3,246 photos

Going down the hill to start the day - French Polynesia

Finally, we landed at FAAA Airport in Papeete (pronounced PA-PAY-AY-TAY) at 2.59 on the morning of Saturday, 29 June 1991. 2.59 in Tahiti meant 8.59 in Richmond. Therefore, it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure I was knackered after 24 hours of travel. There were other similar American groups that were on our coach: from New York; Washington, Pennsylvania; from Westminster, Maryland; Canyon, Texas; and us.

Some Tahitian ladies put floral leis around everyone's neck (which unfortunately aggravated my allergies). After reclaiming our luggage, we got on the coach driven by our Tahitian guide named Lionel. Due to the late, rather early, hour, we went straightaway to our hotel, the Tahiti Country Club. An accommodations dispute in my group delayed my sleep. My room mate, Mr. Rath, pitched a hissy because they didn't put him together with his daughter, Robin. The rules prohibited adult group members from sharing a room with the kids. I was for that rule which kept me from having to room with my brother. You will note that in pictures I take of him in French Polynesia (as well as Sydney, Rotorua and Honolulu), he hammed it up for the camera so much I felt like having him glazed and cloved.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Great weather, friendly locals, and inventive transport.
Cons:In the middle of nowhere- most international flights happen late at night.
In a nutshell:It's work to get there, but you'll be glad you did.

Last visit to French Polynesia: Jun 1991
Intro Updated Sep 1, 2003
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Reviews (20)

Hinano beer Local Customs (1)

I don't drink beer, folks, but Hinano was a lunch staple of my brother's. I took a picture of the vahine (pretty island... more travel advice

Point Venus Lighthouse - French Polynesia

Point Venus Lighthouse Things to Do (4)

The lighthouse located on Point Venus beach (the one with black sand) was built in 1867 by Robert Louis Stevenson's... more travel advice

hôtel de ville: Papeete - French Polynesia

Hôtel de Ville Things to Do (4)

For folks who don't speak French, you can't get a room with a view here. (Well, maybe the mayor can.) A hôtel de ville... more travel advice

Tour Bus Transportation (3)

Lionel is the only tour guide we had who drove the bus himself. He explains that he knows first hand where he wants to... more travel advice

Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All Beware of the floral leis
Favorites (7)
See All Special island sendoff
What to Pack (1)
Packing List

Hotels (1)
The Tahiti Country Club
Restaurants (1)
Some of the best restaurants are movable
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Comments (129)

kemisteryoso Sep 29, 2010 at 9:17 PM Report Abuse

I like the light house... :)
MikeAtSea Jul 22, 2009 at 2:40 AM Report Abuse

Still one of my "hot" places on my travel wish list!! Great pages!! Sorry though about the incident at the airport. Michael
matt10gonzalez Mar 16, 2008 at 5:16 PM Report Abuse

Wow! I think I would love to go to Tahiti one day! Wow! Your Grandma Atkins went with you on this trip! That's like my grandma accompyaning us to a trip.
Basaic Feb 5, 2008 at 1:02 PM Report Abuse

I think for me the biggest danger would be not wanting to leave.
kelnsha Aug 5, 2007 at 9:27 PM Report Abuse

Great tips and wish to be there one day. Cheers!
Vulindlela Mar 26, 2007 at 4:43 PM Report Abuse

Another well written page. You have me wanting to go! Thanks for the great tips and photos.
willy_wonka Aug 25, 2006 at 12:50 AM Report Abuse

i wonder if the places you visited back in 91 still exist today? i wonder if the info is outdated, or if it still stands today? might be interesting to go back and see the similarities/diffs.
Heavens-Mirror Aug 21, 2006 at 1:15 PM Report Abuse

Wow beautiful photos. It looks fantastic. Stacey xx
SWFC_Fan Jun 24, 2006 at 12:48 PM Report Abuse

Rarotonga was amazing, Nat, I'd highly recommend it! I'll have to visit Tahiti one day!
worldkiwi Oct 18, 2005 at 2:00 AM Report Abuse

Sounds like an interesting place. I sympathise with your rooster problem... I hate the damn things. Would be interesting to see that Great White. Hope to get there one day.