"So What is Tahiti Really Like?" Tahiti by Geisha_Girl

Tahiti Travel Guide: 220 reviews and 527 photos

The Bountiful Island

Tahiti is actually the largest island in French Polynesia (an area of 402 square miles).

Tahiti is commonly invoked to mean French Polynesia in its entirety.........but technically, this is incorrect. I made that mistake quite often prior to arriving to the islands.

Tahiti is not quite that easy to describe because there are, in fact, many Tahitis: the ancient Tahiti, the historical Tahiti, and the modern Tahiti.

Modern Tahiti is embodied in the bustling, traffic-intense city of Papeete, the capital, but this is only one of 20 districts on the island.

Our visit to the island of Tahiti only lasted for a day and half. In planning the trip, we didn't think we wanted to spend so much time in the "modern version;" However, upon our arrival........we wished we had at least another night to indulge in the modernity!

Traditions

You have to see it to believe it!

Perhaps the most familiar aspect of Tahitian culture is its dance. In particular, the hip shaking and erotic tamoure.

Tamoure resembles the Hawaiian hula from the waist down, but is a more forceful movement using amazingly flexible and controlled hip movements.

Couple that with the festive traditional costumes, and it's a feast for the eyes!

Last visit to Tahiti: Jun 2004
Intro Updated Sep 17, 2004
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Reviews (3)

Sit back and enjoy the views! Transportation (3)

A great way to work on the tan! more travel advice

Take the SCENIC route! Transportation (3)

Our day trip to the island of Tahiti departed from her nearby island, Moorea. There are several vessels available... more travel advice

The only airport with 3 consecutive vowels! - Tahiti

A taste of the islands upon arrival! Transportation (3)

First you must learn to pronounce it! Tahiti Faa'a International Airport is one of the most colorful airports I had... more travel advice

Have you been to Tahiti? Share your travels with the world!

Comments (9)

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aGaby Jul 5, 2006 at 7:05 AM

great photos !
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Yubert Mar 10, 2005 at 11:00 PM

My kind of cultural exchange .... " the hip shaking and erotic tamoure"
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jonturk Mar 10, 2005 at 10:39 PM

What a lovely photo that...
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Hexepatty Dec 12, 2004 at 4:52 PM

This intro photo sunset is simply STUNNING, Rochelle. Still catching my breath. Oh, and my #ass is WAY bigger now. All that foie gras, sauterne... Smile!
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Jim_Eliason Oct 19, 2004 at 4:58 PM

Nice pics!
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Helga67 Sep 28, 2004 at 11:46 AM

Wonderful intro pic.
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TravelCool Sep 27, 2004 at 5:41 PM

I've always enjoyed boating. I'd do it all day if I could.
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jadedmuse Sep 20, 2004 at 8:06 PM

Can't believe you're still posting stuff up from your trip....what a treat!!! Hope all else is well with you on the West Coast!
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Annapet Sep 20, 2004 at 3:34 PM

The rest of the pictures waiting to get "CLEARANCE" ??? I'll be a camera-toting fool on the island...10 years ago in Kaua'i? Wow, you were one of the flower girls then.