The ironman of travel Yoshimasa Ikeuchi

French territory

Prologue

Epilogue

Tahiti Roulotte
(stall restaurant)

Island Tour with Tahiti's Grandchildren

Moorea

Tahitian dance show

Bora Bora from the sea and sky

Tahiti

Moore Island

The number of flights from Narita was also reduced to twice a week. That would have reduced the number of tourists. The company that booked the hotel in Tahiti went bankrupt a few days before departure. I was relieved to be able to confirm directly with the local hotel on the day of departure.
Individual travel that is not profitable tends to be shunned, and in the age of the Internet society, the management method of travel agencies has changed.

Bora Bora

Large cruise ship

Cruise ship

Tahitian dance

Tiare flower

Tahiti Island Moorea Island, Bora Bora Island, Tubai Island. From the sea and the sky based in Papeete. Seeking to meet nature and simple people on the Islands of the South Pacific. The beginning of the encounter trip with a scent of Tiare flew from Narita to Papeete.

Bora Bora Sea

The purpose of this trip is the life of the common people in Tahiti, and the resort. The most popular honeymoon area "Bora Bora" Islands loved by painters and writers around the world. In the 1960s, it was called the "South Pacific." A faint memory of the beautiful nature in the musical film remains.

Prologue

When planning a trip to the South Pacific Islands, the world had just begun a simultaneous dissonance of the world economy. Falling stock prices, foreign exchange losses. Real estate speculation collapsed. The Kansai-Papeete Tahiti route scheduled from October has been abolished.

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When a large ship berths, the mood is perfect

Chinese style flower arrangement

The hotel is full of the scent of Teare

Roulotte
stand pizza shop

I'm full with just wonton noodles

Full of local customers. Please note that the amount is large

Free performances on Fridays and Saturdays

Cheap and fast, but alcohol is banned

Large cruise ship at the harbor

Italian Roulotte "IESUUIO" Quattro cheese pizza, Caesar salad (bacon, egg, bread) Drink is water. It is economical on a healthy diet every day, but everything is higher and heavier than Japan. Roulotte is fun just to see and walk. The clerk who is familiar with the stomach greets with a smile because the taste is rich. Even though I came last night, I feel like a regular.

Tahiti　　Roulotte
　Common people's taste stall restaurant

Stir-fried beef with vegetables, take out without eating

There are no sales of alcohol, and there are many local customers who enjoy their meals quietly although it is lively. Challenge on the second day. Waiting customers line up at every stall on Sunday. In addition, there are also take-out customers, and it is a popular store that takes 30 minutes to wait.

A restaurant where the truck bed has been converted into a kitchen. From steak, pizza, Chinese food, sushi, to dessert. Among them, French territory, crepes stand out. There are not only sweet desserts but also main dishes with ham and cheese. Is the amount of that amount matched to the body shape of Polynesian? It is three times as large as in Japan.

Pottery and fried food are cooked at once outside the stall with strong heat. It's a cool climate, but the heat and liveliness make sweat splatter. Wonton soup, fried noodles, stir-fried beef with vegetables on the first day. I'm not good at eating under dim electricity. I managed to put the two dishes in my stomach, but the taste is ok. Stir-fried beef with vegetables is a takeaway. Including 1 bottle of mineral water (4000 yen).

Take an inn right next to the port of Papeete. "La Mandarin" The bank is closed on Saturday when it arrives. Many shops also have shatters closed. The local currency I needed right away was a hotel with a bad rate. Most will be fallow tomorrow. Sunday. The stall restaurant " Roulotte " on the wharf that I was looking forward to ROULOTTES.

Closed if it rains

Spring rolls and thick rolls

Hotel La Mandarin Early Check-in late. Check-out is also available

Crowded every day

Cape Venus-Squirting Alahoho- Faarumai Waterfalls-Gauguin Museum-Tahiti Museum (Captain fly) Using natural seawater, at the four Fischer Parks, children are excited just to find a crab on a rock. The sun is tilting and a happy family is depicted in silhouette. Play hand in hand with children. I completely forgot that this is Tahiti. Noriko's mother is a second-generation Swiss.

Tecchan dancing

Kotetsu Nacchan

The journey of bamboo grove is very romantic

Visiting the Islands with Tahiti's grandchildren

My husband Wilflud Tave (32 Polynesian). Nacchan, 7 years old, and Tecchan, 3 years old, left for a picnic on the Island. A homely trip like with my grandchildren. The gentle smile of Polynesian made me even more happy.

At 6 am, I was alone among the shoppers and enjoyed the feeling of life on the Island. "What about Kotetsu?" She is still sleeping due to the 19-hour time difference with Japan. Last night, I was invited to visit the Island by Noriko Iida (31), who lives in Papeete and received a call. She is happy to hear from the locals in a strange land.

Faralmai Waterfall

Techan / Dad / Nacchan

People meet and part with each other, but I have a feeling that I'll definitely be able to meet the Noriko family somewhere. Kotetsu also enjoyed a blissful time and shook hands with the children. "Let's meet again, Tecchan, Nacchan!" I am looking forward to the growth of the children at that time.しみだ

The Polynesian husband is quiet and very friendly. Cute Nacchan, cheerful and cheerful Tecchan. Polynesian dance, the children who danced speak French and Japanese skillfully. Before we knew it, we were also part of the family. I'm sorry to have been a treat until lunch and to take care of everything. The journey begins with the encounter of people. The total ocean area of the Islands scattered in Tahiti I'm surprised to know that it's equivalent to the size of Europe.

Alahoho squirting

Lighthouse at Cape Venus

She was kind enough to ask for a sightseeing tour of the Island. It is connected to people in unexpected places. She is a friend of Yuriko Kawamura, whom I met at Ile des Pins in New Caledonia. Noriko works for a travel agency, but I feel sorry for all the personal arrangements. Dating as a traveler, not as a business. 　

Noriko-san, Nacchan, Kotetsu

Tiares flower

Japanese ukiyo-e at the Gauguin Museum

Fischer Park is very spectacular

It's my daily routine to go to the market everywhere on the Island. 3 minutes, walk from the hotel Marche (market) is booming from 5am to 8am. The number of fish is also abundant, crowded with vegetables, fruits, clothing, souvenirs and locals and tourists. It's like the congestion of the wholesale market in Osaka. 800 yen for 5 mangoes and 8 bananas is unique to a tropical country.

Clouds that hang low in the cloudy weather from the morning hang on the mountaintop and are very powerful. Gauguin (painter) once described this Island as "like an old castle," but I feel that way too. Dark clouds look great on Moorea's dark Mt. Tsurugi.

Return by ferry ... Cheap fares

The famous white cow

The famous white cow

Moorea　
Take an air taxi to the Island of Bali Hai

Mount Rotui Cook Inlet (right) and Offnov Bay as seen from the observation deck of Baobao Village

The boat heads for the open ocean in the midst of light rain. The rough sea is terrible. You can't even stand on the deck. I quickly put on my life jacket for a moment. Kotetsu is already lying on the bed and waiting for the seasickness medicine to work. The open ocean has become a little smaller, but there are occasional high waves that surfers await. Three bonito (3 kg) in a trolling for about 3 hours.

Well, there are times like this I'm convinced. When you get off the ship, the captain will guide you around the Island. First of all, a snack along the road with a French bread sandwich (200 yen) This is cheap and delicious. White cows are grazing on the ranch, and the pineapple field all over the foot of the mountain is a masterpiece. The best view of the Island is Belvedere on the observatory. A scenic spot overlooking Obnov Bay on the left and Cook Inlet on the right. 　

The boat is 30 minutes from the airport. He was standing by at the pier at the Intercontinental Hotel. There are two anglers with Kotetsu. There are 10 rods on a speed boat that seems to be comfortable. Past fishing results are 300 kg of yellowfin tuna, certainly the commemorative photo is filed, but the old photo may be a few years old.

Only 18km from Tahiti, less than 10 minutes by plane (18-seater) 30 minutes by high-speed boat. I tried the round trip separately, but the high-speed boat is by far the best price and time from the city of Papeete where I stayed. The captain of the fishing boat, Mr Christoph (61), who had made a reservation, welcomed me at Temae Airport in Moorea. 　

Plumeria

The catch is 3, 3kg bonito

Mr Christoph's home

Moorea is a rich island where you can live with nature

Pineapple field

Pineapple field

 Kotetsu and Mr. Christoph

Moorea, the symbol of Moorea, Mt. Balihai

Me boarding a fishing boat

It looks like a harsh old castle. You will be guided to Mr. Kurstov's house until the departure of the ship. The garden of the house facing the beautiful beach is in good condition with flowers in bloom. Born in California, Bali. He traveled around England and the world, and talked with satisfaction that the calm place was Moorea. The masterpiece "Bali Hai" from the 1960s musical movie "South Pacific". Paul Gauguin was also fascinated by this island and lived permanently. Twice It is said that Mr. Christoph also settled down before he knew it.

The bay is cut so as to sandwich Mt. Rotsui in front. The wind is strong and black clouds appear in an instant. Whether the air flow is fast or not, the clouds will reach the top of the mountain and change to a powerful location. Behind the observatory is the cliff of Mt. Topier (1207m), the highest mountain on the Island. The sky whose color changes from moment to moment. Under the bright blue sky, the gentle and calm mountains show a beautiful appearance, but it is powerful in the dark world.

It is said that this is the most beautiful of all, but is it better at high tide? The best shot is when all the conditions are met. The shutter sound does not stop on a fantastic Island. Above the South Pacific Island, Kotetsu and I are looking at the heart-shaped Island. A celestial maiden is about to come down to an Island that seems to be flying in the sky.

Bora Bora, a day trip from the sea and sky ...

The sea surrounded by atolls is transparent, and the first voice of surprise at its color. "Wow, that's amazing." "After all, Bora Bora". Kotetsu screams in joy. There are Mt. Otemanu (727m) and Mt. Pahia (661m) that emphasize the landscape.

A heart-shaped Island dancing in the sky

Manta

Shark feeding

Sea walk in an outrigger canoe

Bora Bora panoramic view

Traveling partners have the same feelings but still. The heart-shaped Island that dances in the sky may give a message to the viewer. Engrave the secret of dreams and romance in your heart. The two who could see are promised eternal love. "Secret Island" Tsubai Island is one of the Islands recommended by Tetsujin.

The lunch box is opened and a heap of fruits appears. A picnic on the sea is delicious no matter what you eat. Especially pineapple is sweet and juicy, I can't say anything like this. Two people like Honeymooner enjoyed Bora Bora on a superb boat. Luxury resorts line up in the lagoon. Many travelers wish they could relax in such a nice hotel, but it's too early for me.

The boatman has his own points and knows where the fish are. Many kinds of fish come in front of you just by sprinkling a little food. The transparency is good, but unfortunately there is no coral. You can't see the play of natural fish or swimming freely. As soon as I see the fish eating the food, I get bored. The sea of Bora Bora is really beautiful, but.

Jump in the air in front of you in search of food. It's scary to see. It's nice to see, but it takes courage to touch it. I dared to touch it, but it didn't feel good as "null". It's not dangerous, but the moment my tail touched my leg, it was "painful" and blood was slightly bleeding. Powerful "manta ray feeding" I couldn't even feed the small iron that swims by the manta ray.

When you get off at the airport, the sea is in front of you. A pure white outrigger canoe is on standby. The tranquility of the blue jewels in the sea is full of waves. This time sea activity. The first point is to look at shark feeding, Next is manta ray feeding. When 5 to 6 manta rays hit the boat, they will come to you.

A romantic air travel visited cottages all over the island from the air. Impressed by the power of flying just above the summit of Mt. Otemanu. "Tupai Island" where blue paint is drawn as if it had flowed into the sea. I want to see Tupai Island again. Looking back over and over again, my heartbeat didn't stop.

A love land floating on the sea that came into view. It cannot be seen three-dimensionally because the altitude is low. Still emerald green A heart-shaped island floating in the sea makes me crazy. Desperate shooting from a small window in a cramped cabin. There are three heart-shaped islands in the world. 　

 It's not good for us and the captain alone to seat 5 people. "Would you like to ride someone?" Local Japanese guide "REIKO". "Please" The purpose is 18km (5 minutes) to Tsubai Island. The "Island of Hearts in the Sky" helicopter heads straight for the destination.

Another Island I want to go to is "Tupai Island" An uninhabited Island that looks like a heart-shaped floating above the sea. It can only be seen by helicopter. A helicopter flies from the main Island after seeing the arrival of the aircraft on Tahiti. The helicopter was already waiting when I picked up my luggage. Anytime please.

One of the Islands that Kotetsu (wife) wants to visit. 45 minutes by direct flight from Tahiti. But many flights go via other Islands. Departs at 9:15 in the morning and returns by a flight at 14:20 in the afternoon. The sea changes many times as it approaches the island. "It’s beautiful, isn’t it?"

Bora Bora panoramic view

Lunchtime fruit

Manta ray feeding

Mount Otemanu

Tupai Island (taken from a helicopter)

Central Kotetsu / Pilot (right)

Polynesian dance show

Click here to start Dance Show

I'm lucky just to be in the circle of locals on the road. I wanted to see more, but tomorrow's flight to Japan is early in the morning (wake up at 3:30 AM), so I round up early and head for the exit. I met a parent and child holding a baby. Seeing her looking for a seat in the back, give her my ticket "C6 / C7" She said "Mercy" and her smile was lovely.

Even though it started at 7 o'clock, 30 minutes have already passed. Finally, the opening bell and the moderator's greeting. This is a long time. I don't understand the contents of the dance at all. I was shooting only my favorite dancers. Annual dance competition. The Tahitian dance that is heard from the venue is full of local colors. A big cheer is sent to the dance of an acquaintance.

 I found it by chance in the city "At the time of the citizen dance competition" (December 2-6) I went to the venue and got a ticket directly (1500 yen) The venue is in a large hut, and a fan fills the venue.

Even so, Tahitian eats well, 5-6 times as much as I do. They put them in their stomachs one after another, both during and after the show. You can watch the dance show for free, but the meal fee is too high at 10,000 yen per person. The show was smooth and spectacular, but when it was over the number of films wasn't that great,

 The seats for 200 people are full. A dance show begins after a buffet-style meal. When I watched it on Japanese TV, I thought it was amazing, but when I watched it locally, I couldn't feel the excitement. The traditional dance and drums are powerful enough but too touristy.

"Le Grand Ballet" boasts the No. 1 in both name and reality among many dance shows Tickets are always sold out. I had reserved the front row 10 days ago, but group customers were given top priority, and when I went, it was changed to the middle row in the center. It's too far to take a picture, so I take a seat next to the front row.

Tiares flower

Nacchan looking at Gauguin's picture

Cathedral room

Cathedral in the center of the city of Tahiti

Techan Narichan (Tahiti Museum)

Epilogue

My bad habit that when I go around the Islands of the world, the good and bad of that Island is immediately noticeable. Although it was a tough criticism of Tahiti Beautiful nature will never change. I'm looking forward to the growth of the children of Noriko Iida's family. I want to see you again someday. The circle of people expands infinitely. Both I and Kotetsu have grown a little. Thank you for the encounter on the trip.

Stay 10 days before and after Easter Island. Hotels in Papeete are convenient and the resort has another Tahiti. This time I was able to enjoy two kinds of trips on the same Island. Tahiti should be easygoing in everything. To put it badly, it's sloppy. It doesn't matter in the state at that time.

Bora Bora Blue Lagoon

Moorea

Bora Bora Boat

Hotel Christmas Tree Contest

Tahitian beer

Hotel boy

Kotetsu's one word

The aerial view of Bora Bora was more impressive than the pamphlet. The city of Papeete is different from the image of Tahiti, but it is full of life of the Islanders. The kindness of Tahitian is so different from what it looks like that the goodness of people has been conveyed.

Traveling Iron Man Ikeuchi Yoshimasa

November 22-26, 2008 December 3-7, 2008

A remote Island that lacks hospitality services in an environment that is too blessed. Bora Bora's pick-up staff is expressionless like a robot. We are human beings, caring, caring and attentive will make us the best Island in the world.

The number of tourists has dropped sharply since the economic recession. The natural landscape of Moorea. The splendor of the Blue Lagoon on Bora Bora. Everything is a blessing of nature.

It is natural that the plane leaves 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. Children are growing up freely. People's things are mine. My stuff belongs to everyone. The family helps each other and blends into nature while cherishing it. Even strangers exchange greetings with a smile. The kindness of Tahitian can be seen in such daily life.

Noriko Iida family and Kotetsu (wife) aquarium