God it’s hot! Today I have been to Papeete (the capital) on the bus and had a bit of a wander. Although no one here appears to be wealthy, there must be some money about. Sotheby’s estate agents, not seen since California, many yachts and lots of shops selling pearls. Haven’t seen any floating gin palaces yet but there’s probably a separate harbour for them. … Continue reading Tahiti today

Well today I have been on a trip round the interior of the island by 4 wheel drive truck thing. It is basically an ancient volcanic caldera that blew its top off years ago. Vertical forests, mainly consisting of plants one buys in polite pots at the garden centre, hoping they won’t die in the winter. These versions are just 40 feet tall. I thought … Continue reading Today in Tahiti

for the birthday wishes. As I am 11 hours behind the UK, am about to get up and face French conversation over breakfast. Continue reading Thanks …

The over sea rooms are at the 5 star hotel up the road…. Continue reading As you imagined Tahiti to be

Lunch by the harbour. Please note purple sweet potato mash! Turtle in the harbour. Random horse on the cliff. Moai in the quarry. Their fronts were carved lying down then they were slid down to go into these holes where the backs were carved. At least 2/3 of each of these in underground. Tahai- remains of village with 3 platforms, moai put back up, chicken … Continue reading Easter Island – the pictures

As I am now in a hotel in Tahiti which appears to have vaguely working internet, I will try to put all of Easter Island in one go. I will add some photos in a following post so at least you can read this if the photos get stuck. Leaving Tahiti at 3am to go to Easter Island was made slightly chaotic by the fact … Continue reading Easter Island – a summary

I’m afraid the internet access here is v v bad so no posting. I am not even going to try photos. Place is v small and kind. As many tourists as residents. Will put more detail and photos once I can find decent internet. Continue reading Easter Island 2

Having slept most of yesterday once I finally got here, I was able to wander around a bit. I have only seen the town and one of the historic sites which is between the town and my hotel – where I am currently the only guest! Apparently there are usually the same number of tourists and residents – although sometimes the tourists win. There are … Continue reading Easter Island

Let’s just say that 2 overnight flights and a cumulative jump forward of 8 hours is doing my head in! More news later…. Continue reading What day is it?

As I had to be out of the hotel by 11 and my plane doesn’t go until midnight, I arranged some stuff that would carefully not involve me buying any petrol! Although as I have managed to get from San Francisco to LA on one tank plus $20 worth, it would have been cheaper than a lot of other stuff. Off to the Getty Villa. … Continue reading Last day in the USA