Love Affair with Tahiti and Tattoos

This is an interesting staircase in the center of Papeete because it goes absolutely nowhere. It must be the remnants of some early 20th-century French colonial building. And the small city still has a provincial vibe. The pace is slow and not much seems to be happening there which is good if you’re looking for a break and just want to take it easy for a while in the backwater.

Sitting outside a church was a man and his dogs.

And always the large yachts and cruise ships moored in the water; their inhabitants fixing to or already have swept down to buy up provisions and souvenirs. The ladies are eager to sell their palm frond baskets.

This pretty dog accepts my baguette with the ‘thank you’ look.

Having shown his gratitude, he takes off with the fresh morsel in case I change my mind and want it back.

The ladies look on and think, ‘What the hell is wrong with these tourists? Do they not have better things to do with their time?’ No. Not really. And I enjoy feeding dogs.

Baguettes are for sale at all the gas stations for 75 cents. But, beware of the facilities at these gas stations. There are no toilet seats. Sad. Are they being stolen? In Lima, there was no toilet paper at gas stations because of theft. Who steals toilet seats?

Tahiti is a Lonely Place

Wherever you go there are always the lush volcanic mountains to serve as the backdrop.

---

---

The mountains and the endless sea are overwhelming. It made me feel lonely to look at the Pacific Ocean from this place. So far from home and nothing but wilderness going on and on for thousands of miles.