This post is based primarily on Don's notes, occasionally supplemented with MT's notes from our cruise in November-December 2023. When information from other sources is added—for further explanation to readers or to satisfy our own curiosity—that is set off in a text box (as this one).
Most of the photos that accompany this post are from Don’s camera (with a caption indicating the time it was taken); those from MT’s iPhone are indicated by “MT” placed at the beginning of the photo caption. Photos from any other source (such as the public domain Wikimedia Commons), occasionally used for clarification, indicate that source in the caption.
Most of the photos that accompany this post are from Don’s camera (with a caption indicating the time it was taken); those from MT’s iPhone are indicated by “MT” placed at the beginning of the photo caption. Photos from any other source (such as the public domain Wikimedia Commons), occasionally used for clarification, indicate that source in the caption.
The Viking Daily newsletter showed today's weather forecast as "Cloudy 82° F" and "Sunrise: 5:22 AM."
This day was originally scheduled as Taha'a (Scenic Cruising Inside the Island). However, back on November 25, Shore Excursion Director Robert Riddell had announced an added port stop at Uturoa on the island of Raiatea. That evening, we also received a letter from the Shore Excursions Team that added: "The town of Uturoa is next to the pier, and all part of this small town can be explored on foot." That evening, MT did a Google search on her iPhone and got the following maps.
MT November 25 - Viking Star: Wikipedia page with top figure captioned: "The Island of Bora Bora (top) Tahaa (middle) and Raiatea (bottom). Tahaa and Raiatea shame the same lagoon." The bottom figure shows a map of the "Fenua Sociétés" (Society Islands) with Raiatea just southeast of Bora Bora and far to the northwest of Moorea. (Both figures are from the Wikipedia entry for Society Islands.)
We woke around 6 am, and Room Service Breakfast came at 7:00.
Monday, November 27, 2023, 7:05 AM - Viking Star: lagoon (with lighter blue water) and first of several islands; with Viking Star bridge at far right (panorama).
7:06 AM - Viking Star: view ahead to large island with church (MT's iPhone identified this as Taha'a), with Viking Star bridge at right.
MT 7:06 AM - Viking Star: view ahead to large island with church (MT's iPhone identified this as Taha'a) and part of lagoon.
7:08 AM - Taha'a: with church on coast telephoto 130 mm).
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7:08 AM (Cropped) - Taha'a: Protestant church by the water's edge at Tiva on the west side of the island (telephoto 130 mm, cropped).
MT Time stamp 9:25 AM, but must have been taken around 7:08 AM - Taha'a: Protestant church by the water's edge at Tiva on the west side of the island (telephoto 133 mm).
The islands of Taha’a and
neighboring Raiatea to the immediate south are enclosed by the same coral reef,
and they once may have been a single island. According to Polynesian legend,
Taha’a and Raiatea were separated by the wagging tail of an eel, possessed by
the spirit of a princess. There are numerous smaller islands lagoon formed by the reef.
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Topographic map of Taha'a and
Raiatea (By Sardon, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40154194).
The majority of Taha’a’s population
is Christian, a result of European colonization and missionary work. There are also
some followers of the traditional Tahitian religion on the island.
There are two Catholic churches on the island: the Church of Saint Clement (Église de Saint-Clément) in the town of Patio in the far north and the Church of Saint Peter Celestine (Église de Saint-Pierre-Célestine) in Poutoru in the far south. However, there are also some Protestant churches.
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The Protestant church in Tiva is a
very noticeable sign of western culture spreading itself here.
There are two Catholic churches on the island: the Church of Saint Clement (Église de Saint-Clément) in the town of Patio in the far north and the Church of Saint Peter Celestine (Église de Saint-Pierre-Célestine) in Poutoru in the far south. However, there are also some Protestant churches.
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Taha'a: Church at Tiva, on the west
side of Taha’a (By David Broad, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52131096).
MT 7:07 AM - Taha'a: one of the two red-orange buoys that marked a break in the reef for entering the lagoon; mountains of Bora Bora on horizon in distance (mild telephoto 36 mm).
7:08 AM - Taha'a: entrance to a bay between mountain ridges on west coast, with bridge of Viking Star at right.
7:13 AM - Taha'a: entrance to another bay between mountain ridges on west coast, with bridge of Viking Star at right.
7:14 AM - Taha'a: view back to entrances to those bays on west coast.
7:29 AM - Taha'a: another bay on west coast, with sailboats.
7:36 AM - Taha'a: view ahead to small island (motu) in lagoon below more small mountains, with small red-roofed building on coast.
7:37 AM - Taha'a: small red-roofed building (possibly a church) on coast (telephoto 130 mm).
7:47 AM - Taha'a: point of land with a road around it, near bay where a row of white-roofed buildings can be seen at right; speed boat passing between our ship and the lagoon (MT-s iPhone said this was Taha'a).
7:47 AM - Taha'a: same point of land; in foreground is red pylon marking one end of the reef break that allowed our ship to enter the lagoon.
8:05 AM - Taha'a: looking back to same point of land with white-roofed buildings at far right and a mountain and motus on horizon in distance.
MT 8:40 AM - Raiatea: breakers in reef visible between two motus on other side of lagoon (telephoto 108 mm).
MT 8:51 AM - Raiatea: over-water bungalows (on stilts) in lagoon (mild telephoto 59 mm).
MT 8:56 AM - Raiatea: view back to mountains on
Bora Bora (telephoto 110 mm).
MT 8:59 AM - Raiatea: over-water bungalows, part of a resort or hotel
(telephoto 133 mm).
MT 9:08 AM - Raiatea: over-water bungalows, with mountains of Bora Bora in background (telephoto 128 mm).
At 11:00, we went to the Pool Grill (Deck 7) for our favorite lunch of seared ahi tuna and red onion marmalade.
The Viking Star also arrived at the port of Uturoa around 11:00.
The Viking Daily newsletter for November
27, provided the following information on Raiatea, French Polynesia:
“Ra’iātea is the second largest of the Society Islands, after Tahiti. The islands of Ra’iātea and Taha’a are enclosed by a single coral reef. Ra’iātea is both the largest and most populated island in the Leeward Islands, with a land area of almost 170 square kilometer and a total population of over 12,000 according to a 2007 census. The largest town of Ra’iātea is ‘Uturoa (Ruturoa) on the north side of Ra’iātea. It has a population of nearly 10,000 and is less than 15 km from Bora-Bora. A traditional name for the island is Havai’i, homeland of the Māori people. Situated on the southeast coast is the historical Taputapuatea marae*, which was established by 1000 CE. The site was the political and religious center of eastern Polynesia for several centuries, and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017 for its historical significance. Ra’iātea was the cradle of religion and the dispersal center for migratory journeys that followed the track of Matariki – the Pleiades constellation. The voyagers were skilled at observing seabirds and flotsam on the currents. When they thought they were near islands, pigs were placed in the water. Once the pigs smelled land they paddled towards it. Only high priests and paramount chiefs were permitted on the holiest part of the marae. The priests chose young men of strength and vitality to sacrifice under the upright stones to appease the god of war and fertility, Oro, who demanded the most worthy blood.”
*A marae (in Tahitian as well as Māori) is a communal or sacred place that served religious and social purposes in Polynesian societies.
The Tahitian language name Ra’iātea
means “bright sky.” The ancient name Havai’i is a sacred name in Polynesian
culture and related to the name of Hawai’i and of Savai’i in Samoa. According
to recent findings, the Society Islands were colonized from Samoa and Tonga
around 200 BC, about the same time as the Marquesas. Together with the
Marquesas, they formed the heart of Polynesia and thus the springboard for the
settlement of Hawai’i and New Zealand.
According to traditional histories, two Māori migration canoes left Raiatea for New Zealand in the late 13th or early 14th century.
Raiatea is considered the birthplace of Polynesian culture. It was the first island in the region to be inhabited. It was considered to be the birthplace of the gods and houses numerous archaeological treasures (marae, petroglyphs, etc.) which tell the history of a unique people and their culture.
Raiatea was discovered for Europe by British explorer James Cook in 1769, coming there from Tahiti. Although neighboring Tahiti was already under European influence in the 18th century and formally became a French protectorate in 1842, the clans of Raiatea fiercely resisted annexation efforts. However, Christian missionaries managed to gain increasing influence, and the Taputapuatea marae was destroyed in 1828. In 1880, France proclaimed a provisional protectorate over Raiatea and Tahaa. Raiatea was formally annexed by France in 1888, although rebellions continued to occur there.
Uturoa is the capital and main port of Raiatea. The first settlers of Uturoa were early Polynesians that came from Southeast Asia. The first European to visit there was the Portuguese navigator Pedro Fernandez de Quirós in 1606. Captain Cook visited there in the 18th century during his attempt to map the Pacific Ocean. Later on, Charles Darwin visited there while exploring the Society Islands.
“Ra’iātea is the second largest of the Society Islands, after Tahiti. The islands of Ra’iātea and Taha’a are enclosed by a single coral reef. Ra’iātea is both the largest and most populated island in the Leeward Islands, with a land area of almost 170 square kilometer and a total population of over 12,000 according to a 2007 census. The largest town of Ra’iātea is ‘Uturoa (Ruturoa) on the north side of Ra’iātea. It has a population of nearly 10,000 and is less than 15 km from Bora-Bora. A traditional name for the island is Havai’i, homeland of the Māori people. Situated on the southeast coast is the historical Taputapuatea marae*, which was established by 1000 CE. The site was the political and religious center of eastern Polynesia for several centuries, and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017 for its historical significance. Ra’iātea was the cradle of religion and the dispersal center for migratory journeys that followed the track of Matariki – the Pleiades constellation. The voyagers were skilled at observing seabirds and flotsam on the currents. When they thought they were near islands, pigs were placed in the water. Once the pigs smelled land they paddled towards it. Only high priests and paramount chiefs were permitted on the holiest part of the marae. The priests chose young men of strength and vitality to sacrifice under the upright stones to appease the god of war and fertility, Oro, who demanded the most worthy blood.”
*A marae (in Tahitian as well as Māori) is a communal or sacred place that served religious and social purposes in Polynesian societies.
According to traditional histories, two Māori migration canoes left Raiatea for New Zealand in the late 13th or early 14th century.
Raiatea is considered the birthplace of Polynesian culture. It was the first island in the region to be inhabited. It was considered to be the birthplace of the gods and houses numerous archaeological treasures (marae, petroglyphs, etc.) which tell the history of a unique people and their culture.
Raiatea was discovered for Europe by British explorer James Cook in 1769, coming there from Tahiti. Although neighboring Tahiti was already under European influence in the 18th century and formally became a French protectorate in 1842, the clans of Raiatea fiercely resisted annexation efforts. However, Christian missionaries managed to gain increasing influence, and the Taputapuatea marae was destroyed in 1828. In 1880, France proclaimed a provisional protectorate over Raiatea and Tahaa. Raiatea was formally annexed by France in 1888, although rebellions continued to occur there.
Uturoa is the capital and main port of Raiatea. The first settlers of Uturoa were early Polynesians that came from Southeast Asia. The first European to visit there was the Portuguese navigator Pedro Fernandez de Quirós in 1606. Captain Cook visited there in the 18th century during his attempt to map the Pacific Ocean. Later on, Charles Darwin visited there while exploring the Society Islands.
Then we went up to the Sports Deck (Deck 9) to take photos of the port.
11:20 AM - Raiatea: port of Uturoa, with point of land on Taha'a and mountain in distance at far left (panorama).
The Viking Daily newsletter said we
would arrive at the “quai des paquebots” (dock for cruise ships) in Raiatea
at 11.00 am. The main dock is 150 m long. There is also a marina for
sailboats.
11:20 AM - Raiatea: Uturoa - shops and huts near dock, and part of town across parking lot.
11:21 AM - Raiatea: Uturoa - shops and part of marina.
11:21 AM - Raiatea: Uturoa - shops and marina, with Sports Deck in right foreground; at top right as part of Taha'a and just to left of it on horizon are mountains of Bora Bora.
Then we went ashore for a walk around Uturoa, since there were no organized excursions.
MT 1:29 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Don with bamboo behind railing, near port.
MT 1:30 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - sign for "Front de Mer" (sea front) and "Urgences" (emergencies) (mild telephoto 54 mm).
MT 1:34 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - flags of France and French Polynesia.
MT 1:35 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - MT with sign for "Gendarmerie" (police station).
1:36 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Protestant church.
1:38 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - sign for "Etareta Porotetani Maohi - Paroita Uturoa 'Petera'" in Tahitian and "Église Protestante Maohi Paroisse Uturao 'Bethel' " in French (Māohi Protestant Church Parish Uturoa "Bethel").
Église Protestante Maohi - Paroisse
Uturao “Bethel” (Māohi Protestant Church - Parish Uturoa “Bethel”) has the following
background:
The Māohi Protestant Church is deeply rooted in the local culture, reflecting a blend of Christian teachings and Tahitian traditions. It struggles with the issues of cultural identity and social development. Its role in preserving the language and traditional songs (Himene Tarave) is widely recognized. Much emphasis is put on the formation of the people of God, at the level of local congregations, and on innovating ministry with young people.
In the Tahitian language, Māohi refers to the ancestors of the Polynesian people. The term can also be a reference to normal, everyday people.
The Māohi people first arrived in what is now known as French Polynesia aver 2,300 years ago. It was not until the 18th century that external influence was introduced to the Māohi people by European missionaries.
La Culture Ma’ohi (the Māohi Culture) is a cultural movement by the Māohi people to rediscover their culture after colonization by the French in the mid-19th century. Diverse influences from neighboring islands such as the Marquesas and Cook Islands also helped to change post-contact Tahitian culture. Due to an overall lack of knowledge about Tahitian culture, it was not until the 1950s that the reconstruction of these traditions began. La Culture Ma’ohi is a way for Tahitian politicians to heighten awareness of the cultural past as well as create and identify for the future of Tahiti.
The Māohi Protestant Church is deeply rooted in the local culture, reflecting a blend of Christian teachings and Tahitian traditions. It struggles with the issues of cultural identity and social development. Its role in preserving the language and traditional songs (Himene Tarave) is widely recognized. Much emphasis is put on the formation of the people of God, at the level of local congregations, and on innovating ministry with young people.
In the Tahitian language, Māohi refers to the ancestors of the Polynesian people. The term can also be a reference to normal, everyday people.
The Māohi people first arrived in what is now known as French Polynesia aver 2,300 years ago. It was not until the 18th century that external influence was introduced to the Māohi people by European missionaries.
La Culture Ma’ohi (the Māohi Culture) is a cultural movement by the Māohi people to rediscover their culture after colonization by the French in the mid-19th century. Diverse influences from neighboring islands such as the Marquesas and Cook Islands also helped to change post-contact Tahitian culture. Due to an overall lack of knowledge about Tahitian culture, it was not until the 1950s that the reconstruction of these traditions began. La Culture Ma’ohi is a way for Tahitian politicians to heighten awareness of the cultural past as well as create and identify for the future of Tahiti.
1:50 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Don with sign in traffic circle for "Bienvenue a Utoroa" (Welcome to Uturoa).
1:54 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - small tree with yellow fruit.
1:54 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - close-up of yellow fruit (telephoto 130 mm).
1:58 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André.
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Port of Uturoa, with red box
around Église de Saint-André (By United144 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4610007)
with box added in Paint.
1:59 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - cornerstone dated 8 Dec. 1966.
1:59 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - view from rear to main altar, with MT in aisle.
2:00 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - stained glass window above main altar, depicting St. Andrew with a cross.
2:00 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - stained glass window above main altar, depicting St. Andrew with a cross; "Anaterea Peata" at the bottom means Saint Andrew in Tahitian (telephoto 109 mm).
In art, St. Andrew the Apostle
is often depicted with a cross, sometimes X-shaped. The cross is important in
Andrew hagiographies (writings on the lives of saints). Not only did he die on
a cross, but there are reports of his lengthy disquisitions explaining the
mystery of the cross. These sermons continued even while he was on his own
cross when he was crucified in Achaia, to the awed inspiration of the crowd.
2:00 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - stained glass window of Saint Damien of Molokai.
Father Damien or Saint Damien
of Molokai SSCC or Saint Damien De Veuster (1840-1889), born Josef De Veuster,
was a Roman Catholic priest from Belgium and a member of the Congregation of
the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, abbreviated SS.CC, a missionary religious
institute. He was recognized for his ministry, which he led from 1873 until his
death in 1889, to people with leprosy who lived in government-mandated
quarantine in a settlement on the Kalaupapa Peninsula of the Hawaiian island of
Moloka’i. After 11 years caring for those in the leper colony, Father Damien
contracted leprosy. He continued with his work but finally succumbed to the disease
in 1889. He was beatified in 1995 and canonized in 2009.
MT 2:02 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - stained glass windows of Sacred Heart of Jesus (left) and of baptism of Christ (right) (mild telephoto 47 mm).
2:01 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - stained glass window of baptism of Christ (telephoto 109 mm).
MT 2:04 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - stained glass window of Saint Pierre Chanel, at right rear of nave (telephoto 71 mm).
Saint Pierre Chanel (Saint Peter
Chanel) (1803-1841) was a Catholic priest, missionary, and martyr. He was sent
as a missionary to Oceania (a geographical region that includes Polynesia),
arriving on the island of Futuna in 1837 after passing through Tahiti. He was
initially well received by Futuna’s king, Niuliki. After a while, a few natives
had been baptized and a few more were being instructed. In 1841, King Niuliki began
to believe that Christianity would undermine his authority as high priest and
king. When his son, Meitala, converted to Christianity and sought to be
baptized, the king sent a favored warrior, his son-in-law Musumusu, to “do
whatever was necessary” to resolve the problem. Musumusu went to Meitala and
the two fought. Musumusu was injured in the fracas and went to Chanal feigning need
of medical attention. While Chanel tended him, a group of others ransacked his
house. Musumusu took an ax and clubbed Chanel to death. Chanel was declared a
martyr and beatified in 1889. He was canonized as a saint in 1954 by Pope Pius
XII.
2:02 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - stained glass windows on side of nave (mild telephoto 47 mm).
MT 2:03 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - stained glass window of "Saint Padre Pio" on side of nave (mild telephoto 67 mm).
Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968), born
Francesco Forgione, as widely known as Padre Pio (Italian for “Father
Pius”). He was an Italian Capuchin friar, priest, stigmatist, and mystic. He
was canonized as a saint in 2002. He spent most of his religious life in the
convent of San Giovanni Rotondo, a town in southern Italy. In 1918, he was
marked by stigmata (scars of wounds corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of
Christ) on his hands and feet. This led to several investigations by the Holy
See. Despite temporary sanctions by the Vatican, his reputation attracted hundreds
of followers to San Giovanni Rotondo each day to see him. He became a spiritual
director for many. After his death, his devotion continued to spread among
believers all over the world.
MT 2:03 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - faded stained glass window of "Jesus" (rest illegible); however, this depiction is known as "Divine Mercy," on side of nave (telephoto 101 mm).
MT 2:05 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - statue of St. Therese of Lisieux with a lei, along with traditional roses and crucifix, at left rear of nave.
Saint Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897) was a
French Discalced Carmelite nun, known as the Little Flower. She is often depicted
holding roses or holding a crucifix covered with roses.
MT 2:04 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - stained glass windows of St. Therese of Lisieux (left) and St. Damien of Molokai (right) (mild telephoto 41 mm).
2:04 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - grotto in courtyard in front of church.
2:04 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - closer view of grotto in courtyard in front of church; French inscription, referring to the statue above it, reads "Que soy era Immaculada Concepcion" (What I am was Immaculate Conception).
2:05 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - sign at courtyard gate, in French and Tahitian, for [Catholic] Parish of Saint Andrew.
2:09 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Église de Saint-André - flowereing tree in courtyard near gate, from across the street.
MT 2:16 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - "Outlet Store" next to "Fare de la Lunette" store at left .
Earlier in the day, one of the nose pieces of Don's glasses had broken off and was lost. As we walked around downtown, we happened to see a store called "Fare de la Lunette," and MT thought "Lunette" in French meant eyeglasses. Indeed, it turned out to be an optical shop. (That was fortunate, since an online translator says Lunette can also mean toilet seat.)
2:28 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - optical store called "Fare de la Lunette."
MT was able to communicate with the proprietor in French, and he replaced the nose piece at no charge.
MT 2:30 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - Don, with repaired glasses, outside "Fare de la Lunette" store.
MT 2:37 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - store in thatched hut near ship (in background).
MT 2:43 PM - Raiatea: Uturoa - another store in thatched, with sign for "Artisanat Ouvert (Handcrafts Open"(mild telephoto 43 mm).
Back on the Viking Star, MT went to the Palm Weaving session at 3:30 on the Pool Deck (Deck 7).
The Viking Daily newsletter
described the “Palm Weaving” session as follows: "The local mothers
of Raiatea bring traditional crafts onboard to teach you their Lei Palm
weaving session."
Leis were originally worn by
ancient Polynesians. In Polynesian cultures, a lei is something that is created
by someone and given to another with the intent to decorate that person for an
emotional reason—usually as a sign of affection. Common reasons include
greeting, farewell, love, friendship, appreciation, congratulation, or
recognition or to otherwise draw attention to the recipient. The ancestors of
Native Hawaiians, who were Polynesians, brought the tradition of making and
wearing leis with them to the Hawaiian islands.
MT 3:24 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - local women weaving, with musicians accompanying.
MT 3:25 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - MT with woven bracelet.
MT 3:28 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - musicians accompanying weavers.
MT 3:29 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - women weaving crowns (mild telephoto 47 mm).
MT 3:32 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - Cruise Director Katy watching the crown weaving (older lady is making one too).
MT 3:35 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - MT with woven bracelet and crown.
MT 3:42 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - woman weaving a basket with palms (telephoto 75 mm).
MT 3:47 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - woman with finished basket (mild telephoto 55 mm).
MT 3:51 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - same woman starting a flower lei (mild telephoto 49 mm).
MT 3:54 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - woman explaining symbolic dance (mild telephoto 36 mm).
MT 3:55 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - woman continuing to explain symbolic dance (mild telephoto 36 mm).
MT 3:56 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - woman starting the dance (mild telephoto 53 mm).
MT 3:56 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - woman dancing (mild telephoto 35 mm).
MT 3:57 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - woman continuing dance (mild telephoto 35 mm).
MT 3:59 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - second woman dancing.
MT 4:02 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - third woman dancing.
MT 4:03 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - third woman continues dance.
MT 4:04 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - fourth woman, another interpretive dancer (mild telephoto 49 mm).
MT 4:07 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - fifth woman begins dance (mild telephoto 38 mm).
MT 4:09 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - women displaying brightly colored cloth (mild telephoto 38 mm).
MT 4:17 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - passenger joining dance.
MT 4:19 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - second passenger joins in.
MT 4:21 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - all the local women dance.
MT 4:42 PM - Viking Star: Lei weaving - farewell from dancers.
The Viking Daily newsletter
described the "Destination Performance: The Tiurai of Yesteryear - the
Heiva of Today" as follows: “Join us for special Raiatea local live
dance performance that is sure to leave you delighted on the Pool Deck.”
The Tiurai and Heiva are July festivities in Tahiti and its islands. “Tiurai” in Tahitian means “July” by derivation from the English word.
On July 14, 1881, the French national holiday on July 14 was celebrated for the first time in Tahiti, which had been a French protectorate since 1842. According to the wishes of Queen Pomare of Tahiti, this first celebration took place at the same time as the traditional local festivals of July (Tiurai). From 1881 to 1885, the festivities offered horse racing, military parades, and balls organized by the French colonial administration, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, maintained local sporting and cultural events of the Tiurai, which were celebrated with war dances (ore’a), traditional songs (himene), canoe races, and traditional sport games. In 1885, one year after Tahiti was granted internal autonomy, the Tiurai was renamed Heiva to mark both its refocusing on the differentiation and valuing of Polynesian cultural identity and the break with the old Tiurai spirit that once wanted these festivals to be in honor of France.
The Heiva celebrates the dance and music of the Polynesian islands. The ”Heiva i Tahiti” takes place every July in Tahiti. It is a colorful celebration of traditional chants, music, and dancing, in a competition that brings together dance troupes from every corner of French Polynesia.
The Tiurai and Heiva are July festivities in Tahiti and its islands. “Tiurai” in Tahitian means “July” by derivation from the English word.
On July 14, 1881, the French national holiday on July 14 was celebrated for the first time in Tahiti, which had been a French protectorate since 1842. According to the wishes of Queen Pomare of Tahiti, this first celebration took place at the same time as the traditional local festivals of July (Tiurai). From 1881 to 1885, the festivities offered horse racing, military parades, and balls organized by the French colonial administration, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, maintained local sporting and cultural events of the Tiurai, which were celebrated with war dances (ore’a), traditional songs (himene), canoe races, and traditional sport games. In 1885, one year after Tahiti was granted internal autonomy, the Tiurai was renamed Heiva to mark both its refocusing on the differentiation and valuing of Polynesian cultural identity and the break with the old Tiurai spirit that once wanted these festivals to be in honor of France.
The Heiva celebrates the dance and music of the Polynesian islands. The ”Heiva i Tahiti” takes place every July in Tahiti. It is a colorful celebration of traditional chants, music, and dancing, in a competition that brings together dance troupes from every corner of French Polynesia.
MT 6:40 PM - Viking Star: sunset, from Pool Deck (Deck 7), with some passengers overlooking from Deck 8.
At 6:45, we transitioned to the Destination Food Event - Taste of Polynesian on the Pool Deck and in the adjacent World Café (Deck 7). First, we reserved a good table on the Pool Deck, and then we went to the buffet in the World Café.
The Viking Daily newsletter
described “Destination Food Event - Taste of Polynesian” as follows: “As
dusk falls, enjoy a sensational evening either alfresco on the Pool Deck or in
the World Café. Dive into the authentic flavors of French Polynesia beyond as you
embark on a gastronomic voyage with locally caught fish that is expertly
prepared. Celebrate the culinary treasures that pay homage to Raiatea’s rich
cultural heritage. Conclude your culinary journey with our irresistible desserts,
inspired by the lush landscapes of the islands offering a blissful and
delightful conclusion of your dining experience. All prepared by our Executive
Chef Joseph and his outstanding culinary team. Accompanied with a musical menu
throughout the evening on the Pool Deck. A perfect pairing for the perfect
evening.”
MT 7:38 PM - Viking Star: MT and Don at table on Pool Deck; MT still with her bracelet and crown from Lei Weaving.
We stayed on the Pool Deck for Line Dancing at 8:00 (for MT), followed by Dancing under the Stars.
The Viking Daily newsletter
described “Line Dancing” as follows: “Join us on the dance floor – Your entertainment
team bring you to a boot scootin’ extravaganza to get you in the mood.”
The Viking Daily newsletter
described “Dancing under the Stars” as follows: “A selection of party
favorites for you to celebrate an unexpected evening and journey under the
Polynesian sky.”
MT 8:00 PM + - Viking Star: Line dancing (VIDEO).
MT 8:00 PM + - Viking Star: Line dancing (still photo from VIDEO, with MT next to Hotel General Manager in red circle ).
According to the Viking Daily newsletter, passengers needed to be back on board by 9:00, as the Viking Star prepared to set sail for our next stop at Moorea (104) nautical miles).
10:02 PM - Viking Star: Don's menu to pre-order for the Restaurant on Nov 28 - from the front side, he selected "Fresh Fruit Plate (melon, pineapple & berrries)," passing up on Creme Brulee, New York Cheesecake, and Fromagerie (homemade chutney, crackers, grapes & baguette.
10:03 PM - Viking Star: from the back side of the menu, Don selected "Green Pea Soup (mint & goat cheese croustillant)" from Starters and "Spanish Style Pork Chop (fondant sweet potatoes, blue cheese butter, piquillo pepper sauce)" from Main Courses.
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