what a wonderful culture

I've officially been in French Polynesia for more than a week now, and it's amazing. We're still in Mo'orea, anchored in Cook's bay, which is a dream. The scenery here is beautiful, even though one bay over in Opunohu bay is better. Though I think we choose to stay here because of the locals. Two nights ago, I was walking back from the store with fresh baguettes and more Hinano, and a local waved me down. He lives right on the water, and he said he had seen us driving in our dinghy back and forth from the boat to shore, and he wanted to invite us over for a barbeque! This is the one thing about this land that I don't think I'll ever get enough of; the wonderful giving locals. He didn't even know my name before I was invited over to his house to break bread with him and his family. Taylor and I showed up a few hours later (after Taylor's tattoo was finished) with Hinano in tow. The man I met, AJ told us that we were going to first drive to a nearby resort before starting up the bbq, so we accompanied him and his friends John and Frank (real authentic Tahitian names) to the Mo'orea Pearl Resort; a hotel right on the water, with exclusive amenities. We were blown away and a little awkward, we knew this place was going to be expensive. A few drinks in, AJ informed us that they were paying for everything. After some objection, and arguing about it, we consented. He told us not to worry about it, one of his joys in life is showing and sharing the Tahitian culture which means meeting tourists and cruisers and taking them out. Can't say no to that right?

Unfortunately as soon as we were finishing up our last drink and heading back to AJ's house, the monsoon started. I'm not talking Seattle rain, I'm talking serious soak you to the core downpour. AJ's house is a tree house that he constructed himself, one of the coolest houses I've ever seen. Way simple, and wonderful with a spiral staircase and typical roof made of palm leaves. Though a wonderful place to hang out on a sunny day, the house was inadequate for an inside bbq, as most houses are. We were forced to return to the boat for our own tuna melts and we took a rain check (literally) with AJ.

Taylor recently got a tattoo from a local artist named Tama. A very chill cool dude with dreadlocks and a heavy Tahitian accent. Though he barely spoke any English, Taylor managed to communicate very well his needs and wants for his tattoo.

I hope everyone back at home had a wonderful fourth of July! I felt a little sting in my heart when I realized this is my second fourth of July in a French territory; very un-American of me. Can't complain too much though, I am in a tropical paradise. Today it's off for some drinks called "Pain Killers" on a fellow cruisers boat. Hopefully I'll be able to sneak into the nearby hotel for a shower. I've been here for more than a week without showering. I apologize as I'm sure you can all smell me from home. Happy 37th Anniversary to my parents too! Much love.