The Marqueses Islands are a relatively unvisited part of French Polynesia, comprised of three distinct islands, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, Nuku Hiva and 7 unpopulated islands. The Rotterdam anchored in Baie Taiohae on the island of Nuku Hiva, a volcanic, mountainous and fertile island that mainly produces breadfruit, coconut and tobacco. The locals are known for their Tattoo and carving skills. Their artistry dates back thousands of years and is believed to be the source of the Easter Island stone heads and the Hawaiian Tiki.
We found Nuku Hiva to be arid at sea level but extremely lush and tropical in the highlands and valleys. The interior has lots of farms and though there were 4 wheel cars and trucks, we saw many more horses with riders, which appeared to be a better mode of transportation on the steep mountainous roads and trails in the back country. Unlike other Polynesians, the peoples of the Marquesas, as a norm, are very fair skinned with straight hair, blue, green and light brown colored eyes. And, as with the other French Polynesian islands, they spoke French and Tahitian, or a sort of “Frehitian” if you will. Most of the terrain that surrounds Nuku Hiva is high cliffs right to the ocean; the only beaches were in the two bays, and yes, we saw where TV’s “Survivor-Nuku Hiva” was filmed. If you’ve ever seen a Hollywood set, then you can imagine the area. It was a located on a water inlet, with one of the few beaches on the island (they had to add sand), and it covered an area of approximately 900 square yards.
We are nearly at journeys end and the Captain has turned the Rotterdam, northeast, with a heading that will bring us back home to San Diego. We look back on loads of great memories, recently learned knowledge and some wonderful new friends. Thanks for coming along with us; we hope you’ve enjoyed our first attempt at blogging. We will write a review of our experience with Holland American Cruise Lines, the MS Rotterdam and this cruise in particular, after we get home. Check out cruise reviews for Holland Cruise Lines, Ms Rotterdam at www.Cruisecritic.com .
Wishing you calm winds and blue skies…
Parahi (Goodbye) and Fa’aitoito (Good luck)!
John & Sandy
Top of the world!
Site of Survivor Nuku Hive
It has been fun!
View of the Ms Rotterdam from the highest peak on Nuku Hiva.
No comments:
Post a Comment