The weather has improved immensely. We now have that postcard perfect view of turquoise water and blue skies.
It’s always a thrill to arrive to a new destination, especially when it’s one you’d never even heard of. That describes Fakarava. It is a protected biosphere atoll. Very long and narrow. There are a total of about 850 inhabitants.
Until recently, no cruise ships came here. Today we are the only ship here. This is a very good thing, as there wouldn’t be space for many more people.
I took one of the first tenders (small boats) that transported passengers to the island. At 8:30, we were too late to book a tour of the island. A lone taxi, holding a maximum of 4, takes people on a two-hour tour. The 9:30, 11:30 and 1:30 tours were booked. There are no water taxis, no way to book a boat tour around the island. There were bicycles for rent–not for me.
So, I walked in the hot, steamy weather for a bit. I passed the primary school, the one restaurant / bar in town (closed), and a couple of gift shops. The shops had some amazing shell jewelry. But I knew I’d never wear any of it. And the prices were sky high.
The market sold a mix of junk food, basic food staples, local specialties, toys and toiletries.
As when I was cruising above the Arctic circle, I wondered how people earn a living. They clearly do. The homes looked sturdy and well maintained. The inhabitants drove newish cars, there were lots of sailboats as well as other indicators of a thriving economy. Is fishing enough to sustain them? There didn’t appear to be any farming. Tourism could be a source of income, but based on what I observed, they have a long way to go before tourism significantly contributes to the economy.
Hot and sweaty I returned to the ship. I drank glass after glass of iced tea and water to hydrate. Between the liquids and AC I’m now feeling quite human. Sitting in a quiet lounge next to a floor to ceiling window, I’m enjoying the gorgeous view.