Category Archives: Daily Journal

The Taputapuatea marae in Raiatea includes a number of distinct marae, all contructed in a similar fashion. They all include a paved courtyard, sometimes enclosed by a low wall. All include a number of upright stones that represent the position of … Continue reading →

Before coming to Raiatea, I had not heard of a marae. In Polynesian society, a marae was a sacred space, a rectangular area cleared and bordered with stones or wooden posts. Altars were constructed on which to place offerings to … Continue reading →

The next island on my vacation was Raiatea. This island is home to the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in French Polynesia. Unwittingly, I had actually booked two excursions on the Faaroa River on the same day, one in … Continue reading →

So, I’ve wanted to ride a Jet Ski or WaveRunner for a long time now, and this visit to Bora Bora was my chance. The island of Bora Bora is surrounded by a lagoon which, in turn, is surrounded by … Continue reading →

Before heading back to the ship, we stopped for a photo opportunity. While taking pictures of the scenery, one of the almost daily showers approached. SOURCE: Steve on Bora Bora (Bora Bora, French Polynesia); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on … Continue reading →

During a 4×4 excursion through Bora Bora, we stopped at the Paarara Mountain Artist Studio. I don’t have photos of the studio where hand-painted pareos (similar to sarongs) are decorated, but I do have photos from around the studio. Nestled in … Continue reading →

During World War II, the United States maintained a supply base on Bora Bora. After the war, eight cannons were left behind, two of which are located on Mont Poopooureroa. The view of Bora Bora’s lagoon from Mont Poopooureroa is spectacular. … Continue reading →

A wonderful vacation in the South Pacific deserves a wonderful sunset. SOURCE: Bora Bora Sunset 1 (Bora Bora, French Polynesia); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 07 April 2016. SOURCE: Bora Bora Sunset 2 (Bora Bora, French Polynesia); photographed by … Continue reading →

I was able to get a seat aboard a sunset catamaran cruise on the first day in Bora Bora. The operators of the cruise took us to a site where we could swim with the stingrays and enjoy the Bora … Continue reading →

Sea life in Bora Bora could be observed not only swimming past the glass panels in the bottom of the boat, but also swimming beside the boat and in the water itself. The boat made two stops, one to see the … Continue reading →