Port of call on the Tahitian Princess. WOW! What an amazing place. I can't say enough about it. I know it's not for everyone, but personally, I loved it.
I corresponded with the Kiraren the tourism official, for a couple weeks before arriving and he arranged a tour of the island for us. It lasted about two hours and we drove out to the Captain Cook Hotel, to see the Six-headed Coconut tree, bird sanctuary, coconut plantations, the monument built for the Millenium celebration, and the Milleneum Maneaba. Along the way, we saw many churches, Radio Kiribati, many schools and some businesses. Everyone was waving at us as we went by. While this tour may not seem like much to some people, I really enjoyed seeing the island and how the people live.
The children were amazing! They were all so friendly and had such a fire in their eyes, and big bright smiles. I wanted to bring them all home with me! My parents and I brought a suitcase full of toys and games for the children to play with.
At the pier area there were children perfomring dances, and men singing and playing instruments. Some people had locally made craft items for sale. There was also someone selling postcards and stamps, and there was a post office, so you could send them home.
The water rivaled Bora Bora for the most beatuiful I have ever seen. The beach at the Captain Cook Hotel is full of shells and one could spend days just looking at all of them, but be careful as some of them are moving!! I almost squashed a couple crabs and snails.
The only regret I have is that there wasn't enough time to walk around the town of London, (where the ship tendered) and talk to more people. Otherwise I was VERY happy with my visit. This island is definitely on my list of places to return to one day.