Grand Escapades
Travel Photography & Travel Experiences of Africa, South America, the Middle-East & Asia
Driving around on Rarotonga, Cook Islands
In 1830, the name Cook Islands was first used by a Russian cartographer, 50 years after the death of Captain James Cook, who explored many of these islands. It is a unique Polynesian country with an independent government “in free association with New Zealand”. This means that Cook Islanders carry New Zealand passports and New Zealand takes on many of the responsibilities of Foreign Affairs, including defense. Continue Reading →
Fakarava Atoll, French Polynesia – The very name Tahiti probably triggers the wildest imaginations in most people, a tropical island with white sandy beaches lined with palm trees
We only spent 6 days in French Polynesia, four of them diving in Fakarava and two stopovers in Papeete. So our summery has to be seen in this context. Continue Reading →
Approaching Papeete on Tahiti, French Polynesia
Our flight from Fakarava back to Papeete took us first to Rangiroa, so we got a glimpse of this atoll as well, before we continued to Papeete. Since we were warned by fellow travelers that restaurants close early, we rushed into the center around 06:30 pm and found a ghost town. Everything was closed, shops, businesses and we could not find a bar or restaurant. Continue Reading →
Black Pearl Farm, Fakarava, French Polynesia
Monday morning, the day of our departure from Fakarava, we visited Hinano pearl farm. Black pearls are cultivated throughout French Polynesia and the Cook Islands, the only place in the world, whereas white pearls are traditionally produced in China, Japan and now in Australia as well. It was the Japanese who about 100 years ago developed the technique of cultivating pearls. Continue Reading →
Photo: Guillaume Fuenfrock, 5Rock Production, Fakarava, French Polynesia. In five dives, we actually saw more than two hundred Grey Reef Sharks, sometimes being surrounded by them and having them swimming between us
The choice of the Te Ava Nui diving center was definitely a great one: everyone there is just nice and relaxed, but when it is about diving, they are all extremely professional and security oriented, just what we are looking for. The instructors know the lagoon inside out and the fauna you find here, making these few days an unforgettable experience! Continue Reading →
Relais Marama, Fakarava, French Polynesia
Our top priority for accommodation was kitchen-use since everything we heard and read about prices here seemed outlandish. Accommodation on the atoll is limited and most of them offer rooms with half-board for at least 65 Euros per person and day, but often much more. Only one or two provide cooking facilities, which is why we chose the Relais Marama. It has nice breezy bungalows with shared squeaky-clean bathrooms. The common area is large & inviting and includes a well-equipped outdoor kitchen, all this for “only” 60 Euros per night with breakfast, a bargain for French Polynesia! Continue Reading →
Photo: Guillaume Fuenfrock, 5Rock Production, Fakarava, French Polynesia. In five dives, we actually saw more than two hundred Grey Reef Sharks, sometimes being surrounded by them and having them swimming between us
The reason why a few tourists come out to this atoll in the Tuamotu Islands is to spend as much time under the water as possible. Fakarava is one of the top-notch diving spots in the world with a marine life that is truly unchallenged! Continue Reading →
Moai, in Ahu Nau Nau, Rapa Nui or Easter Island, Pacific
This week on the Easter Island was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. We thought we would have lots of time to rest and do nothing spending a whole week on this island, but were very busy visiting the various events of the festival and the more famous sites of standing Moai. Besides, from midday to late afternoon, the sun is simply too strong for any major undertaking! Continue Reading →
Approaching Papeete on Tahiti, French Polynesia
The very name Tahiti probably triggers the wildest imaginations in most people, a tropical island with white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, populated by graceful people dressed in exotic costumes with flowers in their hair moving their hips to the wailing music. Continue Reading →
Jerome, Heidi & Pina, Rapa Nui or Easter Island, Pacific
At Residencial Petero Atamu, our home for one week, we met the extended family of Senora Dalia Pakarati, her daughters, grandchildren and cousins. They all live on this plot of land in seven bungalows surrounded by banana and mango trees. One building is reserved for tourists, but as soon as one of these rooms is empty, a family member moves in, bringing a TV along of course. Continue Reading →