46. Hiva Oa and Tahuata, Marquesas, French Polynesia

Paul Gauguin's grave, and a spectacular road trip to Lipona, the most ancient tikis in the Marquesas!

[@TheSurfrer1]

Absolutely incredible, the island and the waitress. Souvenirs come in all shape and sizes.

[@delwoodkelp8590]

On Tahuata, why were all the boats in that particular bay? I was there in 1977 and not a soul, not a single boat was there. The main village was much farther south in Vaitahu. Although when we were on Tahuata, we never saw another sail boat anywhere the entire week. On Hiva Oa, Tahuata, and Nuka Hiva so much has changed. Before nothing at all was set up for tourism.... no cars, no internet, no GPS (used sextant) BTW, there is beautiful church inVaitahu. Though we missed it by 11 years when we visited. "Vaitahu is the main settlement on the island of Tahuata - just one street actually. But the Catholic Church that dominates the village is spectacular - opened in 1988 to highlight the evangelization of the islands , it is perhaps the most beautiful church in Polynesia."

[@TheAdventuresofPrinceDiamond]

Thanks. I don't know why the others were there. But we found it convenient as a jumping off point for the Tuamotus. I have heard it described as one of the most beautiful bays in French Polynesia, so I would guess many were there because of that. I cannot say I found it out of the ordinary, however. We didn't stay long as we were pressing on for Carol's flight home from Papeete.

[@randolphchappel6098]

This is more of a question; than anything else. My wife & I are going there sometime in 2020. Usually when we go on these excursions, we take stuff for children; like dolls, baseball gloves, soccer balls etc. Do you have any suggestions what kind of things we should bring along to give out to the kids?

[@briandomander]

I can't say I know, really, sorry. Perhaps writing paper and pencils? Maybe there is an organization there which could guide you?

[@randolphchappel6098]

On my last trip; we had gone high up in the Andes to a village. While the guide was explaining something; I spied this little girl just sitting off the road. I motioned for her to come over and see me. When she got near me I gave her a doll. She gave me the biggest smile and took off. Well, a few minutes later she show up with most of the village children in tow! I was giving out dolls, dinky toys, baby play toys etc. By the time I got up to the cooperative area, I had mothers with babies on their backs coming up to me! It was very gratifying! I collect stuff throughout the year and never know from one year to another where I'm going. This one to the Marquesas won't happen until. May 2020. On one of the videos from there I saw soccer goalposts out in one field, so it kind of gives a clue what they do sports-wise.

[@briandomander]

Nice!