The Long Journey to French Polynesia!

We left our house at noon to grab lunch before our flight. Since I absolutely hate to fly, I wasn't much on eating.

So while some may think why would you be writing on vacation, I couldn't imagine it any other way. I love to go back and read journals, after all the memories are the most important thing about vacation! We arrived at the airport far too early. We do everything early. After waiting what seemed like an eternity we were off to Dallas. Watched an episode about French Polynesia on Anthony Bourdain and were in Dallas in no time. 1 hr layover, what to do? Seeing that is was 4:30, grab a glass of wine!

Boarded plane to LAX on time. Nice meal, wine and watched Safe Haven(great movie). Landed in LAX and the fun began, had to get our luggage and do the whole checking process again!!

Boarded plane, a couple glasses of wine,dinner, sleeping pills and we were off. 

Too bad the pills really didn't work on me and it was hot. David managed to get in a few hours. I did too when I put in my headphones and stopped obsessing that he was the only one on the plane snoring, thus leading me to fall asleep making two of us now snoring.

They serve breakfast before arriving in Tahiti at about 4:15 current time, 9:15 Lafayette, but you have to stick with the time of where you are traveling to to avoid jet lag.

Wait in Papeete, Tahiti wasn't bad. 10 min flight to Moorea, the shortest full flights have ever taken, welcomed by the hut the call the airport(not charming), met our transfer and we were dropped off at the Hilton in Moorea. It's a breathtaking resort and no pics will do it justice.

Our room wasn't ready so we grabbed breakfast and headed to the spa. We both agreed one of the best we have ever had!! Only downfall, we were right next to each other and heard each other moaning /snoring. Well at least we were rested!
Got into our over water bungalow, phenomenal!!!

Water is crystal clear and there are fish everywhere, and we can see them from the glass window in the floor of our bungalow!

Tested the waters...very cold! It is their winter and as I type this at 6:15 pm, I'm getting chilly wearing a pashmina!

We are going to the Polynesian dinner tonight at the hotel with show, I ll let you know how it goes...

Tomorrow 4x4 safari tour of the island!

Observations traveling abroad...

Children, while most important, especially to those parents that want their children to experience the world, are still considered second class citizens in the eyes of travelers. The old adage, seen but not heard never made it through the entire twentieth century, but it some countries it did. Traveling abroad, I have never been so impressed by children as French children. Aside from them sounding adorable, they know their place. Like little old souls, they soak up culture like a sponge and you just "know" they are French. To hear a twelve year old(next to me now) order her drink, I felt intimidated. "I would appreciate a pineapple, apple, orange juice with a pineapple garnish." WTH? And she's not holding a phone!!! She and her younger sister pick up their "cocktails" along with their mother and come and sit next to me...a story!!!

We watched the show. I got my calamari,  and I still don't know if I have a waitress or waiter. Long story, but to streamline, many males are forced into female roles in their family for the family continuity. Nothing wrong with it, just don't know wether to say Monsieur or Madam.

The show was terrific!