Our Honeymoon
Bora Bora (part B)
While on Bora Bora, we went on a shark and ray feeding excursion, took a 4x4 tour of the island, visited a black pearl shop, ate some great meals, and relaxed.
We don't have photographic proof of being in the water with sharks, but we do have photographic proof of the sun burns we got that day! (and, when I'm typing this 8 months later, I still have the tan marks on my back)
The 4x4 tour was bumpy but fun. Our driver had an old land rover with the back converted into two bench seats that faced each other. We climbed in with another couple from Texas (randomly) and two couples from Italy. The driver thought she was speaking Italian to them, but no, it was Spanish. Anyhow, she also had some out-of-town family with her (they were visiting from another island for a huge outrigger canoe race) -- so it was a full load. She knew what she was doing! We went up (and later down - which was almost worse) some really steep off-road trails to get to some great lookout points.
Bora Bora has numerous gun placements - that were never fired - but which have good views to the lagoon.
Our tour included a stop at a black pearl farm & store. This basket of pearls is probably worth tens of thousands of dollars.
The 4x4 tour let us get some fun pictures of Mount Otemanu.
Our hotel was on a separate "motu" from the main island, but it was connected by regularly scheduled boats into the main town of Vitape. Initially, we weren't sure that would be a good thing -- having to take a boat if we wanted to go to town. Turns out it was the best thing. When you're on the actual island, your hotel won't transport you anywhere, so you can't go far. With the boat right into town, we were able to see & do a lot more. The boat dropped us off right in front of this church -- with a view of Otemanu behind.
One of our favorite destinations on Bora Bora was the grocery store. About 50 cents bought a french baguette (far better than *any* we've found in Austin, no matter what price) and a dollar or two bought a package of French butter. Despite the numerous excellent meals we had, our bread-and-butter meals were probably our favorite. Simple and delicious. French butter is just different than American -- much better! Anyhow, here's Matt proudly standing with our bread in front of Otemanu.
Ok, this is random - but look at the coffee for sale at the grocery store.
We enjoyed a great meal at Bloody Mary's - a fun Americanized restaurant where you slip off your shoes and dig your feet into the sand.
Vitape's harbor was visited by this boat from the French Navy.
Matt, being the great new husband that he is, provided for Becky by finding Mountain Dew. Here's a picture with Otemanu behind to prove it!
Another random one -- imagine a place called "Nemo World..." Anyhow...
All of French Polynesia has great flowers -- of all colors and kinds. Here are just a few:
More palm trees - with the moon visible behind.
A view of Mount Otemanu from one of the boat rides.
Finally, our parting view of Bora Bora from the boat from the hotel to the airport. We simply must return!
You're at the end of the honeymoon pictures