Bora Bora is considered to be the world’s most beautiful island. It’s only 4 miles by 2 ½ miles and made up of a barrier reef and surrounded by a deep lagoon that glows over 50 shades of turquoise and emerald. The high peak is Mt. Otemanu at 2,379 feet. Rugged mountain roads take you through lush landscapes and forested slopes with cliffside views. And of course, there are those iconic bungalows set above the water. And, for a mere $1500, you too can spend the night. A drive around the entire islands circumference takes 2 hours.
Our 2-hour bus tour stopped at an outside market where paredo’s (bathing suit cover-ups) were being made and sold. At that site a local music group played, and included a lesson on how to tie the paredo cloth to keep it on. Amazing how creative the people are. Our tour guide knew everything there is to know about Bora Bora. Being a guide brings in a decent salary and depending how the guests like the guide, tips add another boost to income. Fuel costs $8/liter. The power generating station consumes this fuel resulting in the most expensive electricity in the world. A typical bill is $300/month without air conditioning in their home.
The bus stopped at a lagoon for a 10 minute photo opportunity of those 50 shades of blue water and it poured down rain for 8 of those 10 minutes. Then the sun re-emerged but we were on our way. Next stop was the famous Bloody Mary’s Bar. Most people had a drink; I went into the ladies toilet and what a place. A waterfall was built as a place to wash your hands. You pulled a rope and wa la, down came the water.
After tour, we walked around looking for a lunch spot. Found one called Café Aole. Sat outside under palm trees and it actually felt like we were in Bora Bora. Yes, it was really hot and humid. Panini’s, fries and diet coke (no ice) filled our bellies and allowed us to cool off. Continued walking the town past churches and road side fruit stands, then ended up at the only grocery store on the island. Most food was imported from France and very expensive. Our noses lead us to freshly baked baguette bread, then bought what we thought was some of the best bread ever, 2 ½ feet long loaf for 53 cents.
