Written by: IIS “Isa Conti-Eller Vainicher”
The first phase of the Erasmus+ Blue Ocean project, which aims to increase teachers’ skills and motivate students towards blue careers, has just ended. The first part of the project involved the drafting of a handbook, which was presented during a week of meetings, workshops and conferences at the Lycée Diadème in Tahiti, a project partner.
This experience, which brought together participants from several countries, in addition to Lipari, Foggia, Malta, Crete and Tahiti, gave us the privilege of staying for a few days on the beautiful Polynesian island, coming into contact with the local culture, appreciating the beauty of breath-taking landscapes, and being enveloped by the warm welcome of the Tahitian people. Our long journey from Italy was indeed rewarded by the helpfulness of the people we met, by their daily ‘Ia Ora Na’ greeting, accompanied by colourful flower necklaces and simple, heart-warming gestures.
In our free time, our team had the chance to wander around a bit in discovery of the main Polynesian island, meeting many new faces, but all ready to make you feel part of a great community. We then immersed ourselves in the enchanting local nature, letting ourselves be captivated by the still unspoilt beauty of this place.
Tahiti, pearl of the Pacific and gateway to French Polynesia, is a fascinating volcanic island that enchants with its wild nature, dream beaches and a culture deeply rooted in Maohi traditions. In this article, we present to you the 5 unmissable experiences that made our trip unforgettable.
1. The Papeete Market
The beating heart of the island is undoubtedly the Papeete Municipal Market, a colourful labyrinth of stalls selling everything: tropical fruit, local handicrafts, hand-painted pareos, vanilla, monoi oils and shell necklaces. A perfect sensory experience to get in touch with the local culture and stock up on authentic souvenirs.
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2. Bathing under the Vaihi Waterfalls
Tucked away in lush vegetation and reached by an adventurous walk among giant ferns and volcanic rocks, the Vaihi Waterfalls are capable of making every visitor feel like they are in a remote corner of the world. Here, nature is the absolute protagonist: at a distance of 5 metres from each other, the two waterfalls fall from a height of 10 metres into the large pool; an almost mystical place to be enveloped by the rainforest.
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3. Snorkelling in the Tahiti Nui Lagoon
Tahiti offers spectacular backdrops, where you can swim among coral reefs, admiring colourful fish and sometimes even sea turtles. The crystal-clear water and the variety of marine fauna make snorkelling a must-do activity.
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4. Visit to Marae Arahurahu
Among the green hills of Paea on the west coast is the Marae Arahurahu, a perfectly restored ancient Maohi sacred site. This lava stone ceremonial site was a spiritual and social landmark for Polynesian communities. Today, it offers a fascinating window into Tahitian culture and beliefs.
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5. Traditional Polynesian Cuisine
One cannot leave Tahiti without trying poisson cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime), ma’a Tahiti (traditional meal cooked in a sunken oven) and a selection of exotic fruits such as breadfruit, mango and papaya. The ‘roulottes’ (food trucks) at Place Vaiete in Papeete offer typical dishes at affordable prices in a convivial atmosphere.
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Tahiti is therefore not just a gateway destination to other famous islands in Polynesia: it is a land rich in history, nature and authenticity. The local warmth and ability to make you feel at home, even on the other side of the world, made us appreciate the mild character of the local people, their lifestyle and their traditions, made up of ancestral rituals, music and dances. Our trip allowed us to capture the essence of an island that has enchanted painters, navigators and travellers of every era, leaving in our hearts the indelible charm of this place!