The island of Rapa, wow. Day 10, our captain navigates us into the extremely beautiful bay of Rapa. There, the Aranui docks. Our horn blows proudly as a small group on land enthusiastically drum and wave. Why? It's not simply the excitement of having us as visitors -- it's also because --- our captain is from here!
Here is just the beginning of our welcome to Rapa. Though very very isolated, southernmost of all French Polynesia, is renowned for its beauty; its dance group, Tamarii Rapa No Tahiti, which does very well at Tahiti's Heiva competition; its astonishing choral tradition, which we heard with Tahitian bands on day 10 but "a capella" at church day 11; and its ancient cultural and language links to the Marquesas and to a much more known island, Rapa Nui, which we grew up knowing as Easter Island.
Rapa was so welcoming. First they treated us to a Tahitian 'Ori presentation, then, we got to know the town and enjoy, through the day, different bands and choirs. Such beautiful dresses and flower ornaments!
Saturday we enjoyed Rapa's musicians and dancers, but the Aranui guides kept telling us, essentially, you haven't experienced the half of it, wait til you see the emotional power, the heart and soul gift that these Rapa dancers are going to share with you tonight. They came on board and gave us quite a show before dinner. They are professionals doing a show, sure; but it's also personal, they are welcoming our captain back home, seeing new friends, and thanking the Aranui for setting up a new venture... clearly having a lot of fun being on board with us!
Saturday we enjoyed Rapa's musicians and dancers, but the Aranui guides kept telling us, essentially, you haven't experienced the half of it, wait til you see the emotional power, the heart and soul gift that these Rapa dancers are going to share with you tonight. They are professionals doing a show, sure; but it's also personal, they are welcoming our captain back home, seeing new friends, and thanking the Aranui for setting up a new venture... clearly having a lot of fun being on board with us!
Musicians and dancers met us at the dock...
Fishing boats are lifted out of the water by this system when not in use...
Rapa dancers welcome the passengers and crew...
This lady was the lead dancer...
Lots of good music...
This was the Aranui captain, who is from this island...
Local kids...
We were given a little tour around town...
Workers in the taro field....
Some of the beautiful countryside of Rapa. This island is so far south, that coconut palms can't grow here...
More music and a feast when we got back to town...
And I was lucky enough to join in...
One of the crafts here is nicely made palm hats...
Many beautiful head leis...
Fellow traveler Steve Morris joins in, too...
"Aronga" means "aloha" in the local lingo...
Back on board and time for a little strumming on deck 9...
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