Marquesas

We are in the beautiful Marquesas Islands. We arrived from the Galapagos on April 24th to the Island of Hiva Oa where we
checked in as is the port of entry, visited the bank for Polynesian Francs, and bought 4 delicious baguettes from the local and
only bakery on the Island. Gorgeous place with many boats in a small anchorage. We had to put out a bow and stern anchor
which we had never done on this boat, but was accomplished. We stayed for 4 days then with the wind out of the north east took
off for the Island of Fatu Hiva. This is the Island everyone says, "Don't miss". It is absolutely gorgeous! It looks like
a small Hawaiian Island. The people are friendly and are artisans of tapas (printings using berry ink on paper made from
the bark of trees and gorgeous hand carved items such as masks, bowls, and paddles, etc. The anchorage is surrounded by high
pinnacle rock formations and there is a beautiful waterfall within walking distance with a swimming hole. On Friday the only
freighter which stops here once a month and brings supplies and tourists came and the villagers put on a festival for them which we
cruisers were invited to join. They had all their craft and art merchandise items showcased and put on a Polynesian dance.
There were about 8 different bongo drums, some taller than most men, and 12 lovely women dancers and 3 men. The women were
dressed in colorful sarong and wore crowns of flowers in their hair. The men were dressed as warriors with grass skirts and
feather and grass headbands, neck bands, and ankle bands. They performed a dance that told the story of the warriors winning
over the beautiful young maidens with their strength and boldness. The maidens had beautiful voices and the words were sang in
French but we were able to understand the story from the actions. Our friend Tom, on Emily Grace, took a video of the dance
and gave us a copy. Afterwards, we had 2 other boats over to Imagine for drinks and appetizers. Bubbles with Alex, Ross, and
Diego on board, and Emily Grace with Tom, Kim, and the boats namesake Emily Grace their 9 year old daughter. We relived the
wonderful day we had experienced on Fatu Hiva. Today, Sunday, we were invited back to the Island to eat with the villagers
in their homes (charge 1700 P.Francs) about $25US pp. We chose to eat with a couple who prepared their meal on the beach.
We had raw fish in coconut sauce (thought I would hate it and looooooved it), tuna shashimi, rice, breadfruit (more like a
boiled potato), shrimp, and goat in a wonderful white sauce???? so delicious. Afterwards, we watched the performers practicing
their dances, and some of our group joined the locals in a game of volley ball. These people are serious volley ball players. They
have a court down by the water and some age group is always playing. Even the small ladies can spike that ball! These Islands
are so different than anything we have experienced thus far. We had been told by Matt Hunter, former owner of our boat, that the
"Best is yet to come" and we now believe him. Can't wait for more!!!