AdventuresAboardAvatar: Rendezvous Game Day

Rendezvous Game Day

Sunday was the day we had all been waiting for, a chance to paddle in a real proa outrigger canoe with real Tahitians too! They brought in the boats and we all looked at them with awe. Flashbacks to the days of Captain Cook come to mind when hundreds of Tahitians welcomed him in this very bay in these same kind of boats. One family on “Kandu” had spent the last 10 months in Nuku Hiva with their son's going to school. They performed the war dance they had learned to do before racing in proa's for everyone's entertainment. We figured they would be the team to beat, since they were the only ones with experience. There were 35 teams signed up and we had 3 from our Mexico contingent, the boys were the “Burritos”, the girls were the “tacos”, and the rest of the gang was the “Enchiladas”. 4 people per team with 2 locals in each boat.

Our MC's and hosts were Jordan and Mako, a couple of local men who taught us and entertained us through out the day. The local paddle club was all dressed in red pareos. We all paid close attention as Mako demonstrated how to paddle a 6 man canoe. Every other person paddles on the same side. So do the opposite of the guy in front of you! And synchronicity is the key to winning, everyone paddling together. Then the races began. There were 7 heats and the winner and 2^nd place moved on to the semi-finals. The starting line was just in front of the restaurant and went out and around some preset buoys and back to the start. Jordan and Mako were amazed at how well everyone did. The “Taco” team was made up of Denise, who is Patsy's daughter, Shelly, Patsy and Katie. Since we were all in the same heat, I had asked a gal to use my camera and get some photos of us all. She did quite well. The “Burrito” team was Miguel, Paul, who is Patsy's son in law, Sea Otter Jimmy and cousin Mike. Also in our heat was the Morning Light crew and family, Scott, Kelli, Coral and Amanda. We all did the best we could, but the “Enchiladas and Burritos” made it to the next round in our heat.

The “Burritos” paddled in sync and won their heat in the semi-finals. Then there were 3 boats in the finals. They had to draw straws to see who got which boat, because it was determined that some boats were definitely faster than others through out the day. The “Burritios” got a good pick and you can see by my photo that they won the championship!

We got a lunch break and the Ukulele players entertained us while we waited our turn to be served. The food was traditional pork dishes and poisson (fish) served with veggies and coconut milk and a whole lot of other interesting foods. After lunch we got pareo tying demonstrations, then it was time for coconut lessons. Our 3 girl team was Kelli (Scott's wife), Shelly & Katie. First we each had to husk the coconut on a sharp stick stuck in the ground. This is not as easy as it looks!! Technique is the key. Once the coconuts were husked, you can see their faces. You have to determine which is the mouth and hit the coconut on the top of his head with a stick to crack him open. This too is not as easy as it sounds because you do not want to hit your hand, plus juice can go flying, but we got to drink what ever was left in the shell.

The next event was coconut carrying. 4 coconuts, 2 are tied on each end of a bamboo stick and you had to run around a course. This was quite hilarious, but did cause bruises on our shoulders later. Then the kids played tug of war against the adults. Of course Mako joined in to make sure the kids won! The final event was stone lifting. Miguel decided NOT to try this as he knew Dr. Ortiz, would kick his butt! But it was fun to watch people's faces as they agonized trying it. Jordan, who is a skinny older man, showed us the most important technique so you did not hurt yourself. Step one wrap your arms and legs around the stone. Step two shimmy it up your stomach to your shoulder and step three, wa la (as the French say) you take one hand away to show you have control. Both kids and adults did their best and many of them actually made it to their shoulders (I was impressed!) Even Coral, Scott's daughter beat him at the game. The one Asian lady who did it, said “it was not as tough as childbirth!” Everyone laughed!!

As a last hurrah, the ladies were shown how to shimmy our hips like the Polynesian dancers do. (or we tried) Again technique is always the key!

I got a really funny photo of Patsy and our gang watching the show. And for one last time we were entertained by some more amazing beautiful dancers and musicians. You got to love their leafed costumes!

Miguel and I agreed, along with everyone else, this was an awesome weekend. One of the best highlights of the trip so far. And not to be missed if you plan to do the Puddle Jump yourself!