We
decorated the boat with our tiny decorations and hung up our leis to
add perfume to the spirit of Christmas. Hard to see the tiny snowmen
in the port light of the galley.
There
are a string of Santas hanging on the book shelf, a tiny tree on the
table and our stocking hung with care on the mast, in case Santa
decides to slide down the pole. Not a lot of room on a boat for
Christmas decorations ;-).
We
went ashore in Hapatoni and all the kids were playing at the quay and
on the ramp. Having a great ol time on Christmas day. You can see
Avatar and a few other boats anchored in the distance.
The
kids are out playing with their new toys too, bikes, soccer balls,
etc.
Traditional,
yet outboard powered, Va'a, or outrigger canoes and an old ferry
boat, obviously not working for some time.
As
we leave the quay, the road going up the hill, is paved of concrete.
We hiked up that back when we were here the first time, in October.
It is a lovely view from the top! But not today...
Mike
is headed down the Queen's highway, to Tahina's house to use the
internet and talk on the phone to our families.
A
Grandpa and his granddaughter play by the ocean.
Hapatoni
is such a quiet easy going village, and lovely too!
Our
friend, David invites us to play “Petong”, which is similar to
Bacci Ball. Quite fun.
Our
dear friend Tahina who treated us like family these holidays.
We
sailed back to the island of Hiva Oa, so we could get some last
provisions before we make the passage to the Gambier islands. Avatar
sits anchored in the bay little bay near the big village of Atuona.
We
celebrated New Years at the only known party on the island, hosted by
a restaurant. Bonn Annee means Happy New Year!
The
band plays in the corner with the sparkle light and a beach mural
painting in the back ground. Only in the Marquesas.
We
came with the crew of Imani, who had just arrived direct from
Sausalito and crossed the Equator on Christmas day! Mark is the
captain in the white shirt and Doreen is his wife behind him and
their friends, Clair and Drew, who just made their first ocean
crossing. We had been talking to them on our SSB radio net for a
couple of weeks and finally got to meet them. So we celebrated!!
Finally
some dancing!!
Imani
crew photo
Avatar
crew photo
Before
leaving Hiva Oa, we had one place yet to explore that we missed on
previous times at this island, the Paul Gauguin museum. We already
visited his grave on the hill a previous time, so let's check out his
work!
Self
portrait.
A
stone self portrait, I didn't know he carved too!
A
few of his paintings 6
These
are some carved boss relief stamps from stone. These have to be done
backwards. That is real talent!
Here
is the stamp on the paper.
Another
stamp.
Printed
on paper.
A
wooden carving.
Another
wood carving, love the eyes on these two.
A
perfect burl of wood creates the shape of her breast and shoulder.
There
is also other artists from the Marquesas displayed here.
Here
is a traditional ceremonial club head, not unlike the one we had
custom made for our anniversary present!
A
huge bowl, similar to the one we saw the gal serving food from at the
festival!
Traditional
carvings on this bowl.
A
great photo of some of the locals back in Gauguin's day.
A
post card that he sent back to Paris, showing the local scenery.
This
old dugout canoe as amazing carvings on its outrigger and a duck head
on the boat.
Out
in the yard of the museum is the biggest dugout canoe I have ever
seen.
Those
are some big paddles!
A
better look at it with me by its side to show you how huge it is and
interesting carvings on the bow.
The
two gods, the Awake God and the Asleep God.
The
last thing that intrigued us, was this carving of faces, with inlay
of white shells for eyes.
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