Vaitahu Village

The main village on Tahuata is about 1.5 miles from the anchorage at Hanatefau, so we decided to dingy down there and check out this village where the festival will be held. We wanted to see it as it normally is before lots of people show up. On the way we pass some magnificent mountains and cliffs.

There is quite a bit of surge at their quay with no breakwater to protect it. We are tied up with a stern anchor behind the local boat.

The locals were working like mad to get ready for the festival, about 2 months away. Using a machine to drill holes in the rock,then place a threaded piece of steel into the cliff and bolt the chain link to the cliff to make sure no rocks slide down on top of people.

The first house we come to has those pretty multicolored flowers planted above their stone wall.

This is a beautiful big bay!

Now this house has good flow through ventilation! Needed in the tropics!

At the local Magasin (store), they have carved tikis in their support beams.

This thatched roof building is part of the mayor's complex.

One of the most beautiful churches we have seen grace this lovely village. This was the site of the first Catholic service held here in 1595, and this church was financed by the Vatican itself and opened in 1988.

It is built of stone and wood.

The 4 meter tall (13+ feet!) wood carving of the Virgin with Child is a mix of Marquesan and Catholic cultures because of the way she is holding the child. And Jesus is holding an uru as an offering and a symbol of the Marquesas.

Inside the wooden ceiling is quite impressive.

And the stained glass above the altar is also distinctly Marquesan with their cross at the top.

A beautifully carved door on the side of the church.

The gothic arches make a magnificent reflection on the tiles.

And the stone archways above the doors.

The Marquesas were originally called Fenua Enata, which means the Land of Men, before the Spanish found it in 1595. This bay and village was the first place white man set foot ashore in all of these islands.

Part of a display near the mayors office.

Mike naps, while I call my parents for my birthday.

While waiting for the post office to reopen after lunch, we decided to walk the road out of town up to yet another cross over looking the bay. It was a bit steep!
But we hoped we would get a good view.

The cross at the top of the hill.

Looking down at the village of Vaitahu, it was worth the walk!

On the South side of the bay you can see the big building that will house all of the dancers from the other islands and the parade grounds where the opening ceremonies will be held. The point peaking out behind the close one is where Hapatoni is located.

The village rooftops are dominated by the church.

On the way back down the hill toward the village.

This puppy dog looks at us, while he wishes he could have some of the pig's food.

In the dingy on the way back to the boat, looking back at that lovely village and valley behind.

A big rock shoot in the cliffs.

Lots of palm trees on the hill before the anchorage.

These mountains look different in the afternoon sun than they did this morning. Still dramatic and magnificent though!

As it starts to set, the sun creates a shadow in the sky above this cloud.

It is going to be another green flash tonight!!