Polynesia |
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| Iles Marquises-Hiva Oa-Ua Pou-Nuku Hiva |
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| Ile Fatu Hiva, Baie des Vierges |
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LAND HO! |
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| Fatu Hiva is the southernmost island of Iles Marquises which makes it's Baie des Vierges (Bay of Virgins) the most logical first stop. The warm welcome reserved for navigators after long weeks at sea and the magnificent relief have made the Bay of Virgins one of the most renowned ports of calls of the South Pacific. The island possesses only one road which joins the two peaceful villages of Omoa and Hanavave which both bays ideally oriented to admire the sunset. Heavy seasonal rainfall gives the islands its lush vegetation making it the most beautiful island in the Marquises. |
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Only the valleys are inhabited on the island. The inhabitants specialize in the making of tapa cloth which is produced from the inner bark of the different trees found on the island. The tapa which is made only on this island, the source of the bark determines the color; off-white bark comes from the mulberry tree, medium brown is from the breadfuit tree and dark brown comes from the banyan tree. The islanders take their beautiful carvings made from precious woods and coconuts along with the tapa to Tahiti to exhibit and sell during the Bastille day celebrations which occurs every July. |
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Coconut drying platforms are made from bamboo polls, with some polls cut in half, flatten and weaved to make the floor. The locals are very welcoming and like to trade their fruits. The women love to get perfumes, lipsticks, and clothing for the children. Sunglasses are also a treat for everyone. As the island does not possess an airstrip, it relys on small cargo ships and sometimes cruisers to supply provisions. In my opinion Fatu Hiva is the most isolated and the most beautiful island in the Marquises. |
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