Raiatea 2 of 5

We wandered into the market square and were again entertained by other groups of musicians. The music was joyful and added to the relaxed island adventures we were expecting to experience. Ken really enjoyed listening to the guitar-banjo-"double bass" quartet who'd set up in an open pavilion. You can see Ken looking relaxed and entertained on the right. The floral perfumes within the open courtyard of the tourist precinct were intoxicating and together with the music these added to the SE island atmosphere. Several water-lily covered ponds and pots of beautifully coloured exotic frangipani, orchids, hibiscus and other islander plants provided the perfumes that filled the air and whilst Ken drank in the music I did a bit of "market research" in the local double-storey fresh food and clothing outlet. It was adjacent to the area where Ken was and was set up in a two-storied bamboo building with high ceilings, un-paned windows to allow the flow of fresh island breezes to flow through but it was still very humid. The ground floor was also full of the blended scents of spices, tropical fruits of all descriptions, vegetables such as taro, yams and coconuts and ever so fresh seafood. Tahaa Island is also known as the "vanilla" island so many tourists purchased dried vanilla beans to use in special dishes when they return home. I had planned to buy some but thought that I would get it on the way back to the ship later in the day but this did not eventuate as it was l when we returned back through the town and most stalls were closed.

On the upper floor were tourist trinkets and souvenirs, islander-style clothing and children's toys. Most of the batik mu-mu's and shirts were brightly coloured and whilst I admired them I really had no need of any clothing or jewellery so I enjoyed browsing, admiring and assisted others in making choices of gifts for grandchildren or clothes for themselves. When I returned downstairs we sat under a bright red tent and listen to some reggae music. Latin American or Caribbean music is so joyful and the locals enjoyed entertaining the ship's guests with home-grown instruments and a variety of drums. Everyone either danced to the music or tapped along with the beat and tipped the bands as we continued on our jaunt around the town.