Bonjour Moorea!

Well, I finally made it! I have spent many many hours at the airport, but although exhausting, it's been sort of wonderful. Listening to all of the beautiful French around me, wishing I could understand... It's given me time to let it all sink in. The opportunity that I have been given to help continue the coral reef research efforts of Hawaii in French Polynesia, and to feel the excitement of the experience that it will be. I am trying not to expect anything, particularly of myself. I am reminded that expectations are often guaranteed disappointments and soak it in, making the most of it all- even the delays.


Landing was breathtaking! The landscape in Tahiti is so dramatic and beautiful! We were greeted at the airport with flowers, music, and intense humidity! I couldn't stop smiling! The currency here looks and feels like something from a deep sea treasure chest! I managed to catch the last ferry to Moorea with the hopes that I would figure out a ride to the Gump station when we docked. We motored into the sunset, with dolphins jumping in our wake. There weren't any taxis when I got there, and I had no idea how to let my contact know that I had made it... so, I kindly asked a tour van if they could squeeze me in and drop me off at the Gump station (from the map, I gathered it wasn't too far), and thankfully, the driver was more than happy to for 300 CPF (about 3 bucks!).


Needless to say I made it, found Maggie (UH grad student I'll be working with), much to her surprise! The stars here are so bright and beautiful! However, the dark tour of the station left me anxious to see it all in the daylight. We ate amazing crepes for dinner at this adorable crepery off the road, and I slept under a mosquito net for the first time! I woke up to an insanely beautiful morning and I can't even wait for the day to begin!!! And, yes, there are LAND crabs!! This one ventured much too far from his hole...