When your work becomes too exhausting and your everyday life too mundane and predictable, it’s probably time to make a change – a new haircut, a crazy adventure or a brand new outfit will make things just right, and transform you from a tired person into one ready to grab life by its horns. However, not many things can get you out of a slump like a vacation on an exotic location, because only a complete change of scenery will make you feel the difference and excitement. Moreover, if this is a place you haven’t visited before, all the better: with so many things ready to be experienced for the first time, your batteries will be fully recharged, and you will return to the mundane with a new shade of your pin glasses.
One of the finest places to have such an experience is Tahiti, a beautiful island in the Pacific Ocean and a combination of different sensations and attractions. If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, here is some information about Tahiti which might turn your attention to a holiday there.
The Location
This two-part island is actually a part of an archipelago and is often described as one of the most unique spots in French Polynesia. Somewhere half-way between Australia and South America – so you know that it’s well connected via aerial traffic – this island was formed as a result of volcanic activity and its present outline actually has a lot to do with this fact: not many islands can offer the combination of mountainous scenery and crystal clear waters, as well as coral reefs to explore, and an amazing underwater life. If you are keen on exploration, you should not miss the opportunity to dive (and climb) deep into the mysteries of the islands. Remember to grab a camera, you never know what you might come across.
The History
Similarly to a number of other semi-remote islands, Tahiti has been a part of the world-wide colonization process, mostly during the 18th and 19th century, when the French started exercising their influence on the existing Polynesian population. Ever since a couple of centuries BC, the island has seen a number of civilizations and ethnic groups – from native tribes and clans to the Kingdom of Tahiti and the Europeans, and was even visited by the famous Captain James Cook, and an anchor from one of his boats is still preserved on the islands. With several nations spreading their influences, the French ultimately made Tahiti their colony and kept their language an official one here, with a big number of people actively using the Tahitian language as well.
The Culture
Like so many cultures with tribal origins, the Tahitian culture is a mixture of oral traditions, mythological heritage, seemingly simple art forms and strong musical influences – and all have been passed from one generation to the next and upgraded from time to time. Strong influence was also present in the form of European colonizers, so today’s culture on this island embodies both tradition and foreign influences. The famous ʻōteʻa dance and works of art by Paul Gauguin, depicting Tahitian life are recognizable all over the world. When in Tahiti, make sure to visit some of the museums and cultural exhibitions the island has to offer, and get to know a little bit more about the amazing heritage it hides.
The Sights and What to Do
Among the most important things you simply must not miss on Tahiti, there are the colorful markets that feed every taste you have, and where you simply must try some of the local cuisine; the water gardens and the turtle sanctuary on the island of Bora Bora where you can view these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, as well as natural waterfalls which can be reached by several routes. Also, the tourist offer includes wonderful overwater bungalows as one the main attractions of the islands, and most interesting and informative cruises around the islands of Tahiti: all this is something you should definitely pay attention to.
The Beach and Mountain Activities
Again, Tahiti offers a pleasant variety of sea and nature life, so your visits to this place can include both, depending on your preferences. If you’re a fan of adventures and wild life, you will surely want to try to explore the inner part of the island and its highest point Mont Orohena. Over two thousand meters high, this mountain used to be a volcano, but is today long extinct and offers a chance for mountaineering, hiking and surviving in extreme conditions, if you’re up for it.
If, on the other hand, your idea of a holiday includes lying on the beach, swimming and relaxing, this option is also available due to Tahiti’s numerous beaches that enable you to be as active, or passive, as you want. Since they offer activities like swimming with some of the lagoon animals, diving and snorkeling, as well as exploring beautiful coral reefs, there is something for everyone.
More than a Holiday
Visiting Tahiti is not like visiting one of the other most popular exotic islands scattered all over the world – yes, there are nice beaches everywhere, but this island offers so much more. With the combination of different activities, as well as rich heritage and culture, your holiday on Tahiti will be so much more than a simple getaway: it will be a memorable adventure.
ABOUT OUR GUEST BLOGGER
Norah is a newbie traveler with an ever-growing wishlist. She can be found on most days with pen and paper in hand (she is hopelessly outdated at times), jotting down her thoughts. She drinks excessive amounts of tea and raspberry juice, collects running shoes and would feel naked without nail polish.
