| |
Home | Archive | Travel | Videos | About | |
|
|
 |
||||
| |
story & photographs
FRANK GRECO Located in the South Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia lies “The Society Islands (French Polynesia).” One island in this chain, Bora Bora, is hands-down the most romantic place on earth. Just ask any woman who has visited there. Getting there is not the easiest. From our beloved Pearson airport you fly to Papeete (Tahiti’s capital city) and then you board a small plane for an hour-long flight to an outer island called a Motu. The view as one deplanes is almost as spectacular as the view from the air (have a camera ready). Two towering green peaks rise from the centre of the island. After the flight, visitors board a modern ferry to cross the stunning turquoise blue lagoon to Bora Bora’s Vaitape Village (pronounced Va-ee-tah-pee). This free service shuttles visitors to the Fare Piti ferry terminal where they can connect with their hotel bus. Bora Bora has carved itself a sizeable niche in the travel market, welcoming couples from around the world to celebrate three important events in their lives: getting married; reaching a milestone anniversary; and renewing wedding vows, through a traditional Polynesian ceremony– the ultimate romantic experience in paradise. These ceremonies are a time-honoured Polynesian tradition, usually conducted at sunset (the most romantic part of the day). Adorned with leis and floral head crowns, the bride, groom, musicians and dancers all wear authentic and elaborate costumes, and a Tahitian Priest conducts the ceremony. Imagine the stunning backdrop of open blue sky married to the calm, glistening azure waters of the lagoon as the sun sets. As the groom arrives in a traditional Polynesian canoe, an entourage of singers and dancers escorts the bride to the “alter.” Holding hands, the bride and groom wear white pareos (a wrap or sarong) and stand before the priest. Meanwhile, musicians and choir perform beautifully harmonized Polynesian songs, while the tribal dancers present traditional ceremonial routines. The Priest speaks in Tahitian…but not to worry, a translator is present to direct the bride and groom. In the Polynesian language, the husband is known as “tane” (meaning man) and the wife as “vahine” (meaning woman) and as the ceremony progresses the Priest will, more or less, baptize the couple and give them new Tahitian names, such as “Atea,” meaning “Far Away.” At the end of the ceremony, the couple is wrapped in a colourful and ornately designed “Tifaifai” (meaning quilt, but more likely a ceremonial blanket), which represents their union. They are also presented with a sacred certificate (called a tapa), which outlines their new Polynesian names given to them by the Priest and possibly, names for children they may have or plan on having, as proof of their vows to each other. How do I know so much about this tradition? Well, let’s just say that not too long ago my name became Atea Tane (Man from Far Away) and my beautiful wife is now known as Atea Vahine (Woman from Far Away), at least in French Polynesia. Keep in mind that the style of ceremony will vary somewhat from one resort to another, but they all have wedding planners on site to coordinate the details for this life-long memorable experience. After the ceremony and celebration, it’s time to explore this captivating island known for its stunning natural beauty. You really have two choices, by land or by water, and both are amazing. Getting around the island couldn’t be easier for the adventurous. By renting a scooter or bicycle, one can circumnavigate the island and discover its inner beauty (approximately 38 km). Be sure to pack a few bottles of water and snacks because they will be hard to find in the local villages. Put it this way, there are more Black Pearl jewellery shops in Bora Bora than convenience stores or small markets. The main road circles the island and is fairly decent with a bump or two here and there and remarkable scenery at every turn. The views are breathtaking. Something I couldn’t get used to was seeing the tombs (graves) in the front lawns of some homes. I learned it was their custom to bury parents and relatives on the property where they lived, this way they will always be home. As the sun sets, Bora Bora shuts down, gets very quiet and really dark, except at the resorts. This is where the action is. All the luxury resorts try to outdo each other with the type of entertainment they provide under the natural glow of the moon and the stars. From authentic fire baton performances, traditional warrior dances and strength games, to the colour and allure of the Polynesian dancers, these shows are spectacular. There are no bad seats, but if you’re on the shy side, be careful because all shows are based on audience participation, so let go of your shyness and have fun, without getting burned if you try the fire baton. After the show, get a good night’s sleep because Bora Bora is rated as one of the elite scuba diving and snorkelling destinations in the world, so adrenalin-pumping activities are offered around its beautiful lagoon. Whether you hop on a jet-ski (led by an experienced guide) or take a package tour, you will enjoy an experience like no other. The lagoon water is noted for being one of the clearest on our planet, so clear that you can see more than 12 metres to the bottom. The real attraction on your tour is the marine life you’ll be spotting and even meeting up close. There are unique shark-feeding excursions where you don your snorkel and fins, jump in and watch as the sharks swim all around you as your experienced guide tosses the food. Your job is to take photos and watch –but keep your fingers tucked in. For a less frightening experience, visit the friendly stingrays, but this time, your guide will actually show you how to allow these curious and gentle creatures eat right out of your hand. If you are looking for a quieter time and wish to explore some of the smaller motus (islets) surrounding Bora Bora and enjoy a leisurely lunch, then crank the throttle on your jet ski and follow your guide. All food (fruits mostly and some fish) will be provided for you on the motu. You will marvel as your guide climbs the tall coconut trees, opens the coconut husk with his bare hands and prepares a meal in the traditional style. Imagine tasting the juiciest fruit and fish, fresh out of the water, while relaxing in paradise. Bora Bora is not an island destination for those looking for an economical vacation. At some resorts it will cost you $6 for a Coke, but less expensive at local shops. Local beer is reasonably priced. The island caters to couples, whether for a vacation or special occasion. And believe me, they do not have to work too hard to make the trip memorable. The beauty of Bora Bora alone is all it takes. GL |
 A full traditional wedding vow renewal ceremony with the bride and groom, singers, dancers and the Tahitian Priest. left: A local guide climbs to all heights to grab tasty coconuts for an afternoon lunch with his tour group on a motu off the Bora Bora shore. 
|
||
