Fakarava

Several decades ago Fakarava was the cultural, social and political center of the Tuamotus, but all that remains today are ruins of the administration buildings, a prison, and a small church built from coral in 1862.
































The biggest surprise was the profusion of small sharks that clustered around us, just like reef fish, swarming near when food crumbs were thrown into the water, 4 or 5 foot black tipped sharks, with lovely tan bodies. The pass diving is fantastic: with lovely coral, dozens of big sharks, and millions of fish.

Rangiroa

The largest atoll in the Tuamotu Islands, and one of the largest in the world. The main villages are Avatoru and Tiputa built on neighbouring islands. They are separated by the major Tiputa Pass.


Each tide presses the ocean water-mass through the small opening into the lagoon, it creates a strong incoming or outgoing current. When the current is flowing inward through the pass, about 200 shark specimens gather at the entrance.













Fish is abundant near the pass, most evenings the men catch next days-lunch, when a shark accidently gets hooked it is thrown back instantly and fishing is stopped for the rest of the night.






















The breeding of pearl oysters in the lagoon produces black pearls. In the small harbour of Tiputa the cracked mother of pearl is used to decorated the village house.

Maupiti

a sparkling lagoon with every hue from lapis lazuli to turquoise.

How fortunate we were to stay in Pension Auira Chez Edna* a retired nurse– her place is delightful, Edna and Gilbert are a beautiful example of Polynesian hospitality, the beach and garden bungalows are a successful attempt to deliver comfort without upsetting the beautiful surroundings.
































Edna thought me to braid some palm leafs for the natural roof of the beach-bar, while Gilbert took the men fishing. Maupiti " the little Gem".






















*Chez Edna (fax 67 80 26; Motu Auira- Maupiti)

Raiatea

To the ancient Polynesians, the island of Raiatea was known as sacred Havai'i, and was the center of royalty, religion, and culture. It's thought that the Polynesians who discovered and settled Hawaii embarked from Raiatea and named the new land after their home in French Polynesia.

Raiatea is very sophisticated compared to the neighbouring islands, - a paved "boulevard", a modern shoppingcenter and fresh market-

The island is most famous for its archeological findings "Taputapuatea Marae" is Polynesia's most significant, famous, and well preserved religious site.

Raiatea "The sacred Island".

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is quite an extraordinary
place, contrary to the sparkling lagoon, the population seems a little shaken by the massive tourist invasions since WW2, countless stray-dogs in poor health, tourist attractions such as shark-feeding are disputable. Bora Bora " The extraordinary Island":





Some islands in the Pacific have banned shark-feeding because it changes their natural behaviour and disrupts the natural balance of the ocean ecosystem. To some locals shark feeding is disrespectful of Polynesian culture which considers sharks sacred and are offended by profit-driven dive operators who exploit them to entertain tourists.

Making a still-life requires sketching and a lot of observing, getting sunburned, meeting locals listning to their opinions, sometimes little crowds gather, mostly smiles and little signs or a few words of by-passers, ..
iNK-

Title: Shark-feeding
Oil on Canvas [60cm x 50 cm]











Working with oil on paper with bits and pieces of Mica-mineral.

























Thank you Gerard Bion for kindly putting us up in your lovely house.