1905 RAIVAVAE "AROUND THE ISLAND"

The strong winds blowing in RAIVAVAE "help" us a lot to spend 2 weeks in this place,  so remote from the world even from Tahiti despite the recent air connection; an island you can walk around in one day with a few discret family pensions seems fragile but many inhabitant know that they can survive here without the toys of our modern word as the nature is generous here; including in water. 
  RAIVAVAE does not excape to consequences of global warming too: a solide low profile "stone wall" protect many parts of the shore from a few years as extrem weather conditions create more damage as before; 4 villages  remain on the island with enough education power to keep kids on the island until 10 years old even 1 or 2 years more with a special section before theymove to TUBUAI , the Austral main island or PAPEETE. Still a little less than 1000 inhabitants lives permanently on this island, often compared to Bora Bora regarding the beauty of the lagoon. 

The best map of RAIVAVAE is ...on the wall of Bruno'shop .

Using the exceptionnal wheather conditiosns to move north of the lagoon

In front of "Motu de la femme."..All of that need fresh air and sun... 

The weekly "Goelette" arrival is no more an event... 

...occasion to check the security with "bonne humeur polynesienne"

Not so easy to get the perfect wheather conditions to climb to Mt Hiro (top) , but you can cross RAIVAVAE anytime 

with surprises; but better walking, as cycling is a deadly experience here

The recently built  costal protection wall  

Ultimate local n cheap weapon against aints n chicken

Walking around thee island give always opportunity to meet new friends

Indian"Mahindra", an imported specie fighting to survive...

...sometimes with better luck...

Anatonu, temple of one of the 4 island village

Home made "Marara"... What is this ? just follow this link : How to use ta "Marara"?

 Let's anchor in front of Mahatona ...2 milles away from Rairua main place...

...to pay visit one of the best island table in pension Moana, Moana Raivavae

Hyperactive Natana is holding the place with passion n prepare local dishes with maestria: Une"grande dame "here!

1905 RAIVAVAE "LE MAI"

A very important religious ceremony happen in may each year when each one of the communities of the island invite the others ; about 1/3 of all the island is there and to spend all the sunday together.  A vibrant push to the local culture !

This event is the last one of the 3; we attend today to the last one in VAIRU.

Kids are from  local primary school or from special  section if 1 or 2  years older, after they move to TUBUAI

Each one shows best dress n hats are particulary originals.

 Pastor from Tahiti  lead the long meeting (more than 4 hours) where inviting communauty switch dress after 2 hours

Loud n nicely performed polynesian song dominate the ceremony 

"versets" are at 95% in polynesian language, a strong push to local culture

But in RAIVAVAE, as everywhere  teenagers don't escape from the digital fascination 

Numerous diacres help the imposant pastor (right brown dressed)

Some "verset" scoring seems to have a very free personnal interpretation or expression  

n numerous happy laughing ponctuate the event

The ceremony end by a very  precise annoucment of the result of fund raising,  communauty per communauty,,,

n the local meal prepared by inviting VAIRU' families...

...A surprising 15mn meal but a huge doggy bag tp bring back home for each one

Smiling Monsieur le maire", polyvalent, drive one of the bus to the event n make internet access free easy for cruisers