April 17, 2013

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Paradise

Life doesn’t have to be complicated.  It was just a vacation for us, but it could be “real” life.

Cathy and I would rise early to walk the 200 yards to the beach and Cook’s Bay.  The morning clouds on Mt. Mouaroa (the peak shown as “Bali Hai” in the movie South Pacific) were beautiful; the sunset on the mountain would be even more so.  From there it was a short walk to the market.  Most products sold in Moorea, French Polynesia were expensive due to shipping costs.  The local produce was reasonably priced.  Delicious French bread cost only pennies because of government subsidies.  We bought baguettes each day, along with imported French cheese.  A few bottles of Hinano Beer for later completed the shopping trip.

We sat on the balcony off the bedroom with the pineapple or other fresh fruit purchased the day before and ate breakfast.

The best pineapple in the world – and the best papaya and coconut and star fruit – was sold by Mr. White.  His name did not sound Polynesian, but he was native.  He and his sons owned hundreds of acres fronting the beach, property that would be worth millions to a real estate developer.  He was retired, living with his wife in a simple house.  His children and grandchildren were within walking distance.  He would gather local produce and place it on a table at the beach to sell to tourists strolling by.  We stopped each day for delicious fruit and conversation.  Mr. White had traveled and spent time in the United States.  His English was good and he could help us with our French. Continue reading →