Bora Bora

Bora Bora
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There are several islands here surrounded by a necklace of coral reefs. Once again we are anchored in a lovely lagoon. This island is nowhere near as rugged as Moorea, but also has steep cliffs and beautiful water.

We tendered to shore not knowing what to do. We discovered that we could take a free shuttle to a pearl farm to learn how Tahitian pearls are made. The Tahitian pearls are unusual since they are dark gray in color, not white. We learned that it takes many years to grow a pearl. Surgically a nucleus, or seed, which comes from the Mississippi River, is implanted into the oyster. Four years later, if all goes well, the first pearl is ready to be removed. The procedure is repeated and two years later maybe an even larger pearl will be ready, and, if the oyster is still in good health after it has matured, a third larger pearl can be grown in one more year.

Bora Bora
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After the pearl presentation we walked to the famous Bloody Mary’s restaurant which our new neighbors had recommended to us since they honeymooned here several years ago. The floor of the restaurant is sand and the roof it thatched. Many famous people have been here. There are photographs of them on display as well as dollar bills and other currency with their signatures on them.