Four Weddings and Christmas in Rapa
The festivities continue on the island of Rapa. It is in turn that the villages of Haurei ( the Wispipi) and Aera ( the Shiwawas) welcome all the inhabitants of the island to celebrate Christmas and the new year. Them 4 Weddings planned for December still promise "good mouths" accompanied by traditional songs.
24 December
It is with the Terevatua yachts (Charlotte and Pierre) Avatar (Shelly and Mike) Pitufa (Brigitt and Christian) and Paul Photographer that we celebrate Christmas Eve.
A bit of a late night “Alcoholic”
25 December
As preparations for the inhabitants of Haurei who decorated the Hall and organized the lunch of the 25 December for more of 500 people. It's at the rhythm of the “Ukuleles” Let the party begin. We have a reserved table with the other sailboats. A very warm attention from the Tavana (Mayor of Rapa) who welcome among their community and we thank for coming so far by boat.
Large tables have been set up, the many dishes with varied flavors whet our appetite... popoi (root of the tarot cooked and beaten) , fafaru (fish fermented in sea water) , taioro (fermented coconut milk), raw coconut milk fish, Chicken fafa (leaves of tarot) are on the menu. There is so much food that we leave with a few trays on the boat in case we are still hungry!
Despite the grey and rainy weather, We cycle daily, history to maintain our form! The road is bordered by Wild raspberries that people pick up and dandelions that nobody eats... What a boon for us and what a delight in salads!
Residents in Tubuai Tahiti or Ravavae children that came with the boat pass family vacation want to visit all the boat... as it is difficult to satisfy everyone, Philippe is still some back and forth in annex with 3 or 4 youth on board every time entitled to the photo in the company of Capt.!
29 December
The big day arrives... the celebration of 4 Weddings. The bride and groom and their families are on their "thirty-one", as well as the guests that we're. Colorful dresses and hats are worn with grace by women, While the men in grey suits are successful tiare flowers.
At the end of the ceremony as the tradition , It's the parade of friends and family who give gifts to the newlyweds.
It's time to get down to the : 700 People are expected for lunch in the sports hall set up for the occasion. The lunch is really plentiful but we keep a little room for dessert, the gigantic wedding cake.
Each tray of sponge cake is delicately placed over glasses, which at any time can collapse like a House of cards.
This is the result a true work of art that asked for hours and hours of preparation in the kitchen!
Now we have to digest it all! In two days we celebrate New Year's Eve on the other side of the bay. We prepare our stomachs!
That is really interesting, You are an overly professional blogger.
Dear Philippe and Nathalie,
I’m trying to get in touch with you about some of your images from the Marquesas. Could you please drop me an email at: jessicalloyd-mostyn@hotmai.com
Thank you, I hope to hear from you.
Jess Lloyd-Mostyn