Must see travel destinations Part 2: French Polynesia and San Antonio
Listen to this articleContinuing in the style established in Part One of this series I shall again present two wildly diverse destinations, both very unique and very enjoyable but both very different. Please enjoy my presentation of Tahiti, French Polynesia and San Antonio, Texas.
Tahiti – French Polynesia
Tahiti is the largest island of the Windward group of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, located in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. The capital city of French Polynesia is Papeete, which also happens to be where the only international airport for French Polynesia is located.
On one fine day not that long ago I boarded an Air Tahiti Nui flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Papeete, Tahiti. The comfort and service were superb so the nearly 9 hours of flight time went by painlessly. But my stay in Tahiti was very short because soon after landing I boarded yet another flight to the nearby stunningly beautiful island of Moorea, a mere 28 miles away. Finally I arrived at my first of the three islands I would be visiting on this trip. Very quickly I checked into the very luxurious Sofital Moorea and quickly fell sound asleep.
After a quick but delicious breakfast I went for a casual stroll around the lagoon. I had never before seen such clear and warm water. You can actually watch fish swimming in the water as people swim on the water. It is blue but absolutely clear. The sand is soft, warm and gentle. I was convinced I had just arrived in heaven but it would soon get even better.
I joined a tour of the island that included a visit to a massive pineapple farm and a trip up Magic Mountain that offered a breathtaking view of Moorea and the sea around. Seriously Wow! But the very best would happen that evening.
It began with mouthwatering meal prepared from local ingredients by a French chef. I never had a better tasting meal anywhere, ever. But then came the nightly entertainment of Polynesian music and dance. The music is rhythmic yet soft while intense. The ukulele is common but so are the drums, lots of drums. The dancing is eye popping and heart grabbing beautiful. It is somewhat like Hawaiian only on steroids.
One other item of great beauty in Moorea were black pearls. They are indigenous to French Polynesia and are stunning. And since unfortunately my lovely wife was unable to join me on this adventure I bought some awesome jewelry for her. Then it was time to move on.
Next stop was the island of Huahine. A population under 7,000 but rich in nonstop natural beauty. There are hiking trails and beautiful beaches everywhere. The water is, as always in French Polynesia, warm and crystal clear blue. Likewise, the food was spectacular and sure enough more great music and dance in the evening. But after a short visit it was on to the most amazing place on earth.
Bora Bora consists of a main island surrounded by several smaller islands. The airport is on the main island, but I would be staying at the Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island Hotel. After the airplane landed I got on a boat and off we went to the most beautiful place on earth that I had ever seen.
The accommodations consisted of a spacious and beautiful over the water cabin that had a floor of glass in the main living area so I could just sit and watch the fish swim by. Outside was a panoramic view of the main island of Bora Bora, maybe a quarter mile or so away. The food was, of course, sensational and every night we were treated to the magical beauty of Polynesian music and dance.
Other activities included a half day aboard a very large and comfortable catamaran, a one hour helicopter tour and some time in the warm and super clear water petting sharks and sting rays, very tourist friendly sharks and sting rays of course. And then the saddest day ever, I had to leave. But I guarantee I shall return and this time with my beautiful bride.
You can see for yourself some of the magic and beauty of Bora Bora in this YouTube video produced by Jacek Zerzycki:
San Antonio, Texas
From February 23rd to March 6th 1836 battle raged between the forces of President General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and the Texan and immigrant population then inhabiting the Alamo Mission in what would become known as San Antonio, Texas. The occupants of the Alamo were severely outnumbered and General Santa Anna and his troops were exceptionally brutal resulting in a near total extermination of those within the walls of the Alamo.
It was an event that was pivotal in the development of the still young and growing United States of America and the Great State of Texas in particular. My purpose here is not to discuss a detailed geopolitical story but rather to suggest that today the Alamo remains a fascinating and chilling monument to some of the sacrifices made by our early pioneers, including the great folk hero Davy Crockett. So any visit to San Antonio must include a visit to The Alamo.
Happily, very near the Alamo is a vastly more cheerful and uplifting place known as The River Walk. It is a city park, a long network of walk ways along the banks of the San Antonio River. It is one story beneath the streets of San Antonio largely removing it from the hustle and bustle of the city. All along The River Walk there are restaurants and bars with outdoor seating on the banks of the river.
The River Walk is a place to relax and enjoy life to its fullest. There is an endless supply of natural beauty along with manmade delights such as great food and beverage. A stroll down the San Antonio River Walk is a stroll you will remember fondly forever. But if strolling isn’t your thing there is even a hop on, hop off boat tour also sure to please.
Yes, of course there is more to see in San Antonio, including a ghost tour, a zoo and Sea World. But unique to the great Texas City of San Antonio are The Alamo and The River Walk and they alone merit a visit. Depending on the time of year you can even add in a genuine Texas rodeo while visiting the wonderful city of San Antonio.
That’s it for today but there will be more to come soon. And by the way should you have any interest in possibly joining me on future adventures simply send an email to burbankpilot@gmail.com. There is absolutely ZERO cost or pressure. All I do is keep you on my mailing list to let you know of any upcoming trips you might want to join. That’s it I guarantee.
You might also enjoy exploring www.ronirwin.net. There you will find stories of other travel adventures and even a digital book store where you will see several good reads. Again with zero pressure, simply information and an opportunity for fun. We are blessed to live in a vast and diverse world. Let’s fully enjoy it.
Top photo of the Nora Bora Sofital Hotel by Ron Irwin
Ron Irwin was born in Chicago, Illinois a long time ago. He served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam, became a trial lawyer, TV and radio host, CEO of a public company and once held an Emmy. He never won an Emmy he just held one. Ron has written and published twelve books. His most important book to date is “Live, Die, Live Again” in which Ron tells of his early life and his unexpected and very temporary death in 2012. That experience dramatically refocused his life and within the pages of that book Ron reveals how he achieved a much healthier life, ridding himself of Diabetes, Cancer and Heart Failure. Now Ron enjoys writing about many things including health topics, travel [he has circled the globe several times], adventure, culinary experiences and the world of performing art. Ron’s motto is “Live better, live longer and live stronger because it feels great and annoys others.” Contact the author.