I think everyone should visit Tahiti. There are three main reasons: epic geology, stunning wildlife, and inspiring human achievement. Before you go, you should read Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia
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The geology is fascinating. When you understand these volcanic islands, the reefs, lagoons, and the lifecycle measured in millions of years, you realize you are observing the planet living and breathing.
When you snorkel in reef gardens, pet a stingray, swim with iridescent fish of all shapes and sizes, you appreciate the diversity of life in our vast oceans. You may even sense the interconnectedness and fragility of it all.
And when you sense how remote these islands are from the continent you call home, you can only be dumbfounded that they were ever located and settled by mankind. That’s where Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia comes in.
By the time the dauntless European explorers, notably the indefatigable Captain James Cook, showed up in the Pacific, they discovered that almost every remote island they bumped into was already inhabited. It did not take long for them to begin to wonder where these people came from.
It was apparent the islanders had no advanced shipbuilding technology, apart from the outrigger. It was also apparent that the inhabitants of most of these far-flung islands were related. Unwinding the mystery of the origins, migrations, and navigational mastery of these people became one of the great puzzles of anthropology.
Christina Thompson entertains from start to finish. She saves the best for last, using a modern-day attempt at recreating one of these incredible voyages to reveal some of the many elements of the ancient oral traditions that could turn endless swells and boundless horizons into road signs and directional signals.
Everyone should visit Tahiti. Start planning now, by reading Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia.
