Travel // Going Around // South Pacific // Rangiroa: A Visit to Tiputa Village
I managed to make a brief visit to the village of Tiputa today. I left the ship at exactly 4:15PM onboard the tender designated for Tiputa village. Actually, I did not planned about going out but suddenly I just felt like I need to go out for no apparent reason. I only figured out the reason why out of the blue I got into this decision when half way to the village I saw this local enjoying a fine afternoon kayaking under the clear blue sky. Yes this is it! I realized that it has been a while since I last went out ashore and obviously I was holding back very unfairly the chances of enjoying life even to this very simple way – engaging for a relaxing walk on a secluded island. The words “secluded island” is what I think most appropriate to describe the quietness of Tiputa. Tiputa by the way is the other island opposite Avatoru with the Tiputa pass lying in between these two islands as part of Rangiroa’s wide stretch of atoll. After the tender safely berthed Tiputa village’s small concrete pier, I could feel instantly the tranquility and the unhurried pace of living of this thinly populated part of the earth. The locals seem not worried about the days that are yet to come. They seem to inherently adopt the “make-the-best-of-what-you-have” way of life. The only thing tourists visiting Tiputa could make much of is either walking or biking around the village. But Tiputa should not be underrated because the Tiputa Pass is one of the best dive sites in the world.
I walked a bit farther which is not really far from the pier to where this church in the photo stands. This is the St. Michael church. I’ve been aiming to be able to have a closer look of this prominent façade of the church and finally, I was here today. Every time the M/S Paul Gauguin arrives and departs Rangiroa, this foremost Tiputa figure appeared as a very contrasting view in the midst of green trees lining up on the shoreline. The church looks pretty in its simplicity. In less than an hour tour, I went back to the pier to catch the ride back to the ship. I was already back onboard at exactly 5:30PM just in time when dinner was being served. What I got for dinner? Well, I opted for the fresh fish and a little rice. I managed to make a brief visit to the village of Tiputa today. I left the ship at exactly 4:15PM onboard the tender designated for Tiputa village. Actually, I did
|
|
|
|
|
|
