Vanilla, rum and pearls… the island of production
A refreshing zodiac ride into the quiet little village of Poutoru and picked up by safari style pick up trucks to drive us across the island to vanilla farm.
The gentle scent of vanilla drifts across Taha’a and when we saw the amount of manual work that goes into the growing and processing of this wonderful plant we could believe how dedicated its Taha’a residents are in producing the amount they do. Cross breeding Mexican and Madagascan vanilla there is now a Tahitian vanilla which is now a firm favourite on board!
Once we’d purchased our vanilla supplies we went onto the major rum distillery for the whole of Tahiti. Trying different sugar canes and having a taster of the rum they make we all agreed the industry of the locals is impressive… and their relaxed nature means they love their work and the good vibes make it back to the ship where we merrily share our stories from the day.
The afternoon brought wind… and a bouncy ride to Champon Pearl Farm in Niua. A family home producing beautiful jewellery alongside the local children being taught in the room next door. Those few who made the blowing journey learned about the process of pearl production, and how the Taha’a people work with nature to produce this beautiful gleaming gem.
