A Day to be a Tourist

I realize that I haven't posted on here for quite some time and I apologize for that. The truth of the matter is that there hasn't been a whole lot going on here. I have gotten settled into a routine and for all that people say that the schedule at the university changes all the time, it really hasn't so much for me. I have French language classes on Tuesday (mardi) and Thursday (jeudi) at 8h00 - 9h30 Tahiti time and 12h00 - 13h30 Iowan time. I also have a Geography course on Tuesdays at 11h00 - 12h30 and an Anthropology course on Fridays at 12h00 - 13h30. So really my weeks are not so bad. I feel like I have a lot of free time...oh wait! That is because I do. ;)

This past Sunday I was able to act like a tourist and not feel weird about it. My French teacher, Marie-Helen, took my whole group from Iowa on a tour around Tahiti and to Tahiti-iti (the smaller island that is attached to Tahiti) It was a lot of fun. We got to see grottoes and go to a gigantic botanical garden. Everyone else went to see some waterfalls, but I stayed in the car and rested because I was not feeling well. Then we all went to a part of the island call the blowhole. IT is a hole in the ground that shoots air and water vapor at people when waves come in. IT was really awesome. When I stood by it, a strong gust came and lifted my shirt part of the way up and scared me. I have a picture of it that you all can look at.

Nana!

This is a Mare a spiritual site for the Tahitians.

A little tiki at the Mare.

Another view of the Mare.

Pretty Flower!!

Another pretty flower.

Ok This flower sorta reminds me of an animal.

The grotto.

A peacock tree, at least that is what I am calling it.

More pretty flowers.

Is this not the view that everyone thinks of when they think of paradise?

A very large Banan Tree

The waves at the Blowhole

Me being attacked by air.

The blowhole.

One of the other blowholes sprays water!!