A very special welcome awaited us the airport of Papeete. Some Polynesian dancers gave us a great show. The girls swing their hips so fast it looks like their buttocks have a mind of their own.

As is the custom in many of the Pacific islands, the welcoming of visitors is very important. We were honored by a traditional dance show at the airport. We then found out we were not staying at a hotel this time but in the guest house of a world renowned Tahitian surfer called Raimana. 

Tahitians are crazy about water sports. Surfing, sailing, jet skiing... Anything that happens on or in the sea. And with a sea as great as this it's quite normal. We got to try out some 'paddling' which basically consists standing on a board (not as easy as it looks cos its hard to keep your balance) with a paddle. In a typical family house you will find boards and paddles of all shapes and sizes.

Raimana was keen on showing us Teahupoo, also called ‘The Big Wave’. Eager to find out what this was all about we set out bright and early on his boat. Unfortunately the rain was pouring down but it didn’t spoil our fun. As we got to the spot he took each of us one by one on a jet ski to get closer to the wave. He would wait for a big one and turn around to almost ride the wave just like you would on a surfboard. Sitting on a jet ski in the pouring rain being chased by a huge wave, now THAT’s exihilirating.

Atfer more jet ski fun we headed back to his house situated right at the water. We had a lunch with his family and a whole bunch of people that just seemed to show up from nowhere. This is the Tahitian way. People are very open and welcoming. 

Everyone we spoke to told us how their only happiness is their family. Everything else is extra.