Taieohe, the capital town located on Nuka Hiva. Largest town in the islands with about 1500 inhabitants.

Taieohe Bay, courtesy of Ker-mor

Anchorage in Taieohe.

Polynesian-style boat. These types of boats at one point crossed oceans to spread the polynesian culture throughout the Pacific.

Flag of the Marquesas.

An old stone tiki. Before the Polynesians, who would wood carvers, these islands were populated by mysterious stone carvers who left traces everywhere, but little is known about them.

Young breadfruit. Its starchy like potatoes.

church archways

Church doors

The large Catholic church near the high school that all the children in the Marquesas attend. They live in dorms or with family for months at a time.

Polynesian jesus

Church doors

Strange mix of old and new symbols. The tiki faces are everywhere throughout the churchs and art. Aliens, anyone?

We thought the swastika, a very ancient symbol denoting divine energy, was strange. They called it the Marquesan cross.

Church grounds

church grounds3

Dance competition for the July 14th celebrations which lasted all month.(Bastille day although the Marquesans could care less, its just a reason to celebrate)

The people here are serious about dancing and spend months preparing and practicing for the elaborate competitions, the winners who will go on to Tahiti to compete.
Last comment 04/21/08.

Somehow, this dancer know HT could shake her booty and dragged her up in front of everyone.

Girl at dance. The dance was a huge town event and afterwards everyone danced to sausy beats.

Haka warrior, tiki park

tiki park, anchorage in background

Plumeria tree, amazingly fragrant