Photography – Page 5 – Polynesian Pickles

Going bananas.

I thought it might be a bit of fun to pop along to the banana and breadfruit festival at the Tahiti cultural centre. It was well advertised.

I remember with affection attending my local village fete. Arch rival allotment gardeners fought for the biggest marrow title, accusing each other of cheating. Not to mention the dramas over the cake and floral competitions.

Moving forward. On arrival at the banana and breadfruit festival, I noted that there was a paramedic on duty. She was surrounded by all the medical equipment including a defibrillator. Crikey this could mean war.

Paramedic ready for action. And erm a sleeping dog. Sniffer dog may be?

I looked around and spotted lots of bananas.

And breadfruit.

And a chef.

Not sure they were cooking anything actually.

There were a few people watching a film about breadfruit being cut down from a branch.

I received some small bags of something. I was told it was pineapple. What relevance is that?

My French isn’t great. I think I missed something.

“I’d rather be….”

Posted in response to this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge. “I’d rather be…”

The Instructions.

If given the choice, what would you rather be doing, right now?

My husband would rather be out cycling. Not fixing a puncture.

Typical to get a puncture just as you think you’ve spotted a dry weather window for the two hour cycle.

With a dreadful weather forecast for thunderstorms and rain, the odds are against him.

I would rather be washing out my husbands cycle kit in the sunshine, than worrying that he’s still out there.

I can hear a distant rumble. I convince myself that it’s a container ship being loaded up on the dock close by. I know that’s not true, as the port authority staff are still on strike.

I hate lightening and would rather hide away inside the boat doing my yoga.

Such is life in paradise.

Strike

Honest hard working people are angry in French Polynesia. First they had a protest march through Papeete. Now they are out on strike in true Tahitian style.

Striking postal workers staying relaxed.

Why? Well the government has upped the pension age and reduced the pension. I empathise as I have to wait 6 years longer to get my UK pension.

Most of the striking workers enjoyed sitting in the sunshine snacking on food from one of the many Takeaways.

The police were out in force. They had some traffic control duties but the roads were quiet. Most people chose to stay away, were on strike or both.

Many of the potential trouble makers opted for a beer in the shade whilst discussing their predicament.

Discussing strike options in the heat of the day.

I hope the situation will be resolved soon but with two determined bodies of people, this could go on for a while.

Perfect day in paradise.

Moorea is Tahiti’s little sister island.

On Thursday, we entered the Vaiare pass, dodged the ferry and joined a couple of other yachts in the anchorage area inside the lagoon.

We are quite close to the Sofitel . The hotel prices are horrendous. The beautiful public Temae beach extends way past the hotel grounds.

Sofitel bungalows extending out over the reef.

Near the hotel inside the lagoon is a large coral garden. It is protected by the PGEM (Le Plan de Gestation de l’Espace Maritime) The area’s gorgeous to bimble around with a mask and snorkel.

Hanging up the suit to dry after a long snorkel through the coral gardens.

Sunday morning was so relaxing. Sunny weather and crystal clear water.

More boats arrived. Locals and visitors took to the water and had fun.

Fun and laughter from the kids on the nearby yachts. Even an Eagle ray swimming past.

Kind friends had been to the supermarket in their dinghy and bought over a couple of baguettes, marvellous people.

I doubt there will be many days so perfect as this.

Out of this world.

Posted in response to this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge, ‘Out of This World.’

Or just part of the amazing sunset last night.

A face in the crowd.

The Instructions.

Create an image that represents being “a face in the crowd.” Explore silhouettes, shadows, orientation, and other ways to mask your subject. As you hide the defining characteristics of your model, notice which traits continue to stand out. Without facial expression, can you tell how someone is feeling? Without color, does your impression of that person change?

It’s always sad to see a reputable business go under the hammer.

Polite staff, selling luxury goods at the high end of the market.

Spare a thought for the dummies. Stripped of their dignity and some bearing job lot numbers.

Watching and waiting. A face in the crowd.

Enthusiastic crowds eyed up a potential bargain. Others traipsed behind their partners, concerned about the effect the auction would have on their wallets.

Job lots of high quality jewellery ready to be auctioned.

Meanwhile the dummy ladies do their best to entice the punters in. The more money made at auction, the better the chance that the staff will be paid.