Today I find myself in this truly beautiful place. However, there is something for someone traveling here to be aware. I’ll begin with a brief public service message. Chikungunya is a virus carried by mosquitoes and transmitted to humans through a bite. It’s symptoms can be severe and may last longer than anyone wants. Although deaths from the virus are rare, they are not unheard of. The symptoms may include rash, fever, headache, severe joint pain and swelling, and muscle pain. There is no vaccine so the only way to avoid it is not to be bitten in the first place. These islands are not the only place one may find the virus, so before you travel to warm tropical places check with the CDC at cdc.gov/chikungunya/. Enough about that. Just suffice to say I have my share of repellant and wrist bands to wear while visiting these beautiful islands.
Huahine is a tiny island with only 6,000 inhabitants. As you can see from the attached pictures, the water is awesome. Lots and lots of underwater life. When I find myself in these tropical waters, which are so very abundant with life, it makes me want to live in their beautiful underwater
world. I snorkel every opportunity I get while I’m here.
The people who live here are fluent in four languages (Tahitian, French, English and Spanish). Life is very simple for them and poverty, while it exists is extremely rare.
… and the natives look very hospitable – oh – no people… That looks pretty darn nice compared to the ice we are fighting. Have an umbrella drink for me! Ciao.
Thanks for dialing in. More to come. Stay warm and I’ll be in touch when i get back.