Monthly Archives: September 2012

News: Stranded in the Marquesas

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An Air Tahiti strike stranded fifteen passengers on Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva yesterday, when a local flight was unable to depart Papeete for its regular round trip to and from the Marquesas.  A number of repercussions were immediately felt.  A medical mission to provide clinical gynecology services to the Marquesas remained stuck in Hiva Oa.  The pharmacy in Atuona did not receive the medicines on order.  A patient arriving from Tahuata on an emergency evacuation via local fishing boat could not be delivered to the hospital in Nuku Hiva.  Several tourists missed their international connection to Paris (leaving the same night from Tahiti).  To make matters worse, rumor has it Air Tahiti will not cover the expense of additional days spent in the islands.  Zut!

Certainly reminds us all of how remote the islands are…

Read the full account in French here: http://www.ladepeche.pf/article/marquises/nuku-hiva-quinze-passagers-et-pas-d%E2%80%99avion

and here: http://www.ladepeche.pf/article/marquises/hiva-oa-pas-de-depart-du-vol-pour-les-marquises-hier-matin

News: Ripples of the Economic Crisis

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Over the past four years, the hotels and bed and breakfasts of Nuku Hiva have seen their clientele decline by 30%.  Rumors fly that one of the few hotels in the Marquesas, the three-star Keikahanui Pearl Lodge, may soon close.  Certain bed and breakfasts, like Moana Nui in Taiohae, are responding by upgrading their services with air conditioning, Wifi, and refusing to take commissions when visitors follow their recommendations for local activities and adventures.  They set a noble example.  An extra bonus: despite these improvements, the price of staying at the Moana Nui has not increased!

Visit the Moana Nui website: http://www.marquises.pf/pagestour/page17.htm

See the full article in French here: http://www.ladepeche.pf/article/marquises/des-nouveaux-services-et-une-restauration-etoffee-le-secret-de-la-reussite

Marquesan cows

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Marquesans keep their livestock in the fa’apu, or family land, up above the village.  The sight of cows and horses by the side of the road is common.  These pifa are inland, somewhere above Taipivai, Nuku Hiva.