|
Raiatea - Island History Tour
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This tour was of the historical side of the island. Especially Marea Taputapuatea, the most sacred of sites.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raiatea is the second largest island in the Society group. Raiatea is traditionally the ancient Havai'i, the sacred isle from which all of Eastern Polynesia was colonized. There are no beaches on Raiatea itself, it is too rugged. Before European influence, Raiatea was the religious, cultural and political center of the area. Human sacrifice and fire walking once took place at this site.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I can only stand in wonder at what has been when I was on this site. Bill made a overly informative tour guide, and made it difficult to remember all the knowledge he parted on to us in just a few hours. I will never forget this piece of the adventure and will consider Bill as one of my friends for ever. The time will come when I will return to Raiatea, and try to take something back for him in gratitude for his time and friendship after the tour was over in the days to come. Visiting him at his house and meeting his cat, what a character he is! Bill is a HAM radio person and enjoys talking to others on the H.F. radio. You can sometimes raise him on the VHF when he is within range.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our guide and now friend is Bill. Bill has a lifelong love affair with the island. it's people and history. He gives lectures on the visiting cruise ships and on the Holland America cruise line. He is known for his lectures all over the world, at universities and colleges.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
He runs Paradise Tours. For a small fee he will take you, or a small group of people, around the island and not only show you the island but give you a fascinating history class of Raiatea to boot. Bill explained the different theories as to the origination of the Central Pacific Islanders. One theory is that the people came form Hawaii, another is that they came from New Zealand. There is no definitive evidence either way as he explained. The most accepted theory seems to be the Hawaii route, as it follows the trade winds more closely.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
    |
|
|
|
Different mareas around the site
Label
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
   |
|
|
|
1. Bill pointing out one of the special stones on the Marae (alter) of Ahu which once bore the image or Oro god of fertility and war.
2. Bill standing in front of a ceremonial stone
3. Jerry standing in front of the Queen's stone
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
   |
|
|
|
The main ceremonial area in front of the Marea with lots of smaller stones scattered around that have significance (not very visible in these pictures)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|