The Best Souvenir
And the island that left me wanting more
Today I write you from somewhere above the Pacific, on the first half of my 22-hour return flight. On long-haul flights, you can typically find me watching as many movies as I can, napping, and pretending I need to go to the restroom just to stretch my legs.
But this time things are different.
It started with my 4:30 am walk to the airport. Even in the city, the stars were still twinkling above me. Orion had moved from where it left me before I went to bed. They reminded me of what I had learned about polynesian navigation and gave me a sense of comfort as I carried my bags down the street.
I had left my roller bag in a locker at the airport which allowed me to explore not just one, but two more islands since I last wrote. It’s amazing how light you feel without wheeling a bag around.
After retrieving it I found that the flower necklaces I tried to preserve had started to mold - at least I have photos and the olfactory memory. I pulled out my layers, a vintage blue knitted cardigan, tropical printed pants with pockets for phone and the last bit of local change, new light blue knee high compression socks which are supposed to help with circulation on long haul flights. I placed the shell necklaces left by my travel companion who departed days earlier than I, around my neck - a Tahitian tradition for saying goodbye so that you may one day return.
An early morning long haul flight was new for me as well. 7am strolling onto the tarmac. The sun shining. Blue skies with a few fluffy white clouds. Warm breeze and the beautiful enchanting blue water waving bye to me. While boarding I had to stop to capture a photo to remind me of the experience - one last memory.
The cherry on top was that I had the entire row 33 all to me.
This trip refilled me. My mojo is back and more brilliant than before. I could not be more grateful.
Let me take you back to what happened between my last post about the treehouse and diving in Rangiroa and this moment above the Pacific.
In this edition:
Plankton & Pirogues
Land or Sea: Stay on a Private Motu
Route des Ananas est Interdite
