Travel day to Latin America

We start the long travel journey(s) to Chile and latin America.

It’s uneventful and goes without an inch. We are quite lucky that on every plane we have 3 seats for us 2. We travelled fairly comfortably and well rested.
A funny moment was when we boarded our Latam flight to Santiago, we looked out on the wing of the plane and it was covered in tape. While we know it’s not an uncommon thing. Funny enough, we haven’t really seen this in Asia before. So it was a “should we be worried” moment?

Instead of retelling the travel, let’s take this day to summarize the French Polynesia part of this trip.

I would call it a mixed review and feeling.

First, Bora Bora has the nicest lagoon of all the islands we visited. But the prices there are outrageous and they really take a ride on the tourist. Bora Bora was 30% more expensive than even the remote islands we went to. If I was to do it again, I would swap Bora Bora for another island like Maupiti or maybe just stay there 2 days max. 
If you are going to Bora Bora, then you should book an all-inclusive package that includes food. And if you want the overwater bungalow, just go all-in and spurgle – but don’t look for the middle-option, like we did, it’s nice but won’t give you the “wow effect” you want and still cost an arm-and-a leg. Might was well get better and sell the kidney too.
Personally, if I am going to go for an all-inclusive tropical holiday, I would find myself a 5 star in Philippines or visit the Maldives. I think you get more for your money and it’s as paradisiac as Bora Bora.

But hey, bucket list checked – I have been to Bora Bora.

Diving wise, we were not disappointed – even the snorkeling trips and lagoon excursions were superb. The underwater wild life is not shy and is ever present in the landscape and every day life. To play with wild dolphin, truly coming to contact with you in Rangiroa, witness the wall of sharks of Fakarava, swim with rays and sharks while snorkeling. Those are experiences you can’t deny are unique. Going into the further islands is the way to go in my opinion to experience the serenity and laid-back attitude. For these moments, I would go to French Polynesia.

People wise, French Polynesian are really friendly. Travelling in French language (which isn’t often for us ), was extremely easy and we could connect more with our hosts. They speak basic English in most places – it might be more difficult to get by for non-French speakers, we had to help translate for other travelers at time.

The possible thing that might make you be happy to go home is the food. They do experience real shortage of fresh vegetables and fruits. Fakarava was only supplied once a week for example. And you eat a lot of carb ( french fries, rice and pasta ) and have to learn how to cook with only canned goods. You will however get awesome grilled fish and raw fish dishes. 

The cost of everything is really a killer. It’s easier if you cook on your own and stay in family pensions. But still, it’s a once in a lifetime trip for most because of this.

I am glad we experienced it. I can’t say I would go back though.