la vie à Tahiti

I have traveled to some AMAZING places and met incredible people along the way, learned different cultures and cuisines. 


My "cooking" journey all started on our family catamaran Prrrfection,  circumnavigating the globe. I always loved being in the galley helping my mom with cooking...it was then that  I realized I have a deep passion for cooking! My sister and I would make turns to bake daily fresh breads, prepare lunch/dinner and baking treats . 

We have visited beautiful places along the way . Our longest crossing was from the Galapagos to the Marquises. We were 28 days at sea. 
We caught fish along the way, we had a nursery (herb garden) on the boat and it was my sister and I's responsibility to water it daily and to love and care for something . 

I remember arriving in Marquesas and it was the most amazing feeling. We could smell the incredible sweet scent from the land, the picturesque mountains , birds flying around the boat. 

After spending a wonderful few weeks in Marquises our next stop was the Taumotus . The Taumotus are a group of atolls with crystal clear water , spectacular underwater life and friendly locals. We met a local surfer from Tautmotus -Luke,  a very nice guy .He  paddled every evening religiously in his va'a (outrigger canoe) past our boat. We were always  amazed how much time and effort they put into their paddling ...its absolutely impressive.

We made  good friends with him and he invited us all to his house and he cooked us a wonderful local dish -fish cooked in coconut cream with local root crops. We were so impressed- he  went the morning , caught fish , cleaned and prepared everything . A meal out of the sea and from the trees on land...
As self sustained as can be.

We had a wonderful time there, got to learn a lot about the culture and cuisine in Taumotus all with the help of Luke.

We had such a great time in every destination.  Mom did not have a tight schedule and if we liked a place, we stayed a while. We therefore got to know the locals and their lives.  You must know however, that when you get to one of these islands, a local gets "assigned" over you.  They will be your host.  So, it is important not to overstay the welcome and leave with fond farewells. 

We then headed off to.....TAHITI!

Tahiti has been by far the most special place for us . We were there for two amazing years. My sister and I went to school there. We didn't know one word of French. My mom wanted my sister and I to interact with different kids ,learn the culture and also learn another language.

                                              making friends

My sister and I said YES...and were so excited to be enrolled in school in Tahiti. We made some awesome friends . We at first couldn't understand them ,and they couldn't understand us...we had to do a lot of sign language .hahha

My sister and I took a dictionary to school and every word that we didn't know we had to look up . Classes were all conducted in French ,except for English class. We would be in Maths class or even Physics and wonder what is the teacher saying....

We listened to the radio, watched TV in French,  we were adamant  to learn French . It was such an awesome experience to be in school in Tahiti ,that my sister and I tried very hard to master the language as quickly as possible.

We did really well. Did all exams in French . And we spoke French . My sister started to think in French . Within 6 months my sister was fluent in French and you wouldn't even say she wasn't French.

Being homeschooled we were used to a very quiet environment ,  just my sister and I sitting in the cockpit doing schoolwork (my brother flew back to South Africa when we got to the Caribbean to finish  his high school ) 

So, attending school for the first time in Tahiti we had to get used to kids shouting , noises, sirens going off for recess and lunch . We were so overwhelmed and excited that it took a few days to sink in that we were actually schooling in Tahiti.

We had a very special life there. Tahiti will always have a  soft spot in our hearts. I get asked a lot what is your favourite place you've been to?
This is a hard question as every place is so unique and different  in each way that it is hard to say . We have enjoyed every place we have been to . But, if I have to say when it comes to country side -Tahiti has spectacular mountains same as Marquises. Very tall , rigid mountains .

 my happy place on the water

even Amigo our cocker spaniel is in his happy place. watching the sunset going down. 

Va'a outrigger is very big in French Polynesia

 Every where you go you will see tikies . It is very cultural symbol of French Polynesia 

The Tahitians are absolutely water babies... love the sea. When it comes to surfing they are all at it. They give their hearts to it. Every year there;s surf competitions held at Teahupoʻo and there is some serious surf talent there. 

Platform where the surf competitions are held...

The French Polynesian cuisine consist of  fresh fish, exotic fruits and vegetables which are prepared with a Polynesian influence and a touch of French flair with a strong chinese influence. 

The vanilla bean is also well known in Tahiti as it is grown all over. 

Tropical fruit of French Polynesia are -pineapple, coconut, mangoes, limes, papaya, oranges and grapefruit are available through the season.

The capital of Tahiti is Papeete which is considered to be the food hub.  Tama'ara'a or Tahitian Feast is held once a week at most resort.  Which  involves cooking in a himaa (an oven that has been dug into the ground). Food is wrapped in banana leaves and the hole is covered with sand making it airtight. 

A popular dish in the French Polynesia is the  Poisson cru (ia ota), it  consists of raw fish marinated with lime juice and soaked in coconut milk.

Another popular Tahitian entree is the Chevreffes it consists  of freshwater shrimp.

The Tahitians serve Poe, a sweet pudding made of taro root flavored with banana, vanilla, papaya or pumpkin topped with coconut milk  you know you've completed a wonderful meal  (amura'a ) by having that.

 Something you must definitely experience when in Tahiti is 'Les Roulettes'  all consisting of different cuisines to the local cuisine , and reasonable priced. The roulettes, are colourful,  lit vans that serve the best inexpensive cuisines in Papeete. Even if visitors aren't planning to eat, they can appreciate the Tahitian culture by walking around these ornately painted van . . I have always ordered the chow mien and the poisson cru at the roulettes and have never been disappointed. Going to the Roulettes was a weekend treat for the family. 

 Another exciting thing to experience  in Tahiti is the Tamaaraa  you will get to see the traditional Polynesian singing and dancing. They learn from a young age to perform the traditional dance moves. My sister and I took a Tahitian dance class for a bit to experience  the cultural as it is big thing there.  Some of the traditional Tahitian dishes  are  fish/roast pork and chicken which is cooked in an underground oven. They have it in Samoa, Tonga , Fiji and NZ as well. Tahiti is well known for their Hinano lager beer it was brewed back in 1955, it is available on tap and in bottles and cans. Another Tahitian pale lager  is the Tabu.