Today we arrived in Rangiroa, the second largest atoll in the world. We barged in, which was the easiest yet since the water was like glass. First stop was at the Gaugin Pearl Factory which was quite interesting. They explained how they catch the baby oysters, since they aren't allowed to take them from the bottom of the sea. They grow for 2 or 3 years, then are seeded. The seed they use is mussel shells from the Mississippi which is sent to Japan for shaping before it comes to Rangiroa. After seeding, it takes 2 years to get the pearl. If it's a really good pearl, they will seed the oyster again and maybe even one more time. We watched a seeder and a harvester at work. Really good ones can do 450 a day. There's a store there, of course, and I bought a couple of little things.
Then we went to a beautiful beach for a little swim. The water was perfect, warm and calm. After lunch on board (quiche salad, lamb and raspberry tart) we had a lecture by one of the crew who started with Aranui at the beginning over 30 years ago as one of the cargo handlers. He's now on the hotel side of the business working as a guide, but still misses the old days slinging cargo by hand from the ship to the small boats for delivery.
Last night's dinner ( lobster bisque, fish and a pastry) was with 2 Australian couples that we hadn't eaten with before. Too bad, because they were fun and we would have liked to get to know them a bit more.
Tomorrow, our last day, will be in Bora Bora.
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