TAHITI   Tahiti in a nutshell… Tahiti’s urban zone is spread across Papeete. You will find Papeete to be a bustling city with its share of cars and traffic jams, as well as a permanent stream of pedestrians… as in all capitals of the world. Residential homes and office buildings fill the entire valley. Beyond Papeete, along the coastline, from the white sand beaches West of PK 18 to the black sands of Papara and Venus Point Lighthouse (East of Mahina), you will find the more laid back side of Tahitian life. If you continue further you will find people’s lifestyles are even closer to nature, for example in Tahiti Iti. Inland, there are numerous sites to discover, ideal for people seeking exotic hikes in nature (there are literally hundreds of hiking paths in Tahiti) or even 4X4 excursions. The landscapes and views are breathe-taking. Spoken languages: In the streets of Papeete you will primarily hear people speak French, Tahitian (Reo mao'hi), or Chinese (an important Chinese community immigrated at the end of the 19th century to Tahiti). Most shop keepers speak proficient English, so don’t be afraid to ask for help from the locals in Tahiti since many Polynesians visit Anglo-Saxon countries and speak surprisingly well in English; after all, Polynesians are well known for their kindness and hospitality. Some numbers : French Polynesia is made up of 5 archipelagos one of which is The Society Islands. Tahiti is part of the Windward Islands along with Moorea, Tahiti’s “sister” island, and Tetiaroa (Marlon Brando’s private island). The Windward Islands are more generally a part of The Society Islands archipelago. There are more than 260,000 inhabitants in Polynesia of which 25,000 are situated in Papeete. Climate : French Polynesia has a tropical climate rendered much more pleasant by its presence in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, which is a moderating influence. The average temperature in French Polynesia is between 23°C (73°F) (around the Marquises, an archipelago Northeast of The Society Islands) and 27°C (80°F) ( near the Austral Archipelago (an archipelago South of The Society Islands). The Society Island archipelago is located in the Midwest part of Polynesia. There are two major seasons: • The hot season, it begins in October and ends in late March or early April. The average temperature is 32°C (90°F). • The cool season, during the southern winter, is from May to October. Average temperatures are between 21°C to 27°C (70°-80°) Vegetation and Wildlife : In Tahiti, vegetation is rich, luscious and full of life. Aside from wild pigs there aren’t any wild animals in the mountains. Some endemic birds can be found. Marine life in French Polynesia is breathtaking and a must see. Whether you are a scuba diver, or simply a snorkeler with a pair of flippers, you will marvel in the beauty of Tahiti’s pristine lagoons. Photo credits: Mandarin & GIE Tahiti Tourisme | A Nonante - glopglop Production