PHOTO OF THE WEEK: GOLDEN SUNSET ON RANGIROA
@Peter Stone
Coconut: From the legend to modernity
@ Adolphe Sylvain
It has been a while since I last shared a legend from Tahiti & her islands with you. To me, legends are like dreams that never die, and the Polynesian culture, being mostly oral, is very rich with poetic legends… They are part of our history and also part of the myth which built the paradise…
Today I wanted to share with you the legend of Hina & the eel which tells of the creation of coconut trees. Have you ever noticed that coconuts have two eyes and a mouth?
According to the legend, Hina, a very beautiful Princess of Papeurii of Tahiti, was destined in marriage to the king of lake Vaihiria, Faaravaaianuu. When Hina went to meet her groom, she discovered he was a giant puhi (eel).
Frightened, she ran to Maui to ask for his protection. Maui managed to capture the eel and cut it into three. The eel’ head rolled to Hina’s feet and said: ” From this day on, all men, and firstly you, will kiss me on the mouth. I die but you will be mine anyway“
Maui wrapped the head and instructed Hina not to put it on the ground until she got home and destroyed it or the eel’s prediction would come true .
On her way home, Hina forgot Hiro’s warning and she put the head on the ground as she stopped to bathe in the river. Immediately, roots sprouted and the head grew into a strange tree which resembled a giant eel, its head erect towards the sun: the first cononut tree was born.
After a few days, the island of Tahiti went through a period of drought and the only plant which survived was the coconut tree.The men decided to taste its nuts which also contain sweet water and Hina drank from the coconut too. On the fruit, three dark stains, resembling two eyes and a mouth could be seen. It is said that drinking from a coconut, like Hina did, is like enjoying a royal kiss which was once denied.
“And Hina kissed the eel” by Bobby Holcomb
I personally think there is nothing as refreshing as drinking an ice cold coconut water bought from the Papeete market or from one of the many stalls on the side of the road… thinking that you are somehow part of the legend is just the icing on the cake that makes it that little bit more special.
Did you know?
@Richard Harrington
Coconut water is deemed to be one of the healthiest drinks around, not only thanks to its natural sweet flavor but also to its all-natural appeal and health benefits…and although here in Tahiti, we mainly know coconut water in its natural form, some companies have developed coconut water products ranging from pure coconut water to flavored varieties. Even I was surprised when I heard about the hype around coconut water…after all, I’ve been drinking it since I was a child, mainly because it tastes good and is thirst quenching… Now I was actually reading that it had health benefits…(for example, coconut water contains 5 electrolytes which help certain functions of our body) and article appeared all over the internet praising the benefits of coconut water and dubbing it “nature’s soft drink”, or even “life enhancer”…from being a cure for hangovers to anti-aging properties… The benefits seem to be endless.
I must say that although some of the claims might be true, I am pretty skeptical about a few of them and I even think that sometimes, coconut water has been mistaken with coconut milk, which is most definitely not the same thing (coconut water comes from the unripped nut whereas milk is extracted from the pulp of ripped coconut). Still, I believe the greatest benefit of coconut is its ability to give you this amazing feeling of a holiday drink, a piece of refreshing paradise that can be enjoyed anytime of the day.
@Greg Le Bacon / Tahiti Tourisme
Obviously, coconut has many other uses, and coconut water is only one of them. Its pulp can also be used to make coconut milk (used in Tahiti’s traditional dish, poisson cru – raw fish with coconut milk) or macerated to create monoi, the sacred oil of the gods. Coconut wood is considered to be a precious wood and makes for the most exquisite carvings and craft in general.
@Vatea Bunton
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: LOST IN THE IMMENSITY OF BLUE
I wish I could be in Mangareva where this photo was taken, lost in the different shades of blue of the lagoon…
TEAHUPO’O: A RED CODE, MONSTER WAVES AND THE WORLD’S BEST PROS
Gordo @ ASP / Robbo
Bruce Irons @ ASP / Robbos
Doesn’t that sound like a dream you could have had a thousand times? This weekend, as surfline had been announcing a swell like never before, the dream came true for many surf enthusiasts in Teahupo’o.
There had been electricity in the air for days now,with the hype around the coming swell, everyone checking surfline more than regularly to know when it was going to hit Teahupo’o, making calls to make sure that one could get on a boat . To add to the excitement, the 15 to 25 ft waves were going to hit the world famous spot during the Billabong pro contest.
This days was promising to be incredible, a day to remember in surfing history. The mythical wave of Teahupo’o is renown to be a deadly barrel is not only impressive but can also be plain scary, and that’s on normal days…so imagine on a day like that!
Everyone wanted to be there to witness history, to witness never seen before surfing. The week before the swell hit Tahiti, surfers and photographers who weren’t already here for the comp started flying in.
@ASP / Kristin
The night before, tension was at its peak, so many emotions could be felt, from anticipation, fear, excitement…The authorities had issued a code red on the entire coastline banning all water crafts from entering the water, an obvious cause for uproar in Teahupo’o as one of the captains told me the night before “I’d like to see them try to stop us from going out there tomorrow”. No way that big wave specialists such as Bruce Irons or Koby Abberton were not going to stay onshore looking at the waves breaking on the spot….and no way that photographers and surf aficionados weren’t going to follow!
During the night, you could hear the waves breaking on the beach, the roar of the ocean preparing for an epic day, the sound was both exciting and terrifying, getting louder as the waves were getting bigger. A call of the sirens for some, the laugh of the devil for others.
The medics’ tent at the point…flooded @ ASP / Kristin
On Saturday morning, the whole of the surfing community, along with half the population of Tahiti were in the small town of Teahupo’o at the end of the road. The waves were battering the beach at the point, going up into people’s gardens. The comp had been called off, as paddling in such conditions was simply not possible.
Tow-in crews were watching the waves while photographers, film crews and onlookers (the brave one, the crazy ones, the surf fanatics) were desperately trying to argue or buy their way to the spot. The atmosphere was eery, almost unreal. A mix of awe, respect and frustration (that last one from those same people who couldn’t find a boat.
A lot of disappointment as Kelly Slater did not take any wave this day @ Tim Mckenna
Finally, the surfers went out and those who were lucky enough to get a captain to take them on their boat were lined up on the spot, watching….and en epic day began. Hundreds of people out there, surfers, boats, jet skis, kayaks, paddle boards, it was mayhem, a disaster waiting to happen in such crazy conditions…but thankfully everything went smoothly in spite of a few scares for those who weren’t paying attention to the west peak.
@Tim Mckenna
@Audrey Bodilis
Onshore the show was most exhilarating and the view breathtaking… with he oohahs of the onlookers, and one could only imagine how phenomenal, how amazing and also how scary it must have been to bt there.
Keala Kenelly catching a ride to the spot @ Audrey Bodilis
Injuries were sustained from bruises, to dislocated knees…but surprisingly nothing too serious, unless you account for Bruce Irons’ shorts which were ripped off when a wave blasted him. enjoy ladies!
@Tim Mckenna.com
This could well be the most magical day for many and it will most certainly be remembered as a day not to be forgotten. Surfer will most definitely not forget the waves they rode this day and spectators will long remember the sets they were lucky enough to witness. For others, the ones who where stuck onshore, it will be the frustration of not having been able to be out there of having waited years for this day to come and not be able to see it other than on their computer screens.
Best spot to enjoy the show?
Obviously, as I was stuck onshore, I thought I’d get a few shots of the beautiful surroundings on Teahupo’o’s to share with you a bit of the beauties of Teahupo’o
Teahupo’o, here we are!
The people from Teahupo’o are the most welcoming you will meet
Teahupo’o is also famous for its lush green mountains
Surprising little peace of heaven on the way to the point.
BILLABONG PRO TEAHUPOO SPECIAL: TEAHUPOO SEEN FROM THE SKY
Don’t you wish you were a bird?
TETIAROA: MARLON BRANDO’S PRIVATE PARADISE ISLAND
The mysterious and beautiful atoll of Tetiaroa is situated 30 miles from the island of Tahiti. It comprises 13 islets encircled by a coral reef.
Originally the summer residence of the ruling families and kings of Tahiti, Tetiaroa was considered to be the royal playground. The atoll was made famous by Marlon Brando, who decided to purchase it during the making of the “Mutiny of the Bounty”.
One can only be seduced by the magic of the island, its charm, its beauty and the solitude of such an alluring and remote exotic paradise.
@ National Geographic Photos
Brando himself had no intention of destroying the natural the beauty of the island and even said: “If I have my way, Tetiaroa will remain forever a place that reminds Tahitians of who they are and what they were centuries ago”.
@gegedeversailles
In Tahitian Tetiaroa means “who stands apart” or “keeps its distance”, keeping in line with Brando’s values and hopes for the island. The names suits perfectly, as access to Tetiaroa is fairly limited, making it a remote, secluded and exclusive destination.
I remember spending time at the Hotel Tetiaroa, run by Teihotu (marlon Brando’s son with Tarita Teriipaia) during my youth in rustic Polynesian style bungalows with no electricity on the island apart from that generated by the electric group. Even then, I thought that this was actually what paradise should be like…No fuss, just natural beauty, modernity was left in Tahiti. On the island, time was irrelevant, it is an out of this world experience, like being in the middle of nowhere. Besides the laughs of children playing, the only sounds one could hear on the island where coconuts falling, the cries of the birds and the relaxing roaring of the sea when it came to break on the coral reef.
@ Hotel Tetiaroa
To me Tetiaroa will always be synonymous of beauty, simplicity, mystery, tranquility and discoveries. One of the islet, Tahuna Iti, also named Bird island is famous for the thousands of seabirds who lay their eggs on the white powdery sands. This seabird sanctuary is both amazing and striking, just make sure you don’t watch Hitchcock’s “The Birds” before going there.
The hotel Tetiaroa I knew in my youth no longer is, as it was shut after Marlon Brando’s death. Nowadays, the only way to visit the atoll, although you will not be able to access all of the islets, is on a catamaran day excursion.
@ Tahiti Tourisme
However, the magic will once again be open to visitors as in 2009, TetiaroaPacific Beachcomber began the construction of an eco-resort called “The Brando” comprising 47 deluxe bungalow villas (each with private plunge pools), a spa, fitness center, community pool, as well as various island activities including scuba diving and archaeological tours of royal Tahitian sites.
The resort is expected to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, reflecting Marlon Brando’s passion for environmental sustainability.
To know more about Marlon Brando’s Tetiaroa adventure, read “Waltzing with Brando” by Bernard Judge.
BILLABONG PRO TEAHUPO’O SPECIAL – WEBISODE 2
On Saturday 20th the comp will be on! The world is watching and right now, paradise for surf lovers is most definitely in Teahupo’o here in Tahiti!
VIDEO OF THE WEEK: TAHITIAN LIVING AS SEEN BY BILLABONG PRO SURFERS… A TEASER BEFORE TEAHUPO’O 2011
Visiting paradise and living the Tahitian dream in Teahupo’o as seen by Joel Parkinson, Freddy P, Julian Wilson and Taj Burrow
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: HAUMANA & SHARK
Because I love this photograph, because paradise is also about the people you meet. Haumana & Shark is a striking photo and a tribute to the closeness of man and nature.
TRIED & TESTED! STOP 16 ON THE MONOI ROAD: LEARN TAHITIAN BEAUTY SECRETS
@ Monoi Road
If you are on holidays in Tahiti & her islands, you will probably want to bring some Monoi and other local cosmetics back for your friends and family. After all, it is the oil of the gods and makes a wonderful gift. Of course, you can go to the Papeete Market or any curious shop and find what you are looking for…however, if you want to make it truly special and have an experience out of the ordinary, then the Laboratoire de cosmétologie du Pacifique Sud is the place for you.
Stop 16 on the Monoi Road, in Papara, the laboratory does not only produce gorgeous products from Tahiti & her islands (I would recommend the Gold Sublime Body Lotion without hesitation), it also offers its visitor a journey into the world of beauty and cosmetology.
Olivier, explaining how it all works @ Labo du formulateur
Olivier Touboul will welcome you at the lab and take you through the various vegetal and mineral substances Polynesia’s nature has to offer and through the different stages of creating your own cosmetics.
Explore and discover traditional phytotherapy through the laboratory’s unique portfolio of natural extracts, vegetal oils and exfoliating powders to create a truly unique product. Open the door to the secrets of Tahitian beauty and loose yourself in the exciting world of cosmetology.
Monoi galore!
so many ingredients to choose from @ Labo du formulateur
Discover the tens of different monoi oils available, from the traditional monoi, combining the properties of Tiare and coconut, to original oils, a combination of monoi and plants (pineapple, basil, cinnamon, lime, frangipani, etc.) or even fragranced oils (ylang ylang, sandalwood, etc.). Be inspired by the palette of fragrances available to you, from the sweet smell of vanilla to the musky sandalwood.
Discover the tens of different monoi oils available, from the traditional monoi, combining the properties of Tiare and coconut, to original oils, a combination of monoi and plants (pineapple, basil, cinnamon, lime, frangipani, etc.) or even fragranced oils (ylang ylang, sandalwood, etc.). Be inspired by the palette of fragrances available to you, from the sweet smell of vanilla to the musky sandalwood.
fragrances…
Learn about the specific properties of each plant and design your own product, whether it be an oil, a gel or a cream… Mix the oils that you prefer with your favorite fragrances. You can even add some glitter, sand, pearl extract and coloring to make it really special and unique.
concentration is key
The magic is happening
I was lucky enough to visit the laboratory twice. The first time I created a regenerating balm, rich and creamy, with a smell of caramel and golden glitters. Today, I went back to participate to the famous Cosmetic Academy contest. Participants create a product and the marketing around it and the lucky winner will see his creation sold in Tahiti, France and Canada. This year’s theme was the Heiva.
My lovely assistant for the day, showing me the long list of ingredients and their properties
I had a great time and came back home with 2 jars of hydrating gel that I truly love. The consistency, the smell and the feel of it are tailored to my taste. I spent the day testing oils, discovering their properties, their texture, their smell (no not all oils were made equal). Verdict: my favorite monoi for properties is most definitely Kaupe (and it doesn’t hurt that such companies as Chanel have used it in their products).
After testing all the Monoi oils in the lab, I finally chose the 2 I wanted to use, Kaupe and passion fruit.
My 6 secret ingredients
Then I went onto testing fragrances, mixing them, smelling them to create the perfect (well almost) balance of Tiare, Jasmin, Vanilla and Sandalwood. And finally, I played with coloring and glitters trying to decide what the gel should look like… I wanted my gel to be special, a tribute to the bodies of the dancers and athletes I see performing year after year at the Heiva; languorous, mysterious, alluring.
Finally, find a name for your creation: mine was called Arearea (Pleasure). Be original, be unique, this is a truly beautiful experience. You may not become an expert on Monoi (although I can say that I have tested and smelled most of them), but you will most definitely have a lot to talk about when you go back home!
Have you visited the Lab? Please share your experiences with us!
Location: PK 39,5 mountain side, Papara, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Stop 16 on the Monoi Road
Tel: 77.37.64
Open all week
A session lasts approximately 4 hours
Searching for Paradise 
