This would be a great place to camp if it wasn’t covered in rough volcanic stone.


On the way back, we watch as cleaning crews work on their boats.


After a farewell feast and a few marriage proposals to Carl (and attempts to get his blue cheese sauce recipe), we get back on the airplane to Tahiti.


Back in Tahiti, we visit the Musee de la Perle. Every possible detail is covered in the life of the oyster and pearl, including models of atoll formation. Lustrous examples of every type and color of Tahitian pearl are displayed.

One of the museum highlights are the handmade costumes of Miss Tahiti wore in the Miss Universe Pageant. Featuring pearls and decorative seeds grown in the area, they are stunning.

We received a terrific in-depth lecture from Vanina Pichevin, Robert Wan Tahiti’s Marketing and Communications Manager. The museum also houses the Robert Wan Tahiti showroom and our group enthusiastically viewed pearl jewelry of the finest quality. Many items were once-in-a-lifetime treasures.

Nadia Roustan outdid herself in making us feel welcome from our stay in Marutea to the final dinner in Tahiti. The Robert Wan people showed us the world of the Tahitian Pearl with true Tahitian hospitality and elegant style.

(At this point, I was taking photos with Leslie’s camera because I didn’t bring backup batteries. Someone is sure to have photos - Jeremy?)

Then we were off to the Perliculture Department of the French Polynesia Ministry. You may have heard that Tahitian pearls that don’t make the grade are destroyed. Here is the place where all Tahitian pearls are inspected, including x-rays to ensure minimum nacre depth.

X-Ray Equipment


Pearls in special tray ready to be x-rayed


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