Rangiroa, December 3, 2015

After another day at sea, which passed quickly with a formal night, we docked in Ranoria, which is a large atoll.  Below is a satellite map showing the atoll.  The white outer perimeter are the islands …. The blue inner area is the lagoon.  Not much land and lots of sea.  Since Craig is not allowed to go snorkeling so soon after his cataract surgery, we did not get to see all the amazing fish in the lagoon.  Next time ….

The main economy is based on Tahitian Pearl farming.  We went on a tour of the Gauguin Pearl Farm, which is about 6 miles from the dock.  It was quite fascinating, as

Tecknician inserting bead into Black Lipped oyster

the tour guide explained the process of starting the pearl in the oyster, the length of time needed for the pearl to grow, etc.  We actually were able to watch a technician “seed” the pearl.

Then he explained how the pearls are graded, etc.  All grading is done by the Tahitian governmental agency.

Tahitian Pearls

 

Tour Guide showing pearl cut away … bead inside pearl

 

                       

Local Grocery market

 

Craig on the ocean side of atoll

Beach is composed of broken down coral