LE TRUK & LE MARCHE - TWO TAHITI "MUST DOS" On our recent cruise of the South Pacific the islands of Polynesia were once again explored and enjoyed. This area of the world is Marilyn's favorite and, because we were celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary with friends, we once again opted to enjoy the exotic and unusual experiences, as well as the unmatched natural beauties of surf and shore, available only in this part of the world. In addition to re-exploring areas of previous visits, we included for the first time the Marquesas Islands. We are glad we did and understand why this remote part of the world was chosen as the locale for one of the recent "Survivor" television series. While in Papeete, Tahiti, where we spent a delightful pre-cruise time in the over the water bungalows of the lovely Intercontinental Hotel, and indulged ourselves in two of our very most favorite activities in Papeete -- riding the Le Truk and shopping in Le Marche. Le Truk (the truck) is the public conveyance in many of the islands and runs a regular route. At predesignated stops, or by waving it down, Le Truk will allow you to board by climbing via steps into the enclosed truck bed and to sit on wooden benches, along with the locals and their produce. Everyone smiles in the same language and one really gets a feel of the "real" Tahiti. At the point of getting off Le Truk one pays the driver the equivalent of approximately $1.50 U.S. per person. Our destination was a breakfast stop at a sidewalk cafe in downtown Papeete adjacent to Le Marche (the market). Le Marche is the center of activity for the entire town and everything one needs is available -- from fresh fruit and vegetables, to body soap, to the "catch of the day" taken from the adjacent waters. Our purchases consisted of bars of coconut body soap (a favorite of prior visits) and fresh fruits of bananas, papaya, and pineapple, which we took back to our bungalow and enjoyed on its over-the-water patio. Pleasant taste buds and pleasant memories were both rekindled by Le Truk and Le Marche. | 
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