The Islands Of Tahiti 2014 - (Page 3)

© tim-mckenna.com Culture The Tahitians of the modern era have inherited a rich culture from their Maohi ancestors. Oral history recounts the adventures of gods and warriors in colorful legends where j avelin throwing was the sport of the gods, surf riding was favored by the kings, and strong men competed in canoe races and stone lifting as a show of pure strength. Heiva I Tahiti M aev a! (W el come! ) U pon boarding Air Tahiti Nui, the international carrier of Tahiti, passengers ta e the first step to immersing them selves in the beauty of French Polynesia. On the non-stop flight from os Angeles to apeete, the award winning crew will aim to make your trip unforgettable. W ith the newly renovated cabins featuring plush seats and a new in flight entertainment system, you'll immediately feel relaxed and serene. The islands of Tahiti are a true paradise that is closer than you may thin After a mere hour non stop flight from os Angeles, your clients will find themselves in an absolute magical place. W ith 118 islands and atolls boasting high, rugged mountain peaks, coral reefs, turquoise-blue lagoons, white sand, palm-fringed beaches, and luxuriously intimate resorts, each island paradise has something for everyone. The islands offer rich diversity in the landscapes, some crowned with j agged peaks and others appearing to barely float above the brea ing waves. The slands of Tahiti, officially French olynesia, ma e up an area in the outh acific the si e of estern urope, however, if the islands were all combined, the total area is only slightly larger than hode sland. ocated halfway between California and Australia, Tahiti is on the same side of the nternational ate ine as North America and in the same time zone as Hawaii. recommend.com 2-15.indd 3 This celebration of ancient traditions and competition has been the most important event in Tahiti for over 130 years. visitors are encouraged to j oin in the celebrations from late June to late July every year and discover daily and nightly events and displays. Tahitians gather in Papeete from many of the islands to exhibit crafts, and compete in traditional sporting, dance and musical events. Handcrafts The skills of the ancestors' artistry are kept sacred and passed on by both the " mamas" - guardians of tradition and matriarchs of Tahitian society- and by the skilled craftsmen. items include weaving, quilting, wooden and stone sculptures and bowls, drums tap a, carvings, and hand-dyed p areu. Marae The open-air sanctuaries called marae were the center of power in ancient Polynesia. These stone religious sites, akin to temples, hosted the important events of the times such as the worship of the gods, peace treaties, celebrations of war, and the launch of voyages to colonize distant lands. Music and Dance The beauty of today's Tahitian dance testifies to its resilience in Polynesian culture. in ancient times, dances were linked with all aspects of life. One would dance to welcome a visitor, to pray, to challenge an enemy, and to seduce a mate. Today's dance is still powerful, colorful, and sensual while accompanied by the harmonic voices of the Tahitians, thunderous traditional drums, and conch shells. april 2014 3 3/25/14 12:01 PM http://www.tim-mckenna.com http://www.recommend.com

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The Islands Of Tahiti 2014