Friday May 11, 2007 - Nuka Hiva
11 May 2007 | Taiohae Bay, Nuka Hiva, Marquesas
Don
The people of the Marquesas are certainly not destitute and I have seen no instances of poverty although most of the people live quite simply and do not seem to have great material needs. Their pickup trucks are mostly brand new Japanese models. It appears the economy is well-subsidized by the French government. Something to do with reparations for past insensitivities, ie nuclear testing.
Taiohae Bay is a one horse town. There are two small grocery stores, an infirmary, pharmacy, bank, gendermarie, schools, and a couple of restaurants, all for 1600 people not counting the 75-100 sailors who inundate the place during the fall cruising season. The locals are very friendly and helpful. I am trying to learn a few words of French each day.
Tomorrow three other cruisers and I will rent a car to tour the island. All else is well. Radio transmission is sometimes difficult in this anchorage because of the mountains so some of my reports have been missing or late. The internet service also has been undependable.