Fatu Hiva Hike
26 June 2008 | Marquesas
Randy
We hiked around Fatu Hiva today. The town is pretty small and we walked through most of the village quickly. Many of the people smiled and said hello as we passed. Unlike the Caribbean no one here is looking for money or trying to sell you something. An old mad gave us a huge bunch of bananas and would accept no payment. The people are simply wonderful and many the world over could learn from their kind unassuming demeanor. They are truly happy in their paradise.
We took various roads up into the hills. We explored farms and trails, hills and valleys, but never caught sight of the elusive waterfall. It hasn't rained much lately so there may no be one at present. It was a challenging hike regardless and we got some great exercise over the several hours afoot.
We tried to find eggs but couldn't locate any. Vegetables are also hard to come by. Fruits, in particular the huge sweet grapefruits, are easy to come by. From what we have found perfume is the high value trading item, that and rum. Buy a case of $3 a bottle rum in Panama and you will have all the fruit you want.
Nobu says: "We walked through the jungle with no trails today!"
Hideko says: "People here are so wonderful, they do kind things for you without expecting anything in return. It makes you want to pass the kindness it on."