Our very first impression on going ashore was how neat and clean the town is; such a contrast to messy Mexico! There is absolutely no rubbish and the gardens and public spaces are all beautifully maintained. Check in was very easy and took less than an hour using an agent. Something we don't often do but well worth it in French Polynesia as it gives us access to a bond exemption and duty free fuel. Haven't adjusted to speaking French just yet - Ola and Gracias just come out automatically after more than a year in Mexico. A big surprise was finding over 60 boats anchored in the bay. We are one of the first "Puddle Jumpers" for this season so we thought the anchorages would be relatively empty. Not here though, lots of boats have moved here from Tahiti for a safe anchorage in the El Nino.