We returned to Tahiti at the very end of February. We stayed in Marina Taina for approximately one month cleaning, varnishing, stocking and replacing sails, lines and ropes. There was still some rain around when we first arrived. With less rainfall, the mosquito problems were diminishing. We were able to use a transformer from the marina and utilize the air conditioner while we were on the dock and this was a big help for the mosquitoes because we could keep the hatches closed. When we finished the list of must dos, we moved to the anchorage just off of the marina.

We got the news that our one year visa had been extended for another year. With that good news, we booked a trip for Michael and Tim to come down to see us.

We went to the Tahiti Tattoo Festival with Gail and Tony from Cetacea. It was really amazing to see so many bodies covered with tattoos here. It is a very acceptable part of the Polynesian culture to have tattoos for both men and women. Not everybody has a tattoo but many do have at least one. The designs and stories behind the tattoos here are very unique and the tattoos are very beautiful with the use of just black and some shades of grey. Most tattoos are done with the use of the tattoo gun like what is used in the states. The traditional Marquesian tattoos were tapped into the skin with a small tool and three people. Two to stretch the skin, or hold the person down if necessary, and one doing the tapping. We saw several people getting a tattoo done in the old fashion. It looks very painful and like it may take many days to weeks to do some of the large tattoos we have seen.

The first two days that Michael and Tim arrived we did not have the greatest weather. It rained almost constantly for the first day and most of the day the next day. We did have a rental car for those two days and drove around the island. There were so many waterfalls everywhere because of all of the rain. Luckily, they are boys so a little rain didn't slow them down very much. The Ono'u graffiti contest was going on while they were here. We did check out some of the amazing artwork being done by groups from 26 different countries that had been invited to participate. The detail and the work was really something to see. The rain on the final day interfered with the final days activities and caused some of the fresh paint to run. It was really sad to see such artwork just running.

We then moved to Moorea for a few days. The boys were able to do one dive just outside Oppanohu Bay. They saw many black tip sharks and one large bull shark, too bad I missed that one. They really enjoyed the dive. We had some time for a hike and snorkeling before we returned to the new marina in Papeete.

It is actually not new but has been totally renovated. It was a dingy place where you could only med moor and it only had a few slips. Now the floating docks are complete with water and power, showers and we can side tie. This is much more convenient for us to get on and off the boat than med mooring. It was a little confusing at first because things were just getting started. Sometimes the gates weren't working and the rates were changing almost daily. Things have settled down now and the slips are half price for the rest of June. It is very convenient to be right in town.

The bus system is pretty good here in Tahiti but we can't seem to be patient enough to figure out the night bus. We hear there is one but we've never seen it. Taxis are very expensive. 25 US dollars to get from town to the airport, which is only about 4 miles away. The price is even more expensive to get from town back to Marina Taina and it is more for a night time taxi. The Roulottes are located here in town. There are minivans that occupy the part right along the waterfront. They arrive around 6 pm and set up a rolling restaurant. Set up the food and people will come. The tables are usually full with locals and tourists alike. The food is very good and priced less than most of the walk in restaurants. We have enjoyed the convenience of town but there is a price with the dirt on the boat and the noise. I think we counted 20 ambulances in an hour one morning. They start at 6 or before.

Michael's tattoo took two full days. The first day they spend 4-6 hours drawing the design and figuring out what Michael wanted. He started his appointment at 9 am and returned to the boat at 10 pm. The next morning he started at 10 am and finished at 9 pm. He was very happy with the work and the design. Freddy with Mana'o did the work. Michael said the detail compared to the work from the states was very good and you can see the difference in the detail to the lines. Michael can tell the story behind all of the symbols. The boys flew back home and we got back to their regular routines.

Steve and I cleaned up the boat, reprovisioned and have been waiting for some favorable wind to go back to the west. I went to see the local dermatologist for a spot on my chest and had that taken care of and then a crown fell off. It was a good thing we were still waiting around town. Nothing some good dental glue couldn't take care of. We hope to be leaving in the next few days to head back to the Tuamotus.