Change of program – Wedding in Hakaui

We were ready to go to the Tuamotus, but change of plans at the last minute. Kua and Teiki, our friends of Hakaui, marry in 10 j and the cultural festival of the Marquesas on Tahuata takes place 15 j after... 2 good reasons to extend our stay in the Marquesas!!!

Friday 27 October

We return on Nuku Hiva and ship Laurent Coraline and Charlie for a few days. Weekend relaxing in Hooumi Bay in the South East of the island.

We take our last visit to Taihoae to do the ride of Nuku Hiva.

Quickly the road climbs to more of 1000 meters of altitude to give us a nice view of the Bay.

The center of the island is a plateau high covered with pines, with a mountain range running through South to North. Which offers an almost mountain landscape with narrow road in pins to hair and the pass.

The temperature drops and across the col it is the descent to "Empty land". The road leads to a wonderful view of "Grand Canyon" before continuing to the airport.

On the back we are witnessing a fight of bulls cows ladies do their paris!

Saturday 2 December: Hakaui - Kua and Teiki wedding

We arrive a few days before the wedding in order to transport the kitchen equipment and supply for the hundreds of people are expected. Morning everyone participates in the preparation of various dishes Marquesans. Philippe is attendant to the pressing of coconut milk.

Others prepare wreaths.

And since early morning the pig slow-cooked on a wood fire.

There is a profusion of fruit we nibble all morning.

The small chapel of the Valley has been decorated flowers and leaves in also lining the floor. The priest made the final preparations...

And the bride and groom are appearing on the way.

The ceremony is simple and friendly with all of their friends that the priest invited to settle in the chapel around the altar and married couples.

A little tight but a lot of warmth with in more songs that the heart has repeated since the morning.

Now they are married and little party start...

The mother of Kua trained whole Assembly sing the graces and five minutes she declaims in Marquesan in a voice that fills the entire Valley. There is nothing included , but in the end it is the signal for the start of the feast.

After a meal it is the cutting of the cake... then ukuleles are appearing together with the Tepahu and a guitar for an evening of songs Marquesans which lasts until late at night.

The festival of the Marquesas Islands, which this year is organized by the island of Tahuata begins in two weeks. We decide to go there now to find our friends from the village of Hapatoni.