My good friend and long time colleague, Bernie Kamalamalama, is a celebrity guide with almost 30 years of experience. He has a wealth of knowledge and I always learn so much from him myself.  Over the years, I have had him escort private groups for me for a very personalized experience.

It’s interesting just to be in his presence out in public. It seems that every 10 feet, we run into local people who obviously know him, respect him, and love him. Naturally, I get introduced to ALL of them. They graciously accept me based on association. It also helps that I speak the language. Bonjour. Enchante. Kiss-kiss, on both cheeks, French style.

We were out together until late one evening inspecting restaurants all over Papeete. It occured to me that this might present a problem for him. I knew that the local coconut telegraph (translate: local gossip mill) could have a field day with this.
“Bernie K. was seen all over downtown with a mystery woman, not local and not his wife”.
I asked him about it. He smiled and shrugged it off. I suspect he might have enjoyed the idea of a little buzz.
He’s a dear, sweet teddy bear of a man. His wife is a lucky woman and she has absolutely nothing to worry about.
I will be happy to introduce you to him in person someday.

Anyway, here we are after a delicious lunch at the Pink Coconut, another one of my favorite restaurants. It boasts a prime waterfront location at  the Taina Marina, just a few minutes down the road from the Papeete airport. I arrange this for a truly lovely dinner on the last night. It’s far superior to eating at the Faaa airport snack bar before that red eye flight back to LA.