pareos displayed

Tahiti enjoys a tropical climate year round with sunny, pleasant days and an average temperature of 79F. In the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed. Summer is from November through April with slightly warmer and more humid weather. Winter extends from May through October when the climate is slightly cooler and dryer.

Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing in natural fabrics work best. Pack just enough t-shirts, sport shirts, walking shorts, casual slacks, sundresses, swim suits (of course!), sandals and reef walkers so you can travel light. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed or sun visor and sunglasses.

An item you may want to  pick up before you leave Le Marche is a pareo or sarong.  You can see from the wall display above that a dizzying variety of bold colors and designs are available. However, I did once see a young woman wearing a striking black and white pareo with a large gecko (lizard) on each side. It was beautiful in its simplicity.

Basically, each consists of 2 meters of fabric which can be worn in a multitude of ways by both men and women. A pareo show is a fascinating demonstration of  ways in which to dress the body with one or more of these. Tahitian pareos are typically made from cotton but you will also find many imported Indonesian rayon batik sarongs as well. Think of them as wearable art and free free to express yourself.

Those of you who have traveled with me have seen a mini parade of exotic designs from Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia and Bali. I have an entire wardrobe of these and wear them when I am in the islands and – in a few other warm places. I just toss a few into my small rolling suitcase and I’m ready to go.

Now let’s stroll over to the waterfront where we will ferry across to the neighboring island of Moorea.
Don’t miss the boat!

Tahiti enjoys a tropical climate year round with sunny, pleasant days and an average temperature of 79F. In the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed. Summer is from November through April with slightly warmer and more humid weather. Winter extends from May through October when the climate is slightly cooler and dryer.

Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing in natural fabrics work best. Pack just enough t-shirts, sport shirts, walking shorts, casual slacks, sundresses, swim suits (of course!), sandals and reef walkers so you can travel light. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed or sun visor and sunglasses.

An item you may want to  pick up before you leave Le Marche is a pareo or sarong.  You can see from the wall display above that a dizzying variety of bold colors and designs are available. However, I did once see a young woman wearing a striking black and white pareo with a large gecko (lizard) on each side. It was beautiful in its simplicity.

Basically, each consists of 2 meters of fabric which can be worn in a multitude of ways by both men and women. A pareo show is a fascinating demonstration of  ways in which to dress the body with one or more of these. Tahitian pareos are typically made from cotton but you will also find many imported Indonesian rayon batik sarongs as well. Think of them as wearable art and free free to express yourself.

Those of you who have traveled with me have seen a mini parade of exotic designs from Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia and Bali. I have an entire wardrobe of these and wear them when I am in the islands and – in a few other warm places.

Now let’s stroll over to the waterfront where we will ferry across to the neighboring island of Moorea.
Don’t miss the boat!