Thursday, September 26, 2013
Bora Bora
Bora Bora, located about 160 miles northwest of Tahiti and approximately 2,600 miles south of Hawaii, was discovered in 1722, and is arguably the most beautiful island on the planet.
The island's ancient name of Vava'u suggests the original inhabitants of this 7 million year old island arrived from Tonga, and interestingly, there is no "B," in the local Tahitian language, so its actual name is Pora Pora, meaning "first born."
Under the leadership of Admiral Abel Aubert Dupetit Thouars, Bora Bora was named a colony of France in 1842.
The onset of World War II brought U.S. troops to the island, and seven massive cannons were set up around the perimeter, as well as a number of forts. The presence of the troops was generally accepted, and lucky for the natives (and troops alike) no combat took place on the island during the war. The U.S. military base officially closed on June 2, 1946, and the abandoned base became an international airport until Tahiti opened their own in 1962.
Bora Bora relies heavily on the tourism industry to fuel its economy, and its fabled blue lagoon is - according to novelist James A. Michener - "So stunning, that there are really no adequate words to describe it."
Volcanic in origin, Bora Bora's rugged main island, and a few smaller islands, are completely surrounded by coral reefs.
Made famous by books, movies, and its stunning beauty, the island is now besieged by tourism and overcrowding. Regardless, if you must visit a South Pacific island (and you should), Bora Bora would be an excellent choice.
