August 3, 2012
We decided to go counter-clockwise on our car trip around Raiatea knowing this would put us in more populated areas (hopefully with eateries) at lunchtime. So far, the trip had given us some beautiful scenery as we drove down the island’s west and south sides.
Heading back north on the east coast we stopped to visit the Marae Taputapuatea, an ancient religious and ceremonial site. It was beautiful and it felt peaceful; yet there was also something unsettling about it that I couldn’t put my finger on. I guess I’d sum it up by saying that I wouldn’t want to walk around there alone at night. (Maybe that stems from the human sacrifices that took place here.)
We ended our drive with a lunch stop at the Hotel Raiatea Hawaiki Nui, the island’s only “luxury” hotel. It probably was stylish in the sixties (when it was built) but now looked rather dated and a little worn. Still, it’s a very likeable place and a nice stop for lunch. -Cyndi
