It's Fun To Say Fakarava

After leaving Papeete, the Villa Vie Odyssey carried us to Fakarava, a remote atoll in French Polynesia that feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. The name itself is a joy to say, but the experiences there go far beyond the sound of the word. This post shares a personal journey of reflection, adventure, and the unexpected lessons found in this beautiful place.

A Walk on Shore and a Moment of Reflection

Stepping onto Fakarava’s shore with Shirene, I wandered toward a coral stone church that stood quietly among the island’s natural beauty. Inside, the cool air and simple architecture invited a pause. It was here I heard an inner voice telling me to stop asking questions about my life and start living it. This moment of clarity felt like a gentle nudge to embrace the present rather than dwell on uncertainties.

Yet, as I looked closer, a white china mum caught my eye. It reminded me of the wedding bouquet from my first marriage. That flower symbolized a past I had not fully left behind. This taught me that moving forward doesn’t mean discarding what came before. Instead, it means carrying those memories with me as I live my life anew.

Diving Into Adventure with Manta Rays and Sharks

The next day brought a thrilling change of pace. We went diving with a wonderful dive master who guided us through Fakarava’s underwater world. The first dive was unforgettable. We encountered a graceful manta ray gliding effortlessly and sharks patrolling the reef. The experience was both humbling and exhilarating.

Facing the Current Alone

We learned the second dive would be more challenging, with a strong current pushing through the channel. Ellie decided not to join, sensing it might be too intense. I went alone, paired with the dive master who also owns the dive operation. The current was powerful, it was hard to hold onto the coral below as the wall of sharks seemed to swim endlessly before us.

I was grateful for my gloves, which helped me hold onto the coral when the current tried to sweep me away. The experience was exciting but also a reminder of the ocean’s strength and unpredictability. I was glad Ellie stayed on the boat; this dive was not for everyone. For me, it was a test of courage and trust in my own abilities.

Lessons from Fakarava

Fakarava taught me several things beyond its stunning scenery and thrilling dives:

• Listen to your inner voice: Sometimes the answers come when you stop searching and start living.

• Honor your past: Memories and experiences shape who you are, even as you move forward.

• Embrace challenges: Facing fears, like diving in strong currents, can lead to growth and unforgettable moments.

• Respect nature’s power: The ocean is beautiful but demands respect and caution.

  
  

Carrying Fakarava Forward

Leaving Fakarava, the name still rings in my mind—fun to say and full of meaning. The island’s quiet church, the white china mum, the manta ray, and the wall of sharks all remind me that life is a balance of reflection and action, past and present, calm and challenge.