Metropolis Nightclub on boulevard Pomare opposite the Moorea ferry wharf is currently Papeete’s top nightspot. Here you can catch a glimpse of the action late one Friday or Saturday night as strobe lights flash and the crowd gyrates on the packed dance floor.
Category Archives: Islands
Changes in French Polynesia
I’m currently updating my guidebook Moon Tahiti for publication late next year. A surprising number of Papeete hotels have closed, and the declining dollar, rising prices, and the credit card blues have made packaged tourists from the United States an endangered species in French Polynesia.
Merry Christmas!
I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Whether you are on an island somewhere, or just wish you were, I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday.
I am spending my Christmas with my family off the island this year, which is the first time in many years. No doubt it will be a change from our usual tradition, but it is being with family on the Holiday’s that matter.
Safe and Happy Travel’s
Mark
Green Ark Island
Recently I noted that Nicaragua is affordable alternative for individuals wanting a Caribbean like island, without paying the seven figure price tag which is typical of the region. Another fine example of affordable Nicaraguan islands is Green Ark Island a lush 21 acre island located on Lake Nicaragua.
Green Ark is is the largest, privately owned, developed island in northern Lake Nicaragua, which is the tenth largest fresh water lake in the world. The development is inspired by those seeking to live with as small a carbon footprint as possible.
There are currently three houses on the island, all of which are powered by alternative energy consisting of solar panels and a wind turbine. There are three piers, a swimming pool, wells, numerous viewpoints and a walkway completely around the island, as well as intersecting it.
The island is surrounded by an abundant fishery which, along with the organic gardens, make the island almost self sufficient. So, with free energy and food and water in a beautiful tropical setting including spectacular views of volcanoes, what’s keeping you from this opportunity of a lifetime? For more information on this property including listing price visit Private Islands Onlne.
Seasons Greetings 2009
Seasons Greetings 2009
Zoo Island
It’s sounds like something out of Jurasic Park, but if a plan for the south Korean island of Dochodo comes into fruition it will be one of the most impressive zoo’s in the world.
Designed by JDS architects the island’s peaks and valley’s are ideal for the development of a zoo. The flat valleys could host animals, while more mountainous areas could be protected and treated as nature reserves. The island would be self sufficient, all transportation, energy sources and building systems would be housed in a so-called “infrastructural green belt” located at a height of 20 meters.
Go Farther in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is a prime destination for prospective island owner’s along with countries like Belize Nicaragua offers Caribbean like islands without Caribbean prices. A perfect example of this is Isla Iguana a beautiful five acre island located in Bluefields on the East Coast of Nicaragua.
Cayo Iguana (Guano Island) is lush green tropical paradise surrounded by clear blue waters, with hundreds of coconut trees, banana trees, amazing snorkeling and scuba diving! On this island, you will find all the amenities you need for total relaxation, including a large 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house with kitchen, dining room, bar and living room, accommodations for island staff and management, a boardwalk around the entire island, a 28 foot high observation tower and experienced caretakers and management, who will tend to your every need.
Until five years ago the island was uninhabited, all amenities were developed by the current owners within the last five years. For more information on this property including listing price visit Private Islands Online.
Five Star Fiji
Fiji never dissapoints, from budget hostels to five star resorts, travellers always leave the island nation wanting more.
Fiji continues it’s reputation of offering some of the best island resorts in the world with the grand opening of the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa on Natadola Beach. The opening of this prestigious resort inaugurated in a new chapter in tourism for the South Pacific nation.
A true destination resort, InterContinental Fiji has been created to provide a luxurious pacific retreat for discerning travellers. From the overall design and layout of the resort itself through to the smallest details, InterContinental Fiji is a visitor’s gateway to authentic Fijian experiences. Spread across 35 acres of tropical gardens, the resort is the only one on Natadola Beach.
For more information on this resort visit http://www.intercontinental.com/fiji
New Flights to Fiji
Fiji is experiencing an upswing in tourism as new flights into Nadi proliferate. In September 2009 Fiji received 54,981 visitors, an increase of 4.5 percent over September 2008.
Tiger Woods Wife purchases Island Retreat
Seeking to get away from the glare of the media Tiger Wood’s wife Elin Nordegren has reportedly bought a hideaway on Faglaro island, a residential island not far from Stockholm.
The 6-bedroom house, which was reportedly purchased on December 1st, is estimated to be worth over $2M and is on an island only accessible by boat. Fagaro Island is one of many islands in the Stockholm archipelago, a popular summer retreat for Swedes living in the Stockholm area.
There is no word whether Tiger will be joining Elin on the island but it has been speculated that this might be Tiger’s new home for a while as his 155 foot yacht “Privacy” is reportedly being prepared for departure from its home at a Florida Pier.
Source: Before It’s News.
A splash of colour
Stunning male Bluethroat on Brownsman in mid-May 
As rare as they come - a Black-headed Bunting in mid-September
A rarity on the Farnes - a Moorhen with Puffins!
Eastern promise - a summer-plumage Red-throated Pipit
Your can't see me - a Barred Warbler on Staple Island
Five Yellow-browed Warblers graced the islands this year
Monday 14th December comments:
The festive period is upon us and to continue the overview of the season, I though I'd bring you a splash of colour with some of the bird highlights of the year. It was another good year for the range of migrants which were recorded on the Farne Islands, as 178 were recorded with the outer group edging the inner group by 159 to 158 for the total number of species seen. Without doubt, three stunning highlights captured the headlines, as the islands boasted only their second ever (and twelfth English) record of Lanceolated Warbler in late September, with fifth Fea’s Petrel and Black-headed Bunting, all three worthy contenders for ‘bird of the year’.
The festive period is upon us and to continue the overview of the season, I though I'd bring you a splash of colour with some of the bird highlights of the year. It was another good year for the range of migrants which were recorded on the Farne Islands, as 178 were recorded with the outer group edging the inner group by 159 to 158 for the total number of species seen. Without doubt, three stunning highlights captured the headlines, as the islands boasted only their second ever (and twelfth English) record of Lanceolated Warbler in late September, with fifth Fea’s Petrel and Black-headed Bunting, all three worthy contenders for ‘bird of the year’.
Although spring passage was disappointing compared with the previous season’s impressive showing, the islands produced their sixth and seventh Red-throated Pipits, both on Brownsman in late April and mid-May respectively. As well as the outstanding rarities, other birds of note included Spoonbill, Balearic Shearwater (2), Cory’s Shearwater (3), Leaches Petrel, Storm Petrel (10), Garganey, Osprey, Marsh Harrier (3), Hen Harrier, Quail (2),Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Grey Phalarope, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Mediterranean Gull (4), Sabine’s Gull, Long-eared Owl, Wryneck, Cuckoo (3), ‘Blue-headed’ Wagtail (2), Richard’s Pipit (2), Bluethroat (2), Barred Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler (5), Red-breasted Flycatcher (2), Firecrest (4), Red-backed Shrike, Hooded Crow, Common Rosefinch, Common Redpoll, Crossbill (6) and Ortolan Bunting. I'm sure a lot of east coast locations would be proud of such a list!
Maritime Terminal Papeete Tahiti
Construction has begun on a new Gare Maritime on the Quai de Moorea in downtown Papeete, Tahiti. Papeete is the third-largest port under the French flag (after Calais and Cherbourg) and a proper Maritime Terminal has been badly needed.
Seabird Breeding Season 2009
At last a good year for Kittiwakes
Sandwich Terns galore
A brilliant season for Shags
Record numbers now breeding - Guillemots galoreFriday 11th December comments:
The 2009 breeding season on the Farnes was one of the best in modern history and overall productivity revealed ‘best returns’ for several species in over a decade or more. The influencing factors during the year included the weather, remained settled throughout the breeding season whilst food supply was excellent, verging on brilliant. Sand-eels of good size and age were in abundance whilst the problematic Snake Pipe-fish was almost non-existence. Overall the season was excellent with very few complaints.
Seabird Breeding Figures 2009
Shelduck 1 pair
RB Merganser 1 pair
Eider 681 pairs
Fulmar 258 pairs
Cormorant 141 pairs
Shag 838 pairs
Oystercatcher 38 pairs
Ringed Plover 9 pairs
Kittiwake 3,699 pairs
Sandwich Tern 1,415 pairs
Common Tern 98 pairs
Arctic Tern 2,198 pairs
Guillemot 48,126 ind
Razorbill 332 pairs
Puffins 36,835 pairs
Swallow 1 pair
Rock Pipit 25 pairs
Pied Wagtail 6 pairs
Wren 1 pairs
Some shinning examples included:
Kittiwake – best productivity since 1996 – 702 chicks fledged from 593 nests (compared with 202 fledged chicks from 616 nests last year!)
Shag – best productivity since 1992 – 499 chicks fledged from 333 nests
2 pairs of Roseate Tern on Brownsman although sadly both failed. Away from the ‘norm’, Wrens bred for only second time, Red-breasted Merganser for fourth consecutive year and Swallows bred for first time since 1997.
So there you go - a good season and a repeat next year would do very nicely. As we departed the islands last weekend, we did notice that Shags had breeding crests and Eiders were displaying, as after all, its only three months before it all start again...
Seal pups
Just having a look - a Farnes Grey Seal pup 
Who are you?
Valuable milk for a new born pup
Only three weeks old but looking very different
Bulls will be bulls - fighting in the surfTuesday 8th December comments:
It was another roller coaster ride for the Grey Seal population on the Farnes. The first Seal pup of the autumn was discovered on the South Wamses on 4th October, and thereafter the ‘seal pupping season’ was underway. Numbers were slow to begin with, as the islands had produced only twenty-six pups by 18th October, although numbers started to increase thereafter. A total of ten islands were utilised, with South Wamses regaining its crown as the number one colony on the Farnes, having been outstripped by Staple Island the previous year.
It was another roller coaster ride for the Grey Seal population on the Farnes. The first Seal pup of the autumn was discovered on the South Wamses on 4th October, and thereafter the ‘seal pupping season’ was underway. Numbers were slow to begin with, as the islands had produced only twenty-six pups by 18th October, although numbers started to increase thereafter. A total of ten islands were utilised, with South Wamses regaining its crown as the number one colony on the Farnes, having been outstripped by Staple Island the previous year.
The autumns weather was reasonably kind, although a series of westerly gales in mid-November brought a few problems. However just when we thought we had escaped the worst, a northerly storm battered the islands in late November resulting in the greatest loss of pups off the north edge of the islands. Although it’s early days, the mortality rate will be pushing 50% of pups which never made it to the crucial independent age of three weeks. This may appear high, but in Farnes terms, it’s just another average year.
Seal Pup Births 2009:
South Wamses 413
Staple Island 367
North Wamses 277
Brownsman 170
Northern Hares 87
Longstone 11
Knoxes Reef 9
Big Harcar 7
West Wideopens 4
Nameless Rock 1
Total: 1,346
Departure Day
Belongings ready to go - goodbye to Brownsman 
Waiting in the wings - Glad Tidings 6 ready to pick us up
Bedraggled but happy - the team on board heading west
The clean up operation - boats being sortedMonday 7th December comments:
Morning arrived early on Saturday as the team were active by 06:30, making final preparations for the big day – we were leaving. The wind had rattled the cottage for one final time during the small hours but hopes were high for a final retreat. Darkness disguised the fact that there was a stiff southerly breeze with white tops, but we weren’t going to let that stand in our way, not this time.
Morning arrived early on Saturday as the team were active by 06:30, making final preparations for the big day – we were leaving. The wind had rattled the cottage for one final time during the small hours but hopes were high for a final retreat. Darkness disguised the fact that there was a stiff southerly breeze with white tops, but we weren’t going to let that stand in our way, not this time.
The team worked hard as dawn broke over Brownsman, as the islands were packed for the winter and we were ready. The driving rain made things unpleasant and the fact the boat couldn’t get to our jetty due to the southerly swell, resulted in a scramble down a cliff face and shuttle runs with out trusty Zodiac inflatable. Eventually the job was complete, Adam and myself were the last two standing on Brownsman, as we waved goodbye for another season.
Once safely across the Sounds, we returned to Seahouses just before 11am, with the final sort underway. Recycling was sorted, the boats pressured hosed down, various equipment off for service and eventually the team could relax and start enjoying the comforts of the mainland. In true Farnes tradition, the team stayed in a local hotel and celebrated into the small hours. The hangovers may have been long, but it’s been a cracking season and everyone connected with the islands should be congratulated on a brilliant nine months.
Over the course of the next five days, I’ll be bringing you the highs and lows of the season, starting tomorrow with the first story – the Grey Seals, so don't go anywhere.
Tystie day
A Farnes speciality in winter - a Black Guillemot near Brownsman
Smart - the first-winter in flightMonday 30th November comments:
Another day of strong winds from the north and there was even a threat of snow, although it never arrived, not yet anyway. The team were confined to the cottage today as we made progress on various bits of work and reflected on the overnight storms. The cottage was battered and although a few tiles had become dislodged, this place is built to last, so no lasting problems.
Another day of strong winds from the north and there was even a threat of snow, although it never arrived, not yet anyway. The team were confined to the cottage today as we made progress on various bits of work and reflected on the overnight storms. The cottage was battered and although a few tiles had become dislodged, this place is built to last, so no lasting problems.
The outcome of the storms on the Grey Seal pup population remains unknown as the weather prevented us from accessing the colonies, but that may change tomorrow with the changing of the weather. Today seawatching brought only a handful of noticeable passage birds although their was a stunning surprise - a Leach’s Petrel showed well near Brownsman as it pattered its way north across the raging sea.
Highlights: Red-throated Diver 2N, Great Northern Diver 2N, Black-throated Diver 1S, Red-necked Grebe 2, Leach’s Petrel 1N at 15:30 in staple sound, very close to Brownsman, Black Guillemot 2 in staple sound including a first-winter on the sea near Brownsman.
Saying Goodbye…maybe
Grey Seal Pup of the Farne IslandsFriday 4th December comments:
It’s been a long tough week on the Farnes, as work has been non-stop and it’s kept the team busy. And why you may ask? It’s that time of year - where leaving, its time to head west to the mainland and depart the islands for the winter.
It’s been a long tough week on the Farnes, as work has been non-stop and it’s kept the team busy. And why you may ask? It’s that time of year - where leaving, its time to head west to the mainland and depart the islands for the winter.
The year has flown by, having landed on the rocky outcrop which is known as the Farne Island on 20th March, we’ve lived, breathed and slept the Farnes ever since. We’ve seen and had it all – storms, sunshine, thousands of visitors, vast numbers of seabirds, migrant birds, rare birds, huge whales and let’s not forget the Grey Seals. However it’s almost over for another season and we’ve been busy preparing for the big day.
The big day should arrive tomorrow morning as where scheduled to be picked up, however it’s never that simple with the Farnes and its 50-50 whether we escape – another south-easterly weather front is about to hit us, but can we escape in time? I’ll reveal all with a complete round-up, including those important final Grey Seal numbers and a round-up of the season on Monday. Keep those fingers crossed for our final escape.
It’s time to say goodbye…maybe.
The tempest is coming
Not a care in the world - a Grey Seal pup on the FarnesSaturday 28th November comments:
It’s been a whirlwind 24hours as the seas have calmed, we’ve been to the mainland and life now goes on as normal on the Farnes. Its now back to the real business of monitoring the Grey Seal population and living on the islands for another week at least…
It’s been a whirlwind 24hours as the seas have calmed, we’ve been to the mainland and life now goes on as normal on the Farnes. Its now back to the real business of monitoring the Grey Seal population and living on the islands for another week at least…
I’ve now been on the islands for nine years and part of the job appeal is being part of the local Seahouses community and today was such a welcome ‘home’, as people greeted and welcomed our return to the mainland. During the season, I can’t walk down the main street without someone asking how the seabirds, seals or wardens are coping on the islands and today was no different. I should also thank those who sent messages of support – where out of the troubles and it was great to know people cared for our wellbeing. However this is the Farnes, its back to work, we’ve got a job to do.
So we’re stocked up again – thanks to William Shiel for supplies of water/gas/fuel (and the shower wasn’t bad either). The wind is going to return and the shipping forecast flashed a warning…
Forties, Cromarty, Forth, Tyne, Dogger: Becoming cyclonic in southeast Dogger later, otherwise mainly northerly or northeasterly 5 or 6 increasing 6 to gale 8, perhaps severe gale 9 later except in Cromarty. Rough or very rough.
This will be big, it’s got the entire North Sea to cross and the Grey Seals will have some problems. How bad things will get for them is anyone’s guess, I’ll keep you posted but fear the worst… the tempest is coming.
Tought times ahead
Helpless - a seal pup in trouble 
Looking on - a concerned femaleSunday 29th November comments:
Storm force by name, storm force by nature. The Farnes have been battered today, as the northerly winds arrived, hammering everything in its sight, with big breakers smashing over the islands. Anything or anyone wouldn’t take this beast on, it had intent as temperatures plummeted and the sea grew in size and force. It’s back to business, the hard way.
Storm force by name, storm force by nature. The Farnes have been battered today, as the northerly winds arrived, hammering everything in its sight, with big breakers smashing over the islands. Anything or anyone wouldn’t take this beast on, it had intent as temperatures plummeted and the sea grew in size and force. It’s back to business, the hard way.
With food, water and gas supplies in plentiful supply, our attention now focuses on the Grey Seals but it’s not going to be easy. The northerly storms will claim pup lives, but that’s what we expect at this time of year – it more the survival of the fattest than the fittest, but if pups can get away from the rocky shorelines, they’ll stand a chance. If they don’t, they’ll just become another Farne Islands statistic. We won’t know the extent of the damage until we enter the colonies, but looking at the forecast, that’s probably going to be mid-week.
The northerly backed wind also produced some reasonable sea passage including a lingering Storm Petrel, which spent over four hours feeding just offshore in the lea of Brownsman – a delightful sight in the chaos of the North Sea. We also had five Black Guillemots and four Puffins.
Highlights: Storm Petrel 1 lingering for four hours off Brownsman, Sooty Shearwater 2N (late!), Great Northern Diver 2, Black-throated Diver 2N, Wigeon 13 on the pond, Velvet Scoter 1N, Long-tailed Duck 6N, Black Guillemot 5N, Little Auk 1N, Puffin 4N and Guillemot/Razorbill – good numbers moving north.
Cetaceans: Porpoise 1 breaching in Inner Sound.
Mainland beckons…
Seal pup with the mighty Longstone in the background 
Heading to shore - the lads in the ZodiacFriday 27th November comments:
What a difference a day makes. Having been marooned on the islands for some time, it was a huge welcome relief when the sea allowed departure from Brownsman as our Zodiac headed west, mainland bound.
What a difference a day makes. Having been marooned on the islands for some time, it was a huge welcome relief when the sea allowed departure from Brownsman as our Zodiac headed west, mainland bound.
However it wasn’t all straight forward, as only three could make the journey due to weight restrictions in the choppy sea, so myself and Adam Scott remained behind to fight another day, as we had work to do. The band of three, Adam Hick, Davy Still and Jason Moss arrived on the mainland just after 10am with great relief and even the staff in the Co-op cheered at their arrival. The wait was over, stock supplies were replenished and we’ll eat like kings tonight. However myself and Adam Scott have to wait a bit longer but where due in tomorrow and that long awaited shower will be the first port of call...
Its also never that simple. The weather system has changed for the week ahead and we’re now looking at a serious north-easterly storm brewing, ready to batter the islands for a few days from Sunday. Although myself and my team will be fine in our cosy cottage on Brownsman with good food supplies, the same can not be said about the Seal pups. It really will be a matter of life and death for them and hold onto your hats, things are about to get interesting...
