Alain Gerbault and his historical journey



Whether you drive a car or ride a bicycle, you have to start in a small boat harbor in Vaitape, the only town in Bora Bora and the administrative center there. The port is the center of attention in Vaitape, such as Air Tahiti, cruise ships, and shuttle boats from the resorts of Vaitape that take passengers from this port. Visitor information center in the island and the Women's Handicraft Centre is located in a large building next to the harbor. There Vaitape a street full with boutiques and black pearl shops, and other facilities designed to take money out of your pocket. Post office is on the right in the face of the mountain, but most commercial activity is happening in the northern part of the harbor.

In the parking lot, against the gendarmerie , you 'll find a monument of a famous French character, the author Alain Gerbault, who single-handedly led his boat all over the world between 1923 and 1929, and stood for a long time in French Polynesia. He returned to French Polynesia in 1933 and defended the cause of the islanders against the colonial bureaucracy. He also introduced football to the local population.

Became Gerbault in Moorea at the outbreak of World War II in Europe because he prefers the Vichy government 's pro - Nazi in Paris, while French Polynesia sided with Gen. Charles de Gaulle and Free France. He was released on condition that leaves the region. Sailed to Indonesia, where he died in Timor in 1941. Six years later, the French naval forces returned his ashes to Bora Bora , his favorite island .

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