Bora Bora: Waiting for a Weather Window and the Heiva Festival

We have been "stuck" in Bora Bora, waiting for a weather window to head to Tonga.   The weather poor NZ has had has sucked all the wind out of where we are.  Can't complain too much.  The lack of wind has made for some awesome days anchored out by the reef watching the stingrays go by, four metres below us, through the glass like water.

                                            

                                           

              

                                            

                                            

                                            

                             

                             

                                          

We have been keeping ourselves entertained. The Heiva festival, "the Celebration of Life", began on Friday and we went along for the opening.  The huge thatched roof market building had been closed off all the time we have been in Bora Bora.  Little did we know, it was being prepared for the festival.  On opening night, the place came alive with food stalls and gaming booths tempting punters with spin the wheel and dunk for ducks. 

The opening ceremony was a mix of singing, dancing and costumes - ranging from conservative to skimpy.  As expected, the hip movements were superhuman and memorising.  

We are planning to head off to Tonga this afternoon, as the wind is expected to fill in.  This morning has been packed with checking out procedures and cooking meals for the passage.  We will be posting daily updates on where we are.