Papeete: The Heartbeat of French Polynesia

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-moh sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh men-yoo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh may-dsahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhuhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon ur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees ur ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray-mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-ehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
  [oo suh troov]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kand ay luh pro-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor ...)]

Papeete, located on the island of Tahiti, has a long history that dates back to the early Polynesian settlers who arrived around 1000 AD. These settlers navigated the vast Pacific Ocean using sophisticated boats and celestial navigation techniques, establishing a thriving community with a rich culture and social hierarchy.

The late 18th century marked the arrival of European explorers, most notably Captain James Cook, who visited Tahiti in 1769. The subsequent arrival of missionaries in the early 19th century brought significant changes to Papeete's cultural landscape, as they introduced Christianity and Western customs, impacting traditional Polynesian ways of life.

In 1842, France declared a protectorate over Tahiti and its dependencies. Papeete was chosen as the administrative center and capital due to its strategic location and natural harbor. This period saw the construction of key infrastructure, including government buildings and the port, solidifying Papeete's role as the heart of French Polynesia.

World War II had a significant impact on Papeete and French Polynesia. In 1942, the islands were used as a base for Allied forces in the Pacific theater. The war effort led to increased economic activity and the development of infrastructure, but also brought challenges such as resource shortages and the presence of military personnel.

Following World War II, Papeete underwent rapid modernization. The 1960s and 1970s were particularly transformative, with the construction of new roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. This period also saw an influx of immigrants, contributing to the city's growing diversity and vibrant cultural scene.

In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional Polynesian culture in Papeete. Efforts to preserve and promote Tahitian language, dance, and crafts have gained momentum, leading to a cultural renaissance. Festivals such as Heiva i Tahiti celebrate this rich heritage, drawing visitors from around the world.

Today, Papeete is a bustling metropolis that blends traditional Polynesian culture with modern amenities. It serves as the economic, political, and cultural hub of French Polynesia, with a thriving tourism industry, vibrant markets, and a lively waterfront. The city's unique mix of influences makes it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking both history and adventure.

Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, is located on the island of Tahiti. The primary gateway to Papeete is Faa'a International Airport (PPT), which is about 5 km from the city center. There are direct flights to Papeete from major cities such as Los Angeles, Tokyo, Auckland, and Paris. Once you land at Faa'a International Airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or rental car to reach your accommodation in Papeete.

Papeete has a variety of transportation options. Taxis are widely available, and you can also rent cars, scooters, or bicycles. For budget-friendly travel, consider using the local bus system, known as 'Le Truck' or the newer 'Cars Transit' buses. Ferries and boats are available for inter-island travel. Walking is also a pleasant way to explore the city, especially along the waterfront.

The official currency of French Polynesia is the CFP Franc (XPF). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting markets or smaller establishments. ATMs are available throughout Papeete, and currency exchange services can be found at the airport and in the city.

Papeete is generally a safe destination, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places like markets. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur. Areas such as the waterfront and the marketplace are generally safe during the day but exercise caution during the night.

In case of emergency, dial 15 for medical emergencies, 17 for police, and 18 for fire services. The central hospital in Papeete is the Centre Hospitalier de Polynésie Française, which provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are well-stocked and can offer advice for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies during your stay.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably for the tropical climate but avoid overly revealing clothing in public areas. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly. Religion: Do respect the local culture and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering someone's home and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient while using public transport. Don’t eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Ia orana' (hello). A handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and be open to new flavors. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Papeete like a local, visit the Papeete Market (Marché de Papeete) in the early morning to shop for fresh produce, local crafts, and souvenirs. Explore the waterfront area and enjoy street food from various vendors. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and eager to share their culture. Don't miss the chance to attend a traditional dance show or a local festival to immerse yourself in Polynesian culture.