Papeete: The Vibrant Heart of Tahiti

• HelloBonjour
  [Bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [O re-vwar]
• YesOui
  [Wee]
• NoNon
  [Non]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [Seel voo pleh/Dee ree-en]
• Thank youMerci
  [Mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [Ex-koo-zay mwah/Day-zo-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [Koh-mohn sah vah?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [Byen. Ay voo?]
• 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 vwar luh meh-noo, 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-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [O se-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [Ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [Ah-play lah pleece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un docteur!
  [Ah-play ahn dok-tuhr]
• 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 zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [Kohn-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [Say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [Poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [Kell uhr ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [Eel ay zun uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [Dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [Mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [Ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [Swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [Yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [O-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [Duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [Uh]
• 2Deux
  [Duh]
• 3Trois
  [Trwah]
• 4Quatre
  [Kat]
• 5Cinq
  [Sank]
• 6Six
  [Sees]
• 7Sept
  [Set]
• 8Huit
  [Wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [Nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [Dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est le/la...?
  [Oo ay luh/lah]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [Kell ay l-ad-res]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [Poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soo la cart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [Kahn ay luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [Un bee-yay (poor)]

Papeete's history begins with the arrival of Polynesian settlers around the 9th century. These navigators established small communities, utilizing the abundant natural resources of Tahiti to sustain their way of life. The area that is now Papeete served as a vital hub for trade and cultural exchange among the islands.

The late 18th century marked a turning point for Papeete with the arrival of European explorers. Notably, Captain James Cook visited Tahiti in 1769, bringing attention to the islands. This initiated a wave of European interest that would profoundly influence the region's culture and economy.

In 1842, France established a protectorate over Tahiti, leading to significant changes in Papeete. The city began to develop as the administrative center of French Polynesia. This period saw the introduction of French culture, language, and religion, which melded with indigenous traditions, creating a unique cultural tapestry.

During the 19th century, Papeete became a strategic naval base for the French Navy. The construction of the harbor in the 1860s facilitated increased military and commercial activities, further solidifying Papeete's importance in the Pacific region. This military presence shaped the local economy and infrastructure.

The 20th century brought a cultural renaissance in Papeete, with a revival of traditional Polynesian arts, crafts, and practices. The post-World War II era also saw political changes, culminating in the establishment of French Polynesia as an overseas collectivity in 2004, with Papeete at its political and cultural heart.

Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, is accessible via Faa'a International Airport (PPT), located just 5 kilometers from the city center. Regular flights connect Papeete to various international destinations, including Los Angeles, Auckland, and Sydney. Once in Tahiti, you can take a taxi or shuttle service from the airport to Papeete. For those traveling from other areas in Tahiti, local buses and taxis are available to transport you to the city.

Papeete is a walkable city, and many attractions can be accessed on foot. Local buses (le truck) provide an affordable way to get around the city and to nearby neighborhoods. Taxis are also readily available, though they can be more expensive. For a unique experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the waterfront and nearby parks. Car rentals are available for those looking to venture beyond the city center.

Papeete is generally safe for tourists. However, like any urban area, it's wise to exercise caution. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, particularly around the harbor. While incidents of petty crime do occur, they are not common. It's advisable to keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded markets and bus stations.

In case of an emergency, dial 18 for fire services, 17 for police, or 15 for medical assistance. The main hospital, Centre Hospitalier de Tahiti, is located in Papeete and can handle most medical emergencies. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical situations. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, modest clothing suitable for the tropical climate. Don’t wear swimwear away from the beach or pool areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in sacred sites. Always ask before taking photos of people or religious ceremonies. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to the elderly or pregnant women. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Ia Orana' (Hello) and a smile. Don’t assume everyone speaks English; learning a few basic French phrases can be helpful. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes, especially poisson cru (raw fish salad). Don’t waste food; it’s considered disrespectful.

To experience Papeete like a local, visit the vibrant markets, such as the Marché de Papeete, where you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies. Engage with vendors and try your hand at bargaining. Attend local cultural events and festivals, where you can enjoy traditional music and dance. Don’t miss the beautiful waterfront promenade, perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic. For a taste of local nightlife, explore the cafes and bars along the waterfront, where you can mingle with locals.