There are now non-stop flights from Seattle to Tahiti — who knew? Not every day of the week of course. The bird comes in from Paris, so it’s their Europe connection as well. For a smaller outfit, they do try hard: the bird was a newer 787, departure and arrival on time, luggage was quick. Foodwise I’d give them a B+ (adequate, nothing special).
Transfer was organized by the cruise line, and the hotel was only minutes away. So I was tucked in to my room before midnight local time (even though it’s a 9 hour flight, same time zone as Hawaii).
I’m in a large an very comfortable garden view room on ground level, with a charming patio.
Nearby is the main restaurant: open-air and overlooking the infinity pool (one of two). The breakfast buffet was enormous!
I like to make first days of longer trips rather quiet, to adjust to the weather (50 degrees F warmer than Seattle, where it was snowing) and the time zone. So the day was spent reading and exploring the large resort.
Lodging: Intercontinental Hotel and Resort, Papeete Tahiti
Kitsambler's Journeys 
DREAMY!
Love following your journeys and looking forward to seeing your route ahead. Barb Emel
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How paradise-ical. Acclimatize well, you!
So cool!! I didn’t know you were going – perfect and French language around you. I can’t imagine that warmth and sun, although today looks pretty good so far. I don’t know about you, but in our nearly 19 years here I’ve experienced this as the grayest winter we’ve had.
Bises, Susan