After the wedding, we all went across the street to the community center where we were treated to a Tahitian feast prepared by the Hanere family.  We spent the afternoon and evening eating, dancing, singing and celebrating. It was such fun getting to know Heinui's large family (he has fifteen brothers and sisters)!

The community center of Papetoai where the reception was held.   Right:  When we entered the building we were greeted by the sounds of ukeles, guitars and singing.

Left:  The family wedding table.  Above:  Our group's table. 

Our Tahitian feast:  Left:   poisson cru.  Above: breadfruit. 

Heinui's father's job was to kill a pig for the wedding.  It took him three days and the family rejoiced when he finally caught one because it meant the wedding could take place!  Above:  Guy's pork!

The first dance.  

Didi, Heinui and Adelina visit our table. 

Warren had a wonderful time with Adelina!

Derrel enjoyed himself at the reception.

Heinui's mother, Henrietta,  toasted the couple while Adelina translated. 

 Kathe dances with one of Heinui's brothers. 

  Heinui's niece also danced.

In Tahitian tradition, the bride and groom are wrapped in a tifaifai.  How appropriate, since Didi specializes in teaching about the tifaifai!  Also appropriate was that the tifaifai they were wrapped in was done by Didi's mother, Roxanne.

 Another tradition is to dance for the bride and groom.    Adelina dances for Didi and Heinui. 

To see more photos of the reception, click on "Reception 2" above.  It just gets better and better!

If you would like information about the "Insider's Tour with Dierdra McElroy", please contact Chris Meny at chris@yourtravelsource.com or call (800) 597-0594.   CST #:  20378740-40.

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Adelina teaches Tahitian dancing and these young French girls are her students.