Moorea Local Customs

Nono or Noni is very important in Moorea. The fruit of this tree is greenish and looks like a swollen potatoe. You can eat it but its taste is not really good. The Noni has medicinal and tonic properties. Many locals drink a little bit of the juice in the morning and the evening which keeps them healthy.

Driving arund you will see some very nice churches like the one in the picture, and it was surprising to learn that over half of the people on Moorea (and in Tahiti) are Protestant. This is a bit strange considering the French influnence that also encouraged the practice of the Catholic religion. Today only about 25% of the population is Catholic, whereby over 50% are Protestant.

We found it hard to believe, but we were told gratuities are not accepted in French Polynesia and that it is actually frowned upon. Additionally, we were told that a smile and a thank you is priceless and that the locals would be very appreciative if you would just do that. We simply kind of asked around at different places we went, but it seemed to be the general custom not to tip. You see in the photo my friend leo with a local woman, and she has a huge smile!!! We should all try to smile a little more each day...

I saw two different local beers. I cant remember the name of the other one but this one was called Hinano. It was very good. Taste similar to Stella. We drank this the whole time we were here.