Flying Across the Seas: Daniel's Bay: Lunch with Monet & Matthias

At some of the smaller villages the islanders will invite cruisers into their homes for traditional Marquesasan meals, usually a luncheon for a nominal price of less than $10. We had been wanting to do this at other islands but the timing never seemed to work out. Dave and Kim on Maluhia joined us for a hike over to Hakaui Bay to check out the situation. Unfortunately, that family we'd been told about was over in Taiohae Bay for the week, but we found another couple, Monet and Matthias at home and set up a date for a1:00 pm lunch the next day. It makes such a difference when someone can communicate in French and both Kim and Dave can "parlez" French very well. We also invited another boat, Irene, with Tapio & Eva from Finland so we are six altogether.

Dave and Kim from Maluhia

This is a former "royal road" that leads all the way up the valley to the waterfall.

Gorgeous Bird of Paradise.

The next day, we dinghied over to the beach at Daniel's Bay and walked the 20-minute trail along the peninsula that separates the two bays. As you neared the village the trail was lined with Bougainvillea, Red Ginger, Bird of Paradise and Tei plants. We did have to ford a small river to get to the other side.

We soon found ourselves in Monet and Matthias’ lovely manicured tropical garden. We were warmly welcomed to an inviting table set with all the many traditional dishes already placed on the table for us to enjoy.

Left to right, Walter, Eva and Tapio (Irene), Kim and Dave (Maluhia)

We all sat down and Monet started serving up some wonderful dishes, chicken with soy, poisson de cru, green papaya salad with vinaigrette dressing, rice, three different breadfruit dishes, poi, and fried plantains. Monet had also fixed a delicious lime drink which was chilled and very refreshing. it must of had a cup of sugar in it because Walter loved it.

We loved all the dishes especially the soy chicken and poisson de cru (fresh tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk), fried plantains, and the green papaya salad was so delicious.

Once again, Kim and Dave interpreted and helped us all communicate with Monet and Matthias during our meal. They spoke a little English but Kim and Dave smoothed things out considerably for us all as Tapio and Eva do not speak French. We learned about their family of four children, two boys and two girls, all grown now with families of their own in Taiohae. The kids come to help with the copra harvest and they travel by boat occasionally back and forth to Taiohae to visit. Like all proud parents they had photos on the wall of their kids on past sports teams, riding horses, and of course, the multitude of grandkids. We loved sharing and learning more about them.

Matthias explaining something to David.

Proud parents and grandparents.

Eva on Irene is a doctor and learned of Matthias’ gout problem with chronic joint pain near his ankles. She had some medicines back on the boat and promised to return the next day to help him with his problem. Eva has been able to help a number of villagers in the Marquesas with some of their health issues and enjoys the interaction with the local people. A great gift to share.

Following our wonderful luncheon we headed out into the garden to harvest some fruit to take back with us. Monet picked some pamplemous (deliciously sweet grapefruit), some limes, and we shared a stock of green bananas for future use. I can imagine what a treat to have all the fruit you could possibly want right outside your home. We petted the dogs and cats, took some photos, and Monet gave us all some of the flowers off the table to take back with us. We all left with a smile on our faces and a warm feeling of Marquesan hospitality.