On my first day in Papeete, I managed to make some silly mistakes. Jetlag, culture shock and oppressive heat make for a tough first day.
I mostly took it easy, though Sam did give me some phone cards since he said it wouldn't be worth it to buy my own to call him a few times.
I have a phobia of foreign phones, and therefore am not adept at using them.
So I went to 3-4 different public phones, sliding the phone card in and out like an ATM, and I couldn't figure out why calls weren't working.
I bought a new card thinking the ones I got from Sam were too low on credits. I think that cost me about $20.
Tahiti is an expensive place to make mistakes! I finally asked someone for help, and she pointed out you keep the card in the machine. And it worked.
I tried to use the computer at the hostel the first day and found the keyboard was the French layout - so I got nowhere in 10 minutes, at the cost of about $2.50.
Lastly, about 28 hours after landing in Tahiti, I learned that the exchange rate I used from my 2006 Lonely Planet was off by 20%.
I was underestimating my spending by 20%! So now I'll always check rates online a country or two in advance.
If I'm going to make mistakes, it mine as well be in the South Pacific! :)
crambox says
Nice pictures, well at least you are learning from your mistakes early in the trip..
Leo says
Dave,
Judging by the pictures, all I can say is...mistakes should be the last thing on your mind!!
Cheers!
Leo
Dave says
Yeah Leo - they were not on my mind long - trust me!
Kango Suz says
Great pictures! Thanks for not making us wait! I never thought about non-qrty keyboards, I would have done the same thing typing is so second-nature to me....
Have a good one!
lissie says
I use xe.com for exchange rates - excellent site. One tip Ifind that works is memorise the equivalent of $1 $15 $50 in local curency and then when I price is mentioned you know whether its cheap OK or XXXX !
Dave says
Lissie - funny you mentioned that tip because on the plane ride to New Zealand I worked out some common money intervals so I could start to familiarize myself a little better with the currency before arrival.
Ames says
Wow--- beautiful.... in all aspects :) FYI- It snowed in Virginia today!!!
Kango Suz says
Great pictures! Thanks for not making us wait! I never thought about non-qrty keyboards, I would have done the same thing typing is so second-nature to me....
Have a good one!
lissie says
I use xe.com for exchange rates - excellent site. One tip Ifind that works is memorise the equivalent of $1 $15 $50 in local curency and then when I price is mentioned you know whether its cheap OK or XXXX !
Laura says
Dave,
I've encountered that foreign (or should I say, non-English) keyboard situation. I've typed many emails from cyber cafes without apostrophes because it's a character I can't always find! Obviously, you figured it out but if you need access to an English based virtual keyboard quickly, try -- you can "type" using a keyboard you're familiar with (granted, it's slow going as you're actually poking letters with a mouse) but you can produce your text, copy it and then paste it where it needs to go. When you don't have a lot of time or $$ to waste, sometimes this can be your best buddy.
Looks like you're having fun! Troubles in paradise ain't so bad after all, huh? :smile:
liz says
so what did you do with the phone card?
glad you're enjoying paradise. it's a balmy -8C and windchill of -16C here in Toronto this morning.
Dave says
I managed to use up most of the phone card I bought, and gave them all back to Sam before leaving.
Adrienne says
Great pics, Dave!! I can see you are definitely enjoying the view!! :razz:
RBL says
Well done...I owe you $10.
Dave says
Not quite - both ladies in the photo were spoken for, however I do intend to post 2 newer pics which will make up for it. :)
Dave says
Thanks Laura - I knew there was something like that out there. I bookmarked it for future reference. I found an internet cafe that had both English and French options.
GREAD lion says
Great pictures! It seems you are very lucky and get to travel quite a bit.
Stu says
while your sunning yourself i'm pushing snow :( dont hurry back to VA.