We spent Bastille Day starting in the early morning assisting an English yacht (Magic Bus) with engine troubles. Three of us anchored boats took our dingies out and hip towed the 49' boat to the anchorage. (Later worked on by an American yachtie who was an electrician, it turned out this boat had lots of electrical issues - the starter was fried along with the starter solenoid, and the windlass and generator had also failed; the boat had been on passage from the Galapagos to the Marquesas). Activities ashore began with commemorative ceremonies and were followed by a colorful parade consisting of pick-up trucks that were decorated with flowers and palm fronds, and that had bands playing in the back as they slowly drove down the waterfront; beautiful horses ridden by tattooed locals that pranced and stepped to show off their training as they moved along; groups of various traditionally dressed folks (adults and children) who stopped by the reviewing stand and sang for the dignitaries; and a benediction before the entire parade broke up for a break before food was served. Covered open tents had been set up the day before, and tables of food were served to everyone for the taking; people were lined up 4-5 deep helping themselves to the free sandwiches, fruits and deserts...all you could eat. We had bought some "street meat," which we were pretty sure was roasted pig on a skewer (100 ff per) and went inside to sit down and order beers at one of the restaurants located inside the pavilion area. More traditional dancing took place and the entire area filled up quickly. The yachties were easily identified, and our table kept expanding as other crews wandered in. After a few hours of eating and socializing, we returned to Infini for a rest, and gathered later in the afternoon aboard a Dutch boat (Blue Penguin) for Happy Hour before returning to shore for the evening's activities. Once again, traditional dancing took place, and we only wished there had been an interpreter to explain the Marquesan songs and dances. When the troupe finally finished, a local band began playing, and we danced a bit before finally returning to the boat. What a great day; colorful, lots of activities and socializing, and beautiful weather!
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