In this episode, we talk about the Austral Islands with veteran archaeologist Mark Eddowes, including what travelers should understand about sacred sites, cultural etiquette, and what makes this part of French Polynesia feel so different from the more touristed islands. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are included early because trips to remote archipelagos often require expert planning—especially when the goal is to visit thoughtfully and not just “tick boxes.” Normand Schafer interviews Mark onboard Aranui 5 as the ship heads toward Rapa, and the conversation delivers both fascinating history and practical guidance you can actually use.

Mark shares his background first: growing up in New Zealand, drawn to Māori history, then specializing in Polynesian marae temples at university. A collaborative research project brought him to Tahiti’s Papenoo Valley, where archaeology was needed to document sites in a valley affected by proposed modern development. That experience led to long-term work in French Polynesia, including extensive research in the Austral Islands.

The conversation then dives into why the Australs are culturally distinctive. Mark explains that the Austral Islands and the Cook Islands were historically one unified cultural and language zone, later divided into different territories in the 19th century. He describes work in Rimatara, Tubuai, and Raivavae, including surveys of marae sites, excavations of early settlements, and research into the tiki traditions of Raivavae—where tiki figures represent deified female ancestors, a striking contrast to many other islands. He also discusses how different islands show different settlement influences, including ties to the Marquesas versus the Society Islands. Even if you’re not an archaeology enthusiast, this section gives you a richer sense of why “Polynesia” is not one uniform story.

What makes this episode especially useful is Mark’s visitor advice. He explains the Polynesian concept of taboo—sacred, set aside, not to be disturbed—and why marae remain highly respected even in Christian communities today. His guidance is straightforward: take photos, but don’t climb on sites, don’t touch or rearrange stones, and never take anything. He also notes that certain places, like royal cemeteries, should be observed from outside only. If you want to be welcomed rather than tolerated, this is the kind of etiquette that matters.

Mark also talks about modern cultural norms, especially in the Australs, which he describes as conservative and strongly Protestant. He advises modest dress away from the beach—shorts for men, a pareo or wrap for women, and no topless sunbathing—because visitors can unintentionally create discomfort in small communities where church life is central. Normand adds context: Tahiti is more used to tourism and French influence, but when you’re in the outer islands, reciprocating respect is part of responsible travel.

Beyond etiquette, Mark paints a vivid picture of daily life: small populations, a subtropical climate, and an economy still rooted in plantations and fishing, supported by strong extended-family structures. He also highlights living arts that keep culture visible—pandanus weaving (mats, hats, fans) and a carving renaissance among young men reviving historic motifs once suppressed by missionary influence. The episode closes with remarkable finds from Mark’s career, including a red volcanic tuff tiki tied to sacred symbolism, an ancestor figure reused in a house alignment that hints at changing beliefs during early conversion eras, and turtle petroglyphs revealed only when a restored stone caught the sunset at the right angle. If you’re considering the Australs and want the trip to feel meaningful, Far and Away Adventures can help you plan an itinerary that blends remote beauty with real cultural understanding.

In this episode, we talk about Guadalcanal Province in the Solomon Islands in a practical, traveler-friendly way—what makes it unique, what visitors can do, and how to think about building a first itinerary. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning with expert help, and you can explore ideas at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand introduces Guadalcanal as a historically and culturally significant region and speaks with a guest connected to Guadalcanal tourism efforts about experiences that go far beyond a quick pass through the capital.

We start with the “why” behind Guadalcanal: it’s described as one of the larger islands in the Solomons and home to Honiara, the capital city. But what truly differentiates Guadalcanal is cultural diversity within one island. The guest explains that multiple languages are spoken across Guadalcanal and that traditions vary by region—meaning travelers can notice different ways of living, speaking, and practicing culture as they move around. That diversity becomes a travel advantage: you can experience meaningful cultural contrast without needing a complicated multi-island plan.

One of the best ways to connect with that diversity is through village visits. The guest highlights villages that are open to visitors, where travelers can experience traditional crafts and food preparation and see how people live day to day. Sustainability is specifically mentioned as part of village life—how food is grown and how communities maintain their routines. For travelers who want authentic experiences, this is a clear takeaway: don’t only chase “sites.” Make time for people, practices, and the living culture of the island.

Nature is another essential part of a Guadalcanal plan. Tenaru Waterfall is highlighted as a marquee attraction—described as the biggest waterfall in the Solomon Islands—and it’s recommended as a must-see. The conversation also points to coastal and ocean activities like beaches for swimming and relaxing, as well as snorkeling, diving, and fishing, depending on interest and conditions. Inland, the guest mentions mountain adventures that can include hiking and caves, including a cave site known for large numbers of bats, with scenic waterfall surroundings nearby. The big picture is that Guadalcanal offers both gentle nature experiences and more adventurous day trips, and you can choose based on your comfort and travel style.

Of course, Guadalcanal is also deeply tied to WWII history. The guest describes the island as a major battleground and notes that travelers can visit memorials and historic locations around Honiara and beyond. The conversation references the Mount Austen area, memorial locations near central Honiara, and the Henderson area near the airport, as well as additional places outside the city where larger war relics can still be seen. For many travelers, these visits provide powerful context and a deeper understanding of the Pacific story.

If you’re deciding whether Guadalcanal fits your travel style, this episode offers a simple lens: culture (villages, crafts, food), nature (Tenaru Waterfall and inland scenery), and history (memorials and WWII sites). When you’re ready to turn that into a smooth itinerary, connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist to build a plan that matches your pace and priorities.

In this episode, we talk about Aranui 5 shore excursions with Lehi, including what’s included at every port, what optional experiences are available, and what the island days actually feel like in real time. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are the best places to start if you want help choosing a sailing and understanding the activity pace before you book. Normand Schafer records this conversation onboard, and it’s ideal for travelers who want the truth behind the brochure: the warmth, the logistics, the surprises, and the little decisions that shape whether your day ashore feels effortless or overwhelming.

Lehi explains why Aranui is different: it’s a deluxe freighter cruise, and the experience is built around an authentic connection with islands rather than cruise-terminal convenience. One of the biggest practical points he shares is that excursions are included at every port. That matters because in remote places, it’s not always easy to create a great day on your own—transportation is limited, distances can be significant, and the best cultural moments often happen when local hosts and ship teams coordinate together. On Aranui, the baseline experience is already planned and meaningful, and then travelers can choose optional add-ons where it makes sense.

The episode brings you into a classic day in the Marquesas, starting with Nuku Hiva. Lehi describes a full-day “safari” style outing using local jeeps and four-wheel drives, visiting important stops such as a cathedral and archaeological sites, and then sharing lunch ashore where hosts welcome guests with singing and dance. Normand highlights a detail many travelers love: the ship can reposition to the other side of the island while guests are exploring, turning the day into a true island crossing rather than a simple “out and back” tour. That kind of logistics is exactly what makes the experience feel like you’re traveling through a living place instead of sampling it from the edges.

You’ll also hear candid talk about the human side of excursions. Lehi explains how guests sometimes rush to get outside in the heat, worry when vehicles aren’t immediately visible, and get overwhelmed if they don’t follow the flow. Hearing this from a guide reframes it: these are small islands, not big-city tour depots, and the best approach is to stay cool, stay patient, and trust the process. It’s a simple mindset shift that can instantly improve the quality of your trip—especially if you’re the kind of traveler who usually wants to be “in control” of every minute.

Food comes up too, in a way that’s helpful without becoming complicated. Meals ashore can be cooked differently than shipboard meals, and sometimes the preparation method itself is part of the cultural experience. At the same time, Lehi explains that special diets can be supported by preparing meals onboard and bringing them ashore, which means travelers don’t have to choose between participation and health needs.

Optional excursions show up mainly in lagoon-focused areas, with examples like Rangiroa experiences such as dolphin observation and glass-bottom boat outings. Bora Bora also includes optional aquatic options, and the trip can end on a high note with a motu picnic that many travelers remember as a celebratory highlight. For hikers, the Fatu Hiva crossing—15 km from Omoa to Hanavave—remains legendary, with alternatives (four-wheel drive or sailing around) so travelers can choose their adventure level without missing the destination. If you’re deciding whether Aranui 5 matches your style, Far and Away Adventures can help you plan the right sailing and set realistic expectations so you enjoy every island day.