ABOARD USS MUSTIN, At sea -- The guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89), made a scheduled port visit to Papeete, Tahiti, July 18.
It is the first time in five years that a U.S. Navy ship has visited French Polynesia. Sailors proudly manned the ship’s rails as the Mustin entered port and received a warm welcome from a large and enthusiastic crowd of local government officials, French naval officers, dignitaries, and citizens.
The arriving Sailors were treated to a dance show by a troupe of native Tahitian dancers on the pier. Mustin returned the hospitality of their host country by holding a formal evening reception aboard the ship for the island’s political and military leaders that very evening.
During the visit, the French navy hosted several events for the visiting Americans, including a delicious luncheon aboard the French warship Prairial (F 731) and several highly competitive volleyball games between the American and French navies.
Mustin Sailors enthusiastically engaged in island outdoor recreational activities over the course of the ship’s four-day visit. Several tours were offered to the visitors, including a “canyoning” expedition to the heights of the volcanic Tahitian mountains, a guided bus tour of Tahiti’s major historical sites, and a trip to the pristine island of Moorea only twelve miles away. The Sailors took advantage of the warm tropical waters surrounding Tahiti, and indulged in world-class snorkeling, diving, and surfing.
Besides providing rest and relaxation for the Mustin crew, the visit to Tahiti allowed the Sailors to interact with the native Tahitian and French residents and strengthen relations between their respective countries and navies. “The visit to Tahiti was certainly a highlight of the deployment for the entire Mustin crew,” said Commander Michael J. Ford, Mustin’s commanding officer. “The hospitality shown by our hosts was second to none and we look forward to a return visit .”
Le Meridien Tahiti
Tahitian Language and Phrases
French and Tahitian are the official languages of Tahiti & Her Islands. English is spoken in all hotels. On most of the larger islands you will also find English spoken in most shops and restaurants. However, as you get to more of the remote islands, you will find fewer people speaking English.
Most Americans will find it easier to pronounce Tahitian words than French. Yes, there are a lot of vowels, but each letter is pronounced and that pronunciation never changes.
Vowels
A: pronounced ah as papa
E: pronounced ay as bay
I: pronounced ee as see
O: pronounced oh as show
U: pronounced oo as boot
Consonants
Consonants are pronounced the same as in English.
Here are a few words and phrases in Tahitian. Please give them a try, the Tahitians will appreciate your effort!
English Good morning | Tahitian Ia orana |
Shopping Center in Tahiti with Gigantic Black Pearl
Finally Got out of Uniforms. Liberty Time.
I HOPE IT'S NOT POISON!JUST [POISSON The Fish..Get it? ] HA HA!!
Parlez-Vous Français?
1. Quelle heure est-il? = What time is it?
2. Je voudrais___s'il vous plait. = I would like___please.
3. Je prends un chocolat chaud = I'll have a hot chocolate
4. Ca coute combien? = How much does this cost?
5. Vous fermez a quelle heure? = What time do you close at?
6. Parlez-vous anglais? = Do you speak English?
7. Prenez vous des cartes de credit? = Do you accept credit cards?
8. Je ne comprends pas = I don't understand
9. Combien = How much
10. Aujourd'hui, demain, hier = Today, tomorrow, yesterday
11. Comment allez-vous = How are you?
12. Merci, pardon, excusez-moi = Thank you, pardon me, excuse me
First Night out on Liberty from USS Mustin
