Perception
Reality
The name “Tahiti” brings certain images to mind. Those images might include:
- Walking on black sand beaches
- Swimming in clear and calm oceans
- Watching wildlife and visiting waterfalls in a tropical paradise
- Trying delicious food in fancy restaurants
- Drinking exotic drinks from a coconut
We’ve done some of these things so far.
But do you know how many restaurants we’ve eaten at since arriving in Tahiti on Monday?
Exactly 0.
Before we came to Tahiti, we heard that the food was expensive.
So we went to Wal-Mart and bought a bunch of food and snacks that were safe to pass through customs.
This means we bought non-perishable food.
This includes things like
- Beef jerky
- Triscuits, Ritz, Wheat Thins
- Tuna
- Peanut Butter
- Trail Mix
Since arriving in Tahiti, this is what we have been eating.
So instead of spending $50-$100 on a meal for 2, we’ve spent $50 for 5 days meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for 2.
This saves us somewhere between $300-$1000 during a week spent in Tahiti.
I know no one will feel sorry for us, and you shouldn’t feel sorry.
Everything we’ve done and are doing is our choice.
But remember, the title of these posts is “How can YOU afford to travel?”
The purpose of these posts are to think about alternative ways of doing things so that you can afford to do whatever you want to do in life:
- travel
- pay for your kids’ college education
- give more to your church or favorite charity
- have time to pursue your interests or passions
We’re perfectly happy with the fact that we’re in a beautiful hotel, sitting on our balcony, listening to the ocean, while gnawing on beef jerky and triscuits, and drinking our corked bottle of two buck chuck.
We will be buying fresh items like cucumbers and cheese on our trip into town (free shuttle 2x/day from the hotel, instead of $40 taxi rides). We also plan to eat out once or twice while here in Tahiti,
But every meal spent eating at a fancy restaurant is not something we will do this trip to Tahiti.
A return to Tahiti will, without a doubt, happen within our lifetimes, and perhaps then we’ll spend money on fancy dining and overpriced drinks.
But it’s likely that even 10 or 20 or 30 years from now, we’ll be spending the money instead on SCUBA diving, buying Tahitian pearls, and taking tours to learn about the history and culture of such a fascinating and beautiful place as Tahiti.
I took peanut butter and honey and tortillas when I went to Oklahoma City (pretty much the same as Tahiti). On the way there…no problems. (I didn’t check any baggage and just carried on). On the way back…they took what was left of the peanut butter and honey. Apparently, both of these things are liquids. Honey I can sort of see…but peanut butter? Someone needs to define a liquid. Glass is technically a liquid too…but I’m sure I can take more than 3 oz of glass on an airplane if I want.
Also…at the same airport, I noticed for the first time a sign that basically stated that the 3 oz. rule doesn’t apply to medication. I thought about asking if I could consider the honey to be allergy medicine (it was unfiltered Colorado honey…which is good for allergies)…but really didn’t think the security guy was probably qualified to make that judgment…or to define a liquid for me.
Probably completely unqualified to make that judgment actually. That’s crazy that they took your honey and peanut butter.
I also wonder if chunky peanut butter is less dangerous than creamy peanut butter?
And what about honey from “killer” bees? Is that more dangerous than honey from regular bees?
Haha, Adam, talk about memories man. PB and J or Honey to OKC etc (I particularly remember the PPLWorld event in New Orleans literally eating nothing but bagels with PB on them)
Hey, so whats the deal with the cork INSIDE the bottle?
No corkscrew… corked wine… cheap man’s wine.
🙂
I think, I must experience it.
Hey Mrigank! I think everyone must experience this incredible place at least once in their lifetime.
I like the peanut butter and honey story because you said you were taking it when I drove you to the airport but I didn’t hear they wouldn’t let you keep it on the way back. Peanut butter and honey would probably work for me sitting on a beach in Tahiti! I can picture it now and can see Jon and Carrie, gnawing away on their beef jerky — whatever it takes — RIGHT? Looking forward to the food stories from New Zealand!
Hey Mom!
Yep… that’s pretty much it… on the beach and gnawing on the jerky.
Have you seen this post about our first impressions of NZ and the food here?
http://carrieandjonathan.com/auckland-new-zealand-first-impressions/
Love,
Jonathan
I missed the part where you left Belize and Madagascar. Glad to hear things are going well in Tahiti.
Is that sarcasm, coming from Michael Wright? Nah… couldn’t be. I’m impressed!
Jamie and I cracked up when we read this. Glad your trip in Tahiti went well. We would love to visit there one day.