As I travel the world I take many photos that pique my interest. During the year April 2025 to March 2026 our travels included visits to many islands large and small. My theme for 2026 Island Hopping will give precedence to Islands visited in the past year but for those difficult letters like X and Z I will dig into my photo archives for content.
For this H post I have selected an island from each hemisphere.
Visiting the
Paul Gaugin Cultural Centre and Grave had been on my bucket list for ages so there was no way I was going to miss them on Hiva Oa. We were fortunate to snag a lift up the hill in Atonua to visit Gaugin in the cemetery.
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| Aussie tourists say Bonjour to Paul |
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| Also resting in the cemetery is Belgian Heartthrob Jacques Brel |
After a steep walk down the hill we found the Cultural Centre which is set in lovely landscaped gardens near the site of Gaugin's home.
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| View as we wander down the hill |
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| We've arrived |
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| Plan of the complex |
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| The several buildings on the site were complementary |
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Welcome to the Gallery
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| Inside the Gallery |
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While Gaugin's works are displayed in the Gallery
they are mostly copies |
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| Traditional work in the garden |
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| Reconstruction of Gauguin's home Maison du Jouir (House of Pleasure) |
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Interior of Maison du Jouir (House of Pleasure)
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A few months earlier we were in Norway.
While on Hinnoya we visited the town of Harstadt.
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| Harstad from our ship |
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| North of Hinnoya Island showing Harstad and Kasfjord |
Our scenic drive out of the city took us west via Kasfjord and beyond. It provided us with some stunning views as we wound our way along the edge of Mokkelandsvatnet.
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| Watch out - Ski Training in Progress |
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| Kasfjord City, a surprise miniature village located in Kasfjord |
After a quick lunch back on the ship we set out for a short journey to the Trondenes Peninsula where we enjoyed visits to a museum, traditional buildings and the
Trondenes Kirke, a medieval stone church.
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| Museum |
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| The exterior was very simple |
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| The interior was a delight |
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| Outside some of the locals were having a dip |
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| Traditional building |
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| Interior of traditional building |
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Great photos and very cute mini-village.
ReplyDeleteThe village was such a surprise in a remote area.
DeleteThese look like great places to visit Jill. I’m starting to think my geography is very bad as I haven’t heard of these places
ReplyDeleteWe've hardly scratched the surface. After reading Brissy May and Anne Young's posts I need to concentrate on seeing more of Aaustralia
DeleteIt's so cool that we are both doing geography/land-based themes, kind of around small places, but approaching it very differently! I have to say I liked Hinnoya better than Hiva Oa.
ReplyDeleteSuch different places and cultures. I'm very fond of Norway (in their warmer months) may change my mind when we go to see the Northern Lights later this year).
DeleteSo much to see, I'm astounded at the ground covered, and such beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteAs old people are travelling while our health and budget allows. There is so much beauty in our world.
DeleteThe reflections in the water are amazing. I love that you have so many photos, they are what make a blog interesting in my eyes!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa, I take a lot of pics on my smartphone and compact camera. No fancy heavy gear for me.
DeleteNorway in summer looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteI love that we are in the tropics one minute and in Norway the next. I think I'm more likely to visit the Pacific in the future as it's such an effort to get to Europe.
ReplyDelete