Cabin Fever Countdown: Seven ways Tahiti is reminding us that there is “Sunnier Days Ahead!”

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

I know, I know! Still stuck indoors. If you live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, you were probably dismayed when you looked outside and saw snow. Yeah! Snow in May. Geez!

It is even more reason why it is my duty to remind readers that there are sunnier days ahead. If you are just joining our Cabin Fever Countdown, Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, is finding ways to keep our readers in a positive state of mind, which is what influenced the Cabin Fever Countdown. Last week we visited the beautiful island of Turks and Caicos, and this week, we are going to whisk you away to the Islands of Tahiti.

There is a reason that the islands of Tahiti are known as the bucket-list paradise. Officially known as French Polynesia, Tahiti possesses the most exquisite and diverse environment on earth. With a mixture of: high volcanic islands, dramatic mountains, captivating cliffs, and luscious lagoons, it is no wonder Tahiti is one of those places we associate with being alluring and exotic.

Of course, as you know, we are stuck here, and it might be for a while, so the team at Tahiti Tourism has found a way to bring the fantasy to your mobile phone, laptop, and TV screen. The online campaign, “Tahiti Comes to You,” uses guided imagery to harness the brain’s natural tendency to create vivid mental representations of that vacation we are going to want post-COVID-19.

In their campaign they use mesmerizing visuals, which is a simple, yet powerful way to soothe symptoms, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve self-confidence, and even enhance our ability to perform. Below are seven short descriptions of some of the videos you will find when you visit:

English: www.tahititourisme.ca/en-ca/tahiti-comes-to-you/

French: www.tahititourisme.ca/fr-ca/tahiti-comes-to-you/

Practicing ‘ori Tahiti
Ori tahiti is a Polynesian dance that remains a powerful, potent art form, especially when accompanied by the harmonic voices of the Polynesians, the thunder of traditional drums and plaintive song of conch shells. Viewers will receive a personal lesson in the art of ori Tahiti.

Dive in the Polynesian waters

Become one with the clear blue heaven on earth. This video displays the warm waters that surround The Islands of Tahiti team with life from flirty clown fish to ever-present sharks to awe-inspiring humpback whales.

Adopt your coral
Are you an avid environmentalist? Coral reefs are beautiful and fragile environments. In The Islands of Tahiti, there are many ways to explore, learn about and protect these rich landscapes.

Join a culinary tour and discover local food
For our cooking enthusiasts, Tahiti is a virtual Garden of Eden, where exuberance and abundance go hand in hand. In this sunny country, farmers grow a wide variety of fruits, spices and vegetables, which are transformed into aromatic and exotic dishes to delight the senses.

The art of Polynesian Tattoo
Did you know the word tattoo originated from the Polynesian word tatau? The symbols have meaning and the meaning tells the story of each Tahitian’s personal history. Join them to learn about tattoos and why they are a significant form of expression in The Islands of Tahiti.

Polynesian beauty secret : Monoi Oil
Fascinated with beauty? Monoi is a product that is made from refined coconut oil and macerated Tahitian tiare flowers. You can find it in many forms throughout The Islands of Tahiti, from balms and creams, lotions and shampoos, and more! It comes in a variety of scents as well, but the most popular is tiare, the iconic aroma that is unique to The Islands of Tahiti.

Go for outdoor adventures
Many of us are going to want to just be outside, and there are so many ways to discover the outdoors in The Islands of Tahiti. Excursions in off-road vehicles make it easy to effortlessly explore the mountainous, inner isles, and a guided tour gives virtual travellers an idea of exactly what the are going to experience when they arrive in paradise.

As the world continues to practice social distancing and adapt to changes brought on by COVID-19, The Islands of Tahiti brings hope to the explorer. It is a place for Canadians to not only dream about, but to embrace its local culture and humanity.

Canadians can sign up for Tahiti Comes To You newsletters on the landing page, to learn more about the campaign and receive inspirational content for future travel planning.

Find out more at www.TahititTourisme.ca