Beautiful Esmeralda

Last Sunday evening, Xav and I went to Papeete harbour to pay a visit to the navy ship that had arrived from Chile earlier in the week. Her name was Esmeralda. She and the Chilean crew welcomed all visitors – Tahitian, French and tourists – with a charming warmth that made us feel at home on the grand ship.

Here are some memorable shots of our experience onboard Esmeralda.....


The grand mast with the flag of Chile waving in the evening breeze














A tribute to the original anchor holding Esmeralda steady (which in reality, is a lot bigger!)



A view onboard as the sun sets



Chilean crew members















Tom Cruise look-alike? ;D






















As the sun set, the national anthem of Chile was played and its flag taken down. Soon after, the French national anthem followed suit. The crew members, led by 'Tom Cruise' ;D, did their usual tribute, locking and unlocking knives at the end of their rifles and then standing upright while officers all over the ship saluted the Chilean and French flags






















The beautiful Esmeralda - illuminated. Lights twinkled merrily against the darkening sky