There may possibly be no more spectacular place on earth than Bora Bora. The climate is warm and moist. Palm trees gently lean over a turquoise water that defies description in paint. The overwater bungalows jutting out into the lagoon are the perfect place to stay, with a window in the floor to watch the tropical fish below. Every sunset is a magical light show to bring the day to a fiery climax.The opportunity to paint in Bora Bora immediately inspires thoughts of Paul Gauguin and colorful Polynesians. Apparently little has changed since Gauguin inhabited the Society Islands. Time stands quite still and is merely a notion in Polynesia. It isn't hard to spend an entire day drinking Pina Coladas under a palm tree. There is an atmosphere so relaxed that it is easy to sink into a painting and hard to snap back.
The locals are warm and inviting. Every stranger smiles and greets you with a "iaorana", the musical hello of French Polynesia. They seem so happy to have company in this far-flung island in the South Pacific.
It wasn't that hard to get to Bora Bora, but it was tough to leave. I found it to be a paradise worthy of a permanent escape. Sadly, I had to return to my own world and feed the dogs. My studio was missing it's watercolorist and I had a lot of catch-up work to do. Still, my memories and dreams from the South Pacific will keep me warm through the cold Missouri winter.
