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Better Pack Your Sense of Humor
Posted by Dave on December 5th, 2007
On my first day in Pape’ete, I managed to make some silly mistakes. Jetlag, culture shock, and oppressive heat make for a tough first day. I mostly took it easy, though Sam did give me some phone cards since he said it wouldn’t be worth it to buy my own just to call him a few times. I have a phobia of foreign phones, and therefore am not adept at using them.
So I went to 3-4 different public phones, sliding the phone card in and out like a ATM, and I couldn’t figure out why calls weren’t working. I went and bought a new card thinking the ones I got from Sam were too low on credits. I think that cost me about $20. I finally asked someone for help, and she pointed out you just keep the card in the machine. And it worked. Tahiti is an expensive place to make mistakes!
I tried to use the computer at the hostel the first day, and found the keyboard was the French layout - so I got nowhere in 10 minutes, at a cost of about $2.50.
Lastly, about 28 hours after landing in Tahiti, I learned that the exchange rate I was using from my 2006 Lonely Planet was off by 20%. I was underestimating my spending by 20%!!! So now I’ll always check rates online a country or two in advance.
If I’m going to make mistakes, it mine as well be in the South Pacific! 
Dare Me to do something fun, weird, or challenging on the road!
Nice pictures, well at least you are learning from your mistakes early in the trip..
Dave,
Judging by the pictures, all I can say is…mistakes should be the last thing on your mind!!
Cheers!
Leo
Yeah Leo - they were not on my mind long - trust me!
Great pictures! Thanks for not making us wait! I never thought about non-qrty keyboards, I would have done the same thing typing is so second-nature to me….
Have a good one!
Dave,
I’ve encountered that foreign (or should I say, non-English) keyboard situation. I’ve typed many emails from cyber cafes without apostrophes because it’s a character I can’t always find! Obviously, you figured it out but if you need access to an English based virtual keyboard quickly, try http://www.enetplanet.com/kb_en/ — you can “type” using a keyboard you’re familiar with (granted, it’s slow going as you’re actually poking letters with a mouse) but you can produce your text, copy it and then paste it where it needs to go. When you don’t have a lot of time or $$ to waste, sometimes this can be your best buddy.
Looks like you’re having fun! Troubles in paradise ain’t so bad after all, huh?
Thanks Laura - I knew there was something like that out there. I bookmarked it for future reference. I found an internet cafe that had both English and French options.
I use xe.com for exchange rates - excellent site. One tip Ifind that works is memorise the equivalent of $1 $15 $50 in local curency and then when I price is mentioned you know whether its cheap OK or XXXX !
Lissie - funny you mentioned that tip because on the plane ride to New Zealand I worked out some common money intervals so I could start to familiarize myself a little better with the currency before arrival.
Wow— beautiful…. in all aspects
FYI- It snowed in Virginia today!!!
so what did you do with the phone card?
glad you’re enjoying paradise. it’s a balmy -8C and windchill of -16C here in Toronto this morning.
I managed to use up most of the phone card I bought, and gave them all back to Sam before leaving.
Great pics, Dave!! I can see you are definitely enjoying the view!!
Well done…I owe you $10.
Not quite - both ladies in the photo were spoken for, however I do intend to post 2 newer pics which will make up for it.
Great pictures! It seems you are very lucky and get to travel quite a bit.
while your sunning yourself i’m pushing snow
dont hurry back to VA.