Having purchased the phone sim card, and comfy sneakers for Steven, we were free to wander about downtown Papeete like the tourists we were. Many locals were here too, dressed in vibrant Polynesian prints and flip flops. Here, in the middle of downtown, was also a cathedral. Named Notre Dame, but not to be confused with the Parisian edifice, it was built between 1867 and 1875 and is the oldest standing Catholic church on Tahiti.
Outside, two local girls ate their McDonald Happy Meals on the steps, and roosters and stray dogs wandered freely about. Inside is a lovely handcarved wooden Madonna, Tahitian style.
Not far away is the famoue Papeete Market on Rue Francois Cardella. My guidebook says it's not to be missed. It opens at the uncivilized hour of 5:30 a.m., mostly for the sale of fresh fish, but you can also get fresh produce, lunch, and local handicrafts here. I picked up a handcarved shell necklace of a manta ray (1600 CFP), moloi oils (1500 CFP) and a locally made pereu (sarong) (1200 CFP).
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