The trip to Papeete was surely the unkindest, if I may comment. The air was dusty and polluted like any other cities. Only that this city is populated by 230,000 people. Having spent a tranquil week in Rangiroa, I felt almost suffocated to smell the car exhaust again. By day two I was sure that I have completely filled my lungs with carbon monoxide. The departure wait only took two days and several hours of delayed over a confirmed flight. Lucky, isn't it, although it seemed to drag on for eternity as far as I was concerned. I spent the last few hours sleeping at the airport, crossing over the New Year celebration with the fireworks that apparently exploding masterfully over at the downtown Papeete, together with the honking cruise liners and all boats that docked at the port.