It is part of the Tuamotu Archipelago which is part of Polynesia.
It is the second largest atoll in the world. The only one larger is Kwajalein.
The highest point on any of these islands is only 13 feet above high tide.
As we entered the lagoon through a narrow pass we could see how different it was from the ocean.
You can see a little bit of the ring of islands that form the atoll stretching off to the left.
When we came ashore we were all given leis by these young ladies.
The beach was coral rock and sand. We found a few shells to bring home. It seemed that the best ones were all homes for hermit crabs.
You can get some idea how small this one was when you realize that what you see behind it are the ridges of Nancy's finger tip.
The open air nursery school.
A demonstration of how to open a coconut.
First strip off the outer husk on a sharpened stick. Hold it gently over a coral rock. A swift karate chop and it is open with the milk spilling out.
All grandmas like to show off their grandkids. I learned a new string figure from this lady.
Here are some of the handycrafts they had for sale.
They also had black pearls at very reasonable prices
They put on a dance show then invited some of us to join them.
I was one of the ones they chose and it was clear to me that it takes a lot of skill and practice to do this well.
All the kids and a lot of the adults came to the dock to see us off.
