The center of Papeete, the Marche Papeete (municipal market)covers one square city block and is between Rue 22 September and Rue Francois Cardella. In 1986 the 131-year-old market underwent a metamorphosis that changed it from a dark,crowded, seedy 'casbah' to a modern, well-lit, clean place of business. The old marketplace (a charming labyrinth of cramped, shabby stalls flavoured by accumulated tropical filth) was one of the last true South Pacific institutions left in Papeete. It was torn down and replaced by an airy, sunshine-filled, double-decked venue that has been described as 'something out of the 19th-century gaslight era in Paris or the French Quarter of New Orleans. The 'new' market has been completely reorganized from the inside out and is much larger than its predecessor. Whereas in the old days fruit, flowers, watermelons and and other produce would creep out of the market on major shopping days (like Sunday mornings), all selling now goes on within the market's walls. This is possible because of the two-tiered construction. The ground floor is reserved for flowers, taro, rootstalks and daily catches of fresh seafood including bonito, mahimahi, albacore, lobster, shrimp, clams and other items. These are chiefly sold by Polynesians - an unwritten law here maintains that Tahitians may sell fish, taro, yams and other Polynesian foods; the Chinese sell vegetables; and Europeans and Chinese are the bakers and butchers. Downstairs, on the sidewalk, fruit and vegetables are displayed in the same traditional manner although the surroundings are aesthetically more sterile (but undoubtedly leaner). Although the environs are new, one can still stroll through the isles and find flower arrangements, bananas, pineapples, starfruit, coconuts, oranges, papaya, limes, mangoes, avocados, cassava root, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, carrots, beans, potatoes, cabbage and other items. The upstairs section, served by two escalators, is dedicated to handicrafts including woven pandanus hats, mats, bags and purses as well as shells, shell necklaces, larger shells, pareus and other clothing. There are numerous carvings such as tikis, bowls, and ukeleles. Upstairs there is also a pleasant open-air snack bar. One can sit and have a croissant and a cup of coffee, or later in the day any number of different baguettes and a soft drink (Lonely Planet, Tahiti and French Polynesia, 1994). It is easy to spend a half a day in this market, watch the locals do their daily shopping and watch the young women, many of them are very beautiful and all are naturally graceful, look for pareus and locally made jewellery. This picture was taken on 12 August 2009. Thank you for viewing, commenting, and favs, Sig...