The Truck

On the road of traditions

In and around Polynesia islands, the truck is famous and everybody used it once in her life. Important point of the polynesian way of life, it’s a truck chassis with an open air sheltered cabin and wooden bench seats. It’s the real traditionnal mean of transportation in Tahiti and her islands.

No schedulded times neither stop places all around islands; you just have to wait along the road, to make a sign to the driver and to pay the fare before going on. This traditionnal “bus” will stop where you want when signalled.

Not only a mean of transportation, the truck is a symbol and a part of polynesian way of life. Decorated with palm leaves and tropical flowers, the truck will invite you to join people inside to sing famous old tahitian songs and to learn how to play ukulele and to’ere (percussion instrument). By meeting the population, you will join a real fest and share an important custom which is disappearing.

Actually, for comfort and safety reasons, modern busses take the place of the trucks. But you can still pass a leaves decorated truck with a lot of local music on a festive and dancing sunday. Tradition is still on the road!