Bora-Bora remembered

“Paradise Posh” [June 3] was as balanced a piece on Bora-Bora as one could write for The Times without totally denigrating the place. I lived in French Polynesia in 1973 and remember when there were three hotels on all of Bora-Bora. Yes, Bora-Bora is now overbuilt with hotels, and the town has traffic jams, but the un-hotel side of the island is still pretty empty, the interior is still beautiful, and the waters are still full of fish.

Of course, the main island of Tahiti has suffered far more. When I was living there, I didn’t see a wall around a house. Now the suburbs of Papeete look like gated communities. So sad.

Next time, go to Tahaa or Huahine (my favorite among the Society Islands). Or better yet, Fakarava or even Raroia (which got air service only last year).

ALAN DEAN FOSTER

Prescott, Ariz.

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I was surprised that your story omitted the Club Med on Bora-Bora. With its all-inclusive tariff, it offers the best bargain on the island.

NISSEN DAVIS

Rancho Palos Verdes