The Marquesas Islands lie in the north-eastern corner of French Polynesia.  Hiva Oa, in the northern group, is one of only 6 populated islands in the archipelago.   It's a land of mountains, 1000 ft. drops to the sea, centipedes that are much too large, and the occasional 'white knuckle' tourist taking a tour in a 4 wheel drive along the single-lane mountain roads.  It is also the place where Paul Gauguin was inspired to paint the lovely Polynesian women.  He is buried in a small cemetery in the capital, Atuona,  along with French singer Jacques Brel.

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