Every once in a while there are special people you come into contact with. They are the people who you meet just by chance who you feel as if you have known since childhood, and yet they continue to amaze you with there interesting and exciting way of life! One such family who falls into this category are the Barffs, Tihoti, Pauline and their son, Oihanu. They welcomed us into their lives and home, and made us part of their family! Their warmth and love was a treasure to us.

Tihoti has the left half of his body tattooed with traditional Polynesian motifs in a tribute to his heritage. His right side, without tattoos, represents the present and future, and acknowledges that times are changing. He takes great pride in his family and his artistry, which includes painting as well as tattooing.

Pauline is an Australian, a descendent of Norfolk Islands, whose ancestors were Fletcher Christian and the Bounty mutineers. That may account for her independent spirit! She also is an artist, working with fabrics and hand-made papers. Their son Oihanu delighted us with his trilingual conversations (Tahitian, French and English) and kepts us on our toes with his unending energy.