Polynesia Australia. Polynesia: countries and brief information
French Polynesia on the world map
French Polynesia is an overseas representation of France. This cluster of small islands is located in the South Pacific Ocean. The place is represented by several archipelagos, such as the Gambier, Tubuai, Marxist, Tuamotu Islands, as well as the community islands. Their origin is usually coral or volcanic.
French Polynesia on the world map
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French polynesia. Satellite map
French Polynesia Map
The climate in French Polynesia is trade wind, tropical. However, there are differences between winter and summer, although the temperature certainly does not fall below zero. The vegetation of the island depends on the origin of the island itself. On the volcanic islands you will find dense, evergreen forests among which there are plantations of bananas and coconut palms. Also on the islands you will find many rivers enclosed in deep narrow valleys, and, of course, a huge number of tropical waterfalls.
The population is about 300 thousand. The basis is made up of Polynesians, much less than the Chinese. The French are only 6%. The cuisine is mainly represented by fish. You will be happy to offer crustaceans and other seafood. French Polynesia is a paradise for lovers, spouses and honeymooners. Also, people who are not indifferent to the beauty of the underwater world and marine fauna tend to come here. Also, many people are attracted by the wedding under the mysterious ceremony of the Polynesian rite.
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Today, high-quality recreation is available to any Russian citizen, for example, Tyumen travel agencies, whose promotions are known throughout the city, provide literally unique conditions for tourist travel. Any nuance, any desire of the client is taken into account here.
The population of French Polynesia as of 2009 is 287,032. Urban population: 52% of the total population.
Ethnic composition: Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French (mainly French-Polynesian mestizos) 6%, French (from the metropolis) 4%.
Protestants 54%, Catholics 30%, others 10%, atheists 6%.
The official language is French (61.3%), the indigenous population speaks Polynesian languages. French and Tahitian (31.4%) are taught in schools. English is understood in all hotels and in most restaurants.
Currency
French Pacific franc (CFP), 1 EUR ≅ 130 CFP.
In circulation are coins in denominations: 1 franc, 2 francs, 5 francs, 10 francs, 20 francs, 50 francs, 100 francs. Banknotes in denominations: 500 francs, 1000 francs, 5000 francs, 10000 francs.
Banks are open from 7:45 to 15:30 from Monday to Friday, some are also open on Saturday mornings.
US dollars and euros are accepted for payment almost everywhere, but the exchange rate is different everywhere. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, bank or hotels. It is most advantageous to have euros with you, which are changed at the official rate in all hotels and exchange offices. Dollars are often accepted at not the most favorable rate.
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted for payment at hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist establishments. ATM machines are widespread in Tahiti and other large islands, on the periphery they can only be found at bank offices. On small atolls, it is almost impossible to use credit cards. Operating instructions at ATMs are usually given in French and English.
Travel checks are accepted for payment in most banks and large organizations. Often, traveler's checks are recommended as the best means of bringing foreign currency into the country. To avoid additional conversion fees, it is recommended to use checks in US dollars or euros.
Communication and communications
Telephone code: 689
Internet domain: .pf
Unified rescue service phone: 15 or 423-456
Police: 17
Communication between local settlements is carried out directly, without the use of codes, using a single six- or eight-digit numbers.
How to call
To call from Russia to French Polynesia, you need to dial: 8 - 10 dial tone - 689 - subscriber's number.
To call from French Polynesia to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.
Fixed line
French Polynesia has a powerful and modern telecommunications system. A direct call to any country in the world is possible from almost anywhere, from local hotel numbers to street pay phones. Phone booths operate with cards ("telecarte"), which can be purchased at the post office, in hotels and in shops.
mobile connection
Cellular communication of the GSM 900 standard is excellently developed on the islands. The main islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Tahaa, Raiatea, Hua Hin and Rangiroa) are fully covered, small islands are often out of coverage, but even there the connection is relatively stable thanks to powerful central repeaters. Roaming with the local Tikiphone SA network is available to subscribers of the largest Russian operators. Local SIM cards can be purchased from Tikiphone SA offices, but it is recommended that you check the card directly in your phone before purchasing, as some GSM phones are not supported by local operators.
Internet
The Internet is developing quite intensively in French Polynesia. There are a large number of Internet cafes in Papeete and the main cities of the islands. However, the connection is quite slow and expensive.
shopping
Shops are open from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.00-17.30. Private shops and shops in the suburbs are usually open until 22.00. On Saturdays, large shops close at 11.00.
From French Polynesia, they usually bring "moni" (a special oil to strengthen the tan and soften the skin), crafts made from shells, mother of pearl, fruit liqueurs. And, of course, black pearls - as part of jewelry and valuable trinkets.
Among other souvenirs, products of local crafts are popular. Polynesian culture is broad and varied. On different islands, various ritual, combat and household items made of wood, stone, bone, etc. were produced. Utensils, jewelry, key rings and other trinkets made of mother-of-pearl, wood, stone or bone will be offered to you in souvenir shops. One of the natives' favorite motifs is the sea turtle.
Accommodation
Hotels on the islands of French Polynesia - mostly four or five stars. These are real "stars", without cheating and even with more luxury than provided by the European standard, this applies to both the service and the rooms. Usually these are bungalows, some of which are located on the shore, and some are on platforms that go into the sea.
In most hotels in French Polynesia, there are two tariff periods: high: from July 1 (June) to October 31; low from November 1 to June 30 (May).
Sea and beaches
The places here are not just with a capital letter beach, but in all resort articles are exclusive. Long beaches of white soft sand, turquoise lagoons surrounded by thickets of exotic plants. At the same time, all beaches are considered public, and access to them is completely free.
Story
Polynesians began to settle on the islands of what is now French Polynesia in the first centuries AD. e. Presumably, the migration occurred from the islands of Samoa. The Marquesas Islands and the Society Islands were settled first. From the Society Islands, the Polynesians at the end of the 1st or at the beginning of the 2nd millennium AD. e. migrated to the Tuamotu and Tubuai islands.
By the time Europeans appeared on the islands among the population of present-day French Polynesia, the most developed in socio-economic terms was the people who inhabited the island of Tahiti - an early class state arose there at the beginning of the 19th century.
The first island discovered by Europeans was Puka Puka in the Tuamotu archipelago (Magellan, 1521). The Marquesas Islands were discovered in 1595 by Mendanya, Tahiti - in 1606 by Pedro Fernandez de Quiros, Tubuai - in 1777 by James Cook, Gambier - in 1797 by Wilson.
In 1842, France took under its protectorate the island of Tahiti, the Society Islands, the Tuamotu archipelago, the Tubuai Islands and the Marquesas Islands.
Since 1880, the status of protectorates was abolished, colonial status was introduced. The power of the Pomare dynasty was destroyed.
In 1946, French Polynesia became a French overseas territory. All natives of the islands became citizens of France.
Since 2004 - received the status of an overseas community.
Many islands of French Polynesia have second, Russian, names: Rurik, Lazarev, Kruzenshtern, Raevsky and others. The Tuamotu archipelago itself has a second name - the Russian Islands. These islands were discovered and described by Russian navigators - F.F. Bellingshausen, M.P. Lazarev, O.E. Kotzebue.
Rites in French Polynesia are unusually beautiful. One of the most beautiful rituals is the wedding ceremony. The groom arrives in a canoe, and the bride meets him on the shore. Musical instruments are playing, the shore is decorated with flowers. Then the bride and groom are wrapped in a wedding towel, and palm leaves are given out as a marriage certificate. After the celebration in honor of the newlyweds, they sit in a canoe and sail away to a neighboring island.
The culture of French Polynesia has largely lost its identity. The most Europeanized island is Tahiti, especially the capital Papeete. The houses in this city are predominantly of European style, the clothes of the townspeople are also of European type.
The tradition in the construction of dwellings on the Tuamotu archipelago and other islands on the periphery of French Polynesia has been preserved more - there you can still find huts, the walls and roofs of which are made of palm leaves. However, traditional clothes are no longer worn there.
Traditions are more firmly held in the ways of cooking. In particular, the natives still eat raw fish and shrimp (however, they are pre-soaked in lemon juice). Roast meat is still stewed by many islanders in earthen ovens, where hot stones create heat.
It is worth taking shoes with reliable soles to the islands: many reef areas have enough sharp pebbles, and spiny marine animals live in the coastal zone. It is better to enter the water in plastic slippers - in order to avoid cuts and burns on corals. There are no poisonous animals and insects on the islands.
French Polynesia is a very expensive country. There are no taxes on personal income, but indirect taxes and duties are high, and most items and foodstuffs are imported from nearby countries, the closest of which are more than one and a half to two thousand kilometers away. Many goods and services cost 2 times more than, for example, in Australia or 3 times more than in the nearby Cook Islands.
A characteristic feature that determines the level of prices in a particular institution is the designation of its category with dollar signs - an expensive restaurant is indicated by the inscriptions "$$$$", and an inexpensive budget one - "$".
The system of measures and weights is metric.
Tap water in hotels and restaurants is safe to drink.
Although tap water is chlorinated, all water should be considered potentially unfit for consumption, especially during the first days of your stay on the islands. All water used for drinking, brushing teeth, or making ice should be boiled first. Milk and dairy products are usually pasteurized and are safe to consume. Meat, seafood and fish are considered safe, but it is still recommended to consume them only after preliminary heat treatment, preferably hot. Vegetables should be thoroughly washed and pre-treated, and fruits should be peeled.
Most of the islands do not have any dangerous animals. Mosquitoes and sand flies are found on some atolls, but their bites are relatively harmless. Several species of sharks live in the lagoons, as well as rays, moray eels, barracudas, sea urchins and other relatively dangerous animals. On the outside of the reefs, the fauna is more aggressive, but for the entire 20th century, not a single case of shark attacks on people was recorded in French Polynesia.
Since the climate is very hot and solar radiation is aggressive, it is necessary to take certain measures against solar radiation, heat damage and dehydration.
The atolls of Mururoa and Fangataufa have been testing nuclear weapons for nearly 40 years. The French government recommends against visiting these areas. However, ships simply do not go to those areas, and it will be difficult to rent a plane.
How to get there
There is no direct air service between Russia and French Polynesia.
The most popular, shortest and also visa-free option (but more expensive than flights of other airlines) is the Moscow-Tokyo flight of Aeroflot or JAL airlines plus a connecting flight of Air Tahiti Nui Tokyo-Tahiti with an overnight stay in Tokyo. A Japanese visa is not required if you stay in the country for up to 72 hours.
Less popular (due to the need to obtain an American visa), but a relatively inexpensive flight by Air France airline Moscow - Paris - Los Angeles - Tahiti (Papeete). On the way back, there will be a stopover of at least one night in Paris (it is inevitable when flying with Air France, if you wish, you can extend your stay in Paris), so you will also need a French transit visa. Flight time - more than a day.
Flight Moscow - New York by Delta Airlines + connecting flight Air Tahiti Nui New York - Tahiti: an American visa is also required. Duration: 24-26 hours excluding connection times.
Also, French Polynesia can be reached via Australia (Sydney) with Air Tahiti Nui or New Zealand (Auckland) with Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui.
Welcome to the best Oceania travel blog.
Oceania is a million islands scattered in the South Pacific Ocean between Australia and South America, and the most rarely visited part of the world by tourists, so the editors of our site have traveled for you the most distant archipelagos and brought photos and stories (almost guides!) About the most powerful tics and most sacred marae.
Oceania is divided into three regions: Micronesia (in the northwest; exactly here - and), Melanesia (in the west; here - Papua, and) and Polynesia (in the east and south; here, for example, and are located). The division is not based directly on geography, climate, or geology, but ethnographic - the boundaries of parts run along the boundaries of races, peoples and language groups.
This is a catalog page and a guide page: here is a complete list of the states of Oceania (large ones are divided into archipelagos), and then links to stories about the islands:
Polynesia
Hawaii, USA
Cook Islands
New Zealand
Pitcairn Island
Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
Samoa
Tonga
Tuvalu
Wallis and Futuna
French polynesia
Usually no one knows what French Polynesia is and where it is, but in fact everything is simple: French Polynesia is a grandiose island country the size of Western Europe, a French overseas territory in the South Pacific Ocean, consists of about 6 (six) archipelagos scattered across the Pacific Ocean . From the westernmost archipelago of the Society (where the capital island of Tahiti is) to the easternmost archipelago of Gambier - 4 hours of flight on a turboprop aircraft.
Society Islands
marquesas islands
Tuamotu Islands
Rapa Iti Island
micronesia
Guam, USA
Kiribati
Marshall Islands
Federated States of Micronesia
State in the Caroline Islands, shares them with Palau. Not to be confused with the geographic region of Micronesia. F.S.M., in the manner of S.S.A., has 4 states: Yap, Koshrai, Pohnpei and Truk/Chuuk. Islands F.Sh.M. are connected only by a common colonial past, first under Spain, then Germany, Japan and the United States (from which they en masse gained independence and became, in fact, the Federated States of Micronesia).
Yap Island
Truk Island (Chuuk)
The most dangerous place in Oceania: the local people, when they drink in the evening, are very unkind. But, at the same time, this is the coolest place for diving in all of Oceania: at the bottom of a crystal-clear lagoon on white sand, ships and planes sunk in World War II lie.
French Polynesia is located in the South Pacific. Its maritime borders intersect with the Republic of Kiribati, the Cook Islands and the Pitcairn Islands, an overseas territory of Great Britain. This exotic archipelago is widely known on the tourist map of the planet. It is famous as a great place for a luxurious vacation, where every year thousands of travel fans from all over the world come to soak up the soft rays of the sun.
Peculiarities
French Polynesia, which is very popular among Russian travelers today, includes 118 islands of various sizes and shapes. In terms of the type of recreation, its specifics, appearance, price parameters and level of service, a large-scale resort can be compared with the Maldives, which adorn the expanse of the Indian Ocean. The overseas community of France territorially occupies half of the Pacific region of Polynesia. It is divided into several groups of islands, only a part of which has a permanent population, which is also interesting for French Polynesia.
Hotels here are presented for tourists with different levels of income. The legal and legislative system is in accordance with the French constitution. At the same time, the main economic spheres of activity here are tourism, fishing and agriculture, in some places dairy and meat animal husbandry is also developed.
The influence of civilization was reflected in the traditions and original culture of the islanders. In some areas, even today you can find huts that are woven from palm leaves and tree branches. Local residents in this place observe the laws of their ancestors, who live without the slightest regard for the development of the surrounding world.
It is interesting that here the industrial sector is represented by the processing of cultivated vegetable and fruit crops, as well as the production of souvenirs. Of great importance for the development of the community is material support from France. The population is dominated by Chinese, Polynesians, a small proportion of Franco-Polynesian mestizos and Europeans. Christianity is the main religion here.
French Polynesia on the world map
The islands of this region are of coral and volcanic origin. The highest point is the peak of Orohen, which rises almost 2240 meters above the Pacific surface. The windward slopes are teeming with verdant dense forests, which are combined with banana and coconut-banana plantations. At the same time, herbaceous vegetation mainly predominates on the leeward slopes.
In this place, the animal world is not diverse. It is represented mainly only by insects, birds and lizards. The expanses of coastal waters are filled with much richer and brighter colors, where amazing marine individuals live, which arouse admiration among divers. The main advantage is the complete absence of poisonous individuals on land, and the ecology that allows you to drink tap water.
general information
An area of \u200b\u200babout 4000 km² is occupied by French Polynesia. Vacation prices here are quite high - a weekly tour costs at least 50,000 rubles. The population is almost 290,000 people. French is the official language here, although the locals also communicate with each other in Polynesian dialects. In well-known tourist centers and resorts, English is very common. The national currency is the French Pacific franc. Time from Moscow is 12 hours behind in summer, and 13 in winter.
Excursion into history
Polynesian settlements began to appear on the lands of the archipelago at the very beginning of our era. In the first half of the 16th century, the islands were discovered by the famous navigator Fernando Magellan, who discovered the Tuamotu island group. France in 1842 declared the main part of this region to be its protectorate, including the Community Islands with the Marquesas Islands, Tahiti, the Tubuai and Tuamotu island groups. Polynesia French in 1946 became known as an overseas territory of the country, and after 58 years it was recognized by the community.
Climate
A predominantly trade-wind tropical climate prevails here. In the north, subequatorial prevails, in the south - humid subtropical. During the rains (November - May) the heat stays around +30˚C, accompanied by high humidity. At the same time, severe storms and tropical hurricanes are not uncommon. In summer and early autumn, it is more sunny, while the heat drops to 10˚C, therefore, this period is the most favorable time to visit the islands.
Customs regulations and visa
To experience absolutely all the pleasures of being on one of the most colorful and vibrant archipelagos of the Pacific Ocean, you need a visa. It can be issued at any French embassy, saying that you want to get to the overseas territories of the country. A simple Schengen visa is not suitable here. French Polynesia is a territory whose customs regulations comply with the norms and requirements of French legislation.
How to get there?
Unfortunately, there are no flights from the CIS and Russia to the territory of this community. Therefore, travelers who are interested in French Polynesia have to make long flights with transfers in different cities of the world. The most common options are flights with connections in Los Angeles and Paris, in addition, routes from New York to Tahiti airport are common. Travel time can sometimes take up to two days.
Transport
Air communication between the islands is well established. It connects about 30 land areas. The bus acts as an overland public transport, but only where there are paved roads. There is a ferry service between the nearest islands, in addition, you can always rent a boat or boat. The same applies to movement by land: instead of various floating facilities, bicycles and cars are rented.
Resorts and cities
The archipelagos of Polynesia bear the following names: Gambier, Societies, Australi (Austral), Tuamotu and Marquises.
The Society's archipelago has traces of volcanic origin. It looks the same: brownish-grayish outlines of the peaks of extinct volcanoes, overgrown with lush vegetation in the lower part. In addition, lush bush thickets are its usual appearance.
Tall mountains of palm trees rise above the rainforests, together with the low green part, they form the basis of the border that forms the crown. In its center is a lagoon of amazing beauty. The royal "crown" consists of the following islands of French Polynesia: Tahiti, Bora Bora, Juanhine and Moorea.
Tahiti is the main island of the archipelago. Here is the city of Papete, which is visited by many tourists who are interested in French Polynesia. The airport, the most beautiful skyscrapers, the mass of comfortable villas and luxury hotels, many museums, several temples in the mountains and the city hall of stunning architecture are the main "civilized" attractions of this island.
From the "uncivilized" - the peak of the Orokhen volcano, the lake in its crater, gorges, a magnificent valley. And we add that one cape of the island is a point at which captains Blythe, Bougainville and Cook moored more than once about 300 years ago. So the idea of the place will be formed.
Two more islands of dazzling beauty: Moorea, resembling a heart in shape, as well as Bora Bora (French Polynesia) - the pearls of these places. They are bright, clean, have excellent beaches of loose white sand with bizarre corals scattered over the warm surface of their waters.
The lagoons of the islands with the amazing beauty of the coastline are a rare, unforgettable sight. In this place you can admire the views of the underwater world, feed the tame sharks, watch the huge leopard stingrays.
French Polynesia is divided into five administrative divisions, which include the Leeward and Windward Islands, the Tubuai group of islands, the Marquesas Islands, and the Tuamotu-Gambier archipelago. At the same time, Mekhetia, Maiao, Tetiaroa, Tahiti and Moorea belong to the Windward Islands, and Manuae, Bora Bora, Maupiti, Manupihaa, Raiatea, Motu One, Huahine, Tupai and Tahaa belong to the Leeward Islands.
Each of the divisions has its own administrative center, while the capital of the entire community is the city of Papeete, located on the island of Tahiti. It is the main transport hub and seaport of French Polynesia. 26,000 people live here. In addition, it is one of the main tourist meccas of this community, with a scattering of natural and architectural attractions.
Among the resorts, one can single out the islands of Bora Bora and Tahiti, famous for their service, luxurious conditions for recreation, fabulous landscapes, as well as amazing diving. The Tuamotu archipelago and the Marquesas Islands are very popular among wealthy tourists, in which many atolls are named after researchers from Russia, scientists and the military.
In addition to deep-sea diving and sunbathing, people come here to go fishing, take a trip to the Pacific Ocean, go in for water sports or swim in the clearest clear water far from civilization. Today, it has become very popular among young wealthy couples to celebrate their wedding here. There are surprisingly many options for spending time on the islands, and each of them will give a huge amount of pleasant experiences.
Resting here is an opportunity to know exactly what paradise is. The proximity of water, the beauty of island landscapes, the complete absence of fuss and noise and a wonderful friendly atmosphere make it possible to fully enjoy the unity with nature, listening without interruption to the singing of exotic birds that stroll serenely along the sandy coast washed by the clear waters of the ocean.
Kitchen
It is worth noting that local eateries, cafes and restaurants serve different dishes: both masterpieces of French cuisine and delights from other countries. There is almost everything here, from exotic fish to simple french fries, therefore, no one is destined to die of hunger or a lack of desired delicacies. An extremely rich selection of rare fruits and national drinks, as well as wines. Thanks to all this, French Polynesia is popular.
The hotels here are very diverse. In some elite establishments, the meal process is accompanied by dances performed by representatives of the local dance school.
Purchases
On the counters of souvenir shops and shops in the resorts and islands of French Polynesia, you can often see mother-of-pearl, shell jewelry and other handicrafts. In addition, famous French wines, fruit liqueurs, various valuable figurines and key rings, pearls, souvenirs that are related to the features of a particular resort are popular.
Polynesia. Traditional wedding dance. POLYNESIA, one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. It stretches from north to south from the Hawaiian Islands to New Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia). Square … Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary
The general name of the islands in the center, the Pacific Ocean: Hawaiian, Cook, Line, Marquesas, Society, Easter, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuamotu, Tubuai, Tuvalu, Wallis, Fu tuna and ... Geographic Encyclopedia
- "multi-island", otherwise called. Oceania, the islands of the Great Ocean, lying to the north and east of Australia. A complete dictionary of foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language. Popov M., 1907. POLYNESIA (Greek, from polys many, and nesos ... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language
French (Polynesie Francaise) possession (since the 19th century) of France (in 1885-1958 it was called the French possessions in Oceania, in 1958 it received the status of an overseas territory of France) in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, in Polynesia. Includes islands: Societies (in… …
One of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific. It stretches from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to Nov. Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia) in the south. Area (excluding New Zealand) approx. 26 thousand km². The main groups ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
I is one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. It stretches from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to New Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia) in the south. The area (without New Zealand) is about 26 thousand km2. ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary
Exist., number of synonyms: 1 australia (8) ASIS synonym dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013 ... Synonym dictionary
POLYNESIA- (French). The territory is 4.2 thousand square kilometers, the population is 150 thousand people. The basis of the economy is agriculture, fishing and the extraction of mother-of-pearl shells and pearls. The number of sheep is 3 thousand ... World sheep breeding
I Polynesia (from Poly... and Greek. nesos island) islands of Oceania (See Oceania), located in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, between 23 ° 30 N. sh. 28°S sh. and 176° E. 109°20 W d.p. includes: the islands of Tonga (an independent state with ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
POLYNESIA- French Polynesia (French Polynesia) The official name of the Territory of French Polynesia (French Territoire de la Polynésie Française, English Territory of French Polynesia, hidden Pōrīnetia farāni). Located in the extreme east of Oceania. ... ... Encyclopedia of the countries of the world
Books
- Board game "Polynesia" (8783) , Knizia Rainer. Where the sun always shines, the endless ocean roars, and the houses stand right on the water, cheerful Polynesians live. They are not only skilled hunters and artisans, but also nimble traders. You -…
- In the South Seas, Stevenson Robert Lewis. Genuine, not fictitious adventures of the best of the authors of English historical-adventure prose. Exotic Polynesia - through the eyes of the great Robert Louis Stevenson, who made…
