Explore the world of the late 90s with this June 1997 issue of National Geographic, featuring a captivating cover story on French Polynesia. At a time of growing interest in exotic travel, this article beautifully captures the allure of the South Pacific's culture and landscapes. This edition also delves into the mystique of black pearls, the history of the U.S.S. Constitution ('Old Ironsides'), the complex relationship between humans and cats, and journeys to Okinawa and Central Africa.