Kia Orana (Cook Island Maori)

Once when Lee called us on our magicjack phone, he said that he never spoke to anyone in the future before.  It was like that making plans for this trip.  The flight was for Sunday July 15, and we had to book the first night accommodation for Saturday July 14.  We had two Sundays and will skip Friday.  If we could make the plans over, we would pick a different resort, and would have changed the days a bit.  We miss market day, and missed going to church where the singing is reported to be amazing.   Since we had just arrived, we chose to go to an orientation scheduled at the same time, but it never happened (island time). 

Getting ready for our winter holiday was relatively relaxed (for a change).  No stress; no airport stress.  Before we left, we walked the dogs in drizzle in PN.  It was raining in Auckland.  (I wasn’t fast enough for a cool scenic landing picture).  It was dark and POURING when we arrived in Rarotonga. I decided that the impressive beautiful scenic photos taken for tourist travel promotional brochures (all those mountain and water scenes, and scenes of sporting activities) are all taken on the 1 or 2 days out of the year that it isn’t raining.  Those poor photographers must really have to hustle. 

Sunday:  When you’ve stayed at the Grand Wailea, the Edgewater Resort takes a little getting used to.  We did get a flower lei at the airport; but at the resort, we were greeted by a water bug in the closet, and ants in the bathroom.  There is no concierge (for those in the know).  The staff is not only not helpful, but they don’t even have correct information about what is happening across the walkway in their own resort.  I move the rating from 3.5 stars to -2.  We did get to do some snorkeling, although the water was cold and the skies gray.  The lagoon just outside the resort is great, with coral and lots of fish.  We saw a humahumanukunukuapau'a and lots of other beauties.

Monday:  The sun came out :).  Amazing what a difference sun makes to a mood.  We hired push bikes (aka renting bicycles), and cycled around the island (circumference of main road is 32km).  Most people rent motor scooters.  After so many months, it felt great to be on a bike.  It felt great to be doing something more physical again!  There are a lot of stray dogs and loose chickens, and an occasional goat or pig (didn’t see any sheep).  Most of what I saw gave me the impression of being in a third world country.  Reminded me a little of how I felt when I saw the townships in Africa (but with less population density).  We visited the museum/library and learned more history about the Islands.  When I asked what was on display inside the museum, the answer was “heaps”.  I did enjoy learning about each island.  I made the Mutiny on the Bounty connection.  Our route included a lot of Oceanside riding which felt like Santa Monica without crowds.  We went up hospital hill; had to walk since we couldn’t use the gears on the bike.  Had a lovely dinner. 

Tuesday:  tourist day; enjoyed a lagoon cruise; check out the pictures:

https://picasaweb.google.com/115133267095590644390/LagoonCruise?authuser=0&feat=directlink

 

Ate umukai on a motu (barbecued food for lunch on an island).  Learned a lot about coconuts, and ended with a crab race.

Watched a cultural show in the evening.  Sorry the pics are so bad:  https://picasaweb.google.com/115133267095590644390/IslandNight?authuser=0&feat=directlink

There are two bus routes on Rarotonga, clockwise and anticlockwise;

and there actually IS one nice thing about our accommodation.  We have a lovely view overlooking the water, and enjoy the sounds of the waves and watching the palm trees.  We met a couple complaining about this place, and their room overlooks the rubbish.

Wednesday:  Felt good to do something physical again.  We did the cross- island mountain walk with a man named Pa.  Skip the tourist day pictures, but definitely look at Pa with his dreadlocks, and catch Rich’s muddy legs:  https://picasaweb.google.com/115133267095590644390/PaSCrossIslandWalk?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Thursday:  check out the pictures to see holiday highlights

https://picasaweb.google.com/115133267095590644390/Rarotonga?authuser=0&feat=directlink     lunch pics from Tues are at Trader Jacks where All Black player Zac Guildford made the news.

Raro grew on us and we got used to the relaxed island life, or we just didn't want to go back to the cold.  I liked the chance to wear my summer clothes, if only for a few days.   Don't ever let a travel agent talk you into an international flight that leaves at 2:55 AM; and wash your boots before returning to NZ or you'll get held up at customs.

Mt Ngauruhoe

Mt Ruapehu

View flying into PN from Auckland today.







misc:
wag school - skip school
child was off food for a couple days - decreased appetite
"I've never been so crook"
airplane carry on goes in the overhead lockers
my car had its W.O.F. this month - warranty of fitness
MAF anxious not to import didymo
Trade Me popular -  instead of eBay
I was told by a Kiwi that there are no more pure NZ Maori (last one died in the '60s)
The dogs had a great time at Camp Cosycats with Aunty Kelly.