As I prepare to leave the Cook Islands (and hope to return again someday and say Kia Orani again), here are some more images. Talk to you in Auckland (where I lose a day, leaving Thursday afternoon and arriving Friday evening as I pass over the international dateline).
For my last full day on Rarotonga, I thought I would venture into the main part of town where most of the shopping and restaurants are. Trust me when I say if you ever come to the Cook Islands, this would probably not be your highlight of the trip.
Cook Islands is known for its black pearls and there are quite a few that sell them. They range in pricing depending on the quality, from the most expensive being about $500 each to the bottom of the barrel deformed pearls that go for about $20-30 each. Suffice it to say, the cheap ones do not resemble what you think of pearls in any way, shape, or form. Other than that, lots of crap. So I started the excursion with a…
For the evening, I had booked “Island Night” with several other guests at the Aroa.
It’s a dinner with native dishes, cultural information, dances and music. It was really fascinating learning about the culture prior to the “discovery” by Captain Cook and the changes brought about by the missionaries, and eventually tourism. I highly recommend this if you ever come here as they really put on an excellent show.
This morning I got up earlier (fortunately, the alarm clock on my new phone works because I need a manual to figure out the alarm clock in the room) as I had booked a 4×4 tour of the island. Good day to stay off the beach as sunburn had set in on my back and shoulders (I know how you all feel so sorry for me!)
The all-terrain vehicle picked me and another guest up at the hotel around 8:45 for what would be a half day tour of Rarotonga – around the perimeter and up through center of the island – followed by lunch.
The first stop was the only waterfall on the island.
Aside from the historical aspects of the tour, the 4×4 was definitely needed as we traversed some of the bumpiest, ditch-laden roads that you literally bounced in and out of your seat. I haven’t been on a road this bumpy since my street in North Hollywood (and those of you who have driven on my street know exactly what I’m talking about). Here are some of the highlights:
Agriculture used to be the prime source of revenue for the Cook Islands. Now it is tourism. But the local fruits are in abundance as is beautiful flora.
Down by one of the lagoons:
First, I will try to upload pictures as soon as possible. Internet here is so freaking expensive – $NZD15 for only 50MB. Yes, by the MB! I used that in, like, a half hour.
That aside, this place is amazing! I was upgraded so I just look outside and see the beach and the ocean. As I type this, the water is only feet away from me.
My flight arrive around 6:10AM and everyone had smiles on their faces. Even the passport control people. I mean, passport control?! Have you ever seen any of those people smile in any country? Live music and leis with real flowers awaited our plane’s arrival.
I got to the Aroa Beachside and was immediately taken to my cottage. Unless you are used to the lap of luxury, I couldn’t recommend a place more. Breakfast was already being served on the outdoor bar area on the beach. The freshest fruit ever! Everyone here already knew my name before I even got here. It’s more of a family atmosphere with the staff rather than a hotel feel where you are forgotten the minute you leave. There were some returnees who immediately got hugs from the staff. The bar area is a great hangout to meet and chat with all the guests. Did I mention how friendly people are?
After checking in with work, I made today an easy beach day. The water is crystal clear and calm as the breakfront holding back waves was pretty far out. Snorkling gear is included, so I was able to see lots of different marine life. Of course, not being on a beach for a long time left my a bit sunburnt despite my best efforts to use sunscreen. The evening included a welcome drink at the bar and more good conversation. All in all, couldn’t ask for a better start to this.
Again, pictures to come (have to make them a small upload size so I don’t have to keep buying access cards).
Arrived in the Cook Islands around 6AM local time (same time zone as Hawaii). Just got online. This place is paradise. More later, with pictures.
Heading to the airport in about 40 minutes. Catch you all in the South Pacific!
Exactly one week from now I will be sitting on the plane about 15 minutes from takeoff to the Cook Islands. Can’t believe it’s almost here!
The State Department today issued a travel alert for European travel. This is one step below a travel warning meaning travelers are urged to be cautious when in areas where there are large public gatherings. I won’t be in Europe until the end of November when I land in Athens. I only plan a couple of days in Athens and then hope to island hop. That leaves Spain in December. The sad fact it that there are dangers everywhere. And that includes living in any big city, such as LA.
I’m now booked for accommodations through Hong Kong. The plan for Thailand is the first three nights in Bangkok, then the overnight train to Chiang Mai. Then, two nights in Chiang Mai and a flight back to Bangkok for the last night. I rented another apartment in Hong Kong through Airbnb.com. So all that’s left is figuring out the itineraries in Israel, Greece, and Spain and then all the accommodations will be done.
The Nomadic Writer 