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Published: June 18th 2006
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Auckland wharf
A section of the wharf containing cafes, bars etc. Day 20: Auckland-Rarotonga
We were able to wake late and have a lazy half-day in Auckland after a long day’s travel yesterday, and with another long one today. The morning was taken up with the logistical task of repacking our case and bags, with everything we need for a Pacific island replacing kilograms of thermal fleeces and bulky knits, which we left with the hotel to be picked up on our return. We had brunch down on Auckland harbour, then set out for the airport in plenty of time.
So we thought.
Auckland must have one of the most confusing sets of street and freeway signage in the world. We took wrong turns on three separate occasions. The worst was caused by the fact that there is a minor airport on the way to the major one, and the freeway signs use the little aeroplane symbol (that you see in every major city) for both, without telling you which one it is. So the first time we see the little aeroplane symbol, we confidently take the exit and find ourselves en route to the equivalent of Moorabbin. Anyway, we weren’t late to a panicky degree, just a bit
Beach, Rarotonga (1)
Afternoon, near resort frustrated.
The plane to Rarotonga seemed to be populated with several separate parties of 20- and 30-somethings either heading home (the Cook Is. cricket team) or off for a good time, starting right away (loud tour groups, one of which, ominously, was headed for this resort). Entertaining enough, for a relatively short hop.
We arrived here at about 11pm and 25 degrees, and settled in without any real orientation to the place. Went to the beach for a walk, just to say we’d done it, then turned the air conditioning off, ceiling fan on and to sleep.
Day 21: Rarotonga
Today was orientation day - we didn’t venture far beyond the resort other than for a walk. Snorkelling in the lagoon this morning, lots of pretty fish, coral, etc., and I saw a big sleepy-looking (although it had one big golden eye open) octopus. There are reputedly two giant clams very close in, but we both made passes over the designated area without a sighting. More of that later.
NZ phones don’t work here, and the wireless internet “hot spot” is tepid at best. Neither of these is a big problem. Transport is interesting
Rarotonga
Evening, from our room - there-s a clockwise bus and an anticlockwise bus every hour, but the moped seems to be the vehicle of choice. You need a licence, though, so we have to go to the main town at the other end of the island (15 minutes clockwise, 40 anticlockwise) to get one. The people are wonderfully hospitable. And the resort obviously uses a bit of nous in placing people - our plane flight fellow travellers are at the “party people” end some distance away, whereas we are up the “quiet people who want to be left alone” end. Nicely done.
Beautiful beach, resort 1/3 full at most, classical sunset tonight, nearly finished my very good book. One thing remains in doubt: does the selection of Polynesian TV stations for which we have no programming info show the Australia-Brazil match on Sunday morning (that’s Monday morning, to you)? If it does, then life steps just about perfect.
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