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Published: January 2nd 2010
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The Great Cheeze Plant
So-called because of its holes in the leaves. The fruit tastes like pinapple Day 2 on Raratonga has been another different and memorable experience.
I was picked up this morning at by Linda and driven to the Highland Paradise. I had selected this option when booking my stay on Raratonga for the simple reason that it was being offered at an unbelievable price of $1. To be honest, I had no idea what the trip was going to entail, but for that price, it didn’t seem to matter.
We drove up into the hills to a traditional looking wooden building without any walls. There, we were introduced to Tutu, the daughter of a third level clan chief. Tutu’s father had started a project to restore the ancient settlement of his people, and since his passing, Tutu has continued with this work.
Together with 2 Norwegians and a Germans, I was treated to a guided tour around the project with a fascinating commentary about the history of the Raratongan Maori, the plant life in the area, and the significance of stones. According to Tutu, her ancestors first arrived from Samoa and Tahiti over 1000 years ago, and split into 2 clans, each taking part of the island as their territory. Disputes in
Tutu at the Sacrifice Stone
... and they lay the victim on this stone with the head over the sharp edge.... the Eastern clan lead to a further split, so Tutu’s family ended up making the South West island their home. The three groups operated in six sections, each trying to defend and manage their own territory, but in fact, spending a fair amount of time raiding their enemies and fighting to keep what they had.
A number of rocks at Highland Paradise had a significant function. The Compass Rock was used to reach navigators of the giant twin hulled canoes how to use the stars to reach New Zealand. The meeting place, known as a Marae, was a stone paved stepped area used for ceremonies. The Chief’s Rock was located higher up the hill (for defensive purposes), and this is where the chief would sit and govern. Finally, the Sacrificial Stone was used to give the victim the appropriate send-off before the body was baked in the umu (oven), and eaten by the senior members of the clan. It turns out, these nice friendly smiling Raratongans were once cannibals, although they only ate to boost their own skills or abilities, and in reality, probably preferred chicken if a choice was available.
The trip was ended off with a
Banana tree
There are banana trees all over the island - the leaves are huge chicken lunch that also included custard apple juice and deep fried Taro root. It was all rather good.
After lunch, I decided to hire a moped so that I could explore off the beaten track. Tutu took me to her brother’s place (he hires out bikes and cars) then I had to follow Tutu’s car to the police station to get a 1-year Cook Islands moped licence. This involved doing a quick practical test, paying $25, and having my photo taken. Within an hour I was legal, and quite impressed with the way the Cook Islands police obviously take road safety so seriously. I had to smile later though when I found out that helmets are not required for motorbikes, and neither are seat belts required in cars. The maximum speed limit on the island is 50 km/h (just over 30mph) so maybe the only rule to follow is the one that says don’t worry.
At the end of the day, I’d been all round the island on my ‘bike’, and stopped in at a general store to get some supplies. Next to the postcards and tourist brochures, there was a rack of colourful T-shirts, and one made
Biker Keith
I am now the proud holder of a Cook Island moped licence. me smile as it had been printed with the words “Send More Tourists” (the last lot were delicious!
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boss
non-member comment
you look hotter with helmet on!