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Well we're on the Cook Islands, safe and sound in our accommodation (Rau's Gueshouse), which is amazing - we basically have a beach house all to ourselves and we look straight out to the white beach and the crystal clear waters.
Getting here was a strange experience... we ended up going back in time, as we set off on the 30th May and arrived on the 29th May! Joanna wanted to bring a newspaper from Auckland so everyone could see into the future! Instead we just brought a big cool bag full of food staples, as most things on the islands are shipped in from New Zealand. When we went round the main supermarket we weren't prepared for the prices on offer - five pounds for a litre of fresh milk! Wine was actually cheaper than milk! We can't afford either so had to settle for a box of UHT. Our diet for the next week will basically consist of tinned foods and pasta, supplimented by local fruit and vegetables, particularly the free paw-paws that fall from the trees outside! The price you pay for paradise, we guess.
The beaches are amazing! We've snorkled and kayacked out to
Coconut tree
Joanna under the shade of a coconut tree. This beach was great for spotting tropical fish!the reefs to see all the amazing tropical fish, the coral and the sea cucumbers! It's the most beautiful island of our travels, without a doubt and we've made so many great friends here.
Yesterday Atua, the owner of the guesthouse and passionate Cook Islander, took us on a tour of Rarotonga. Riding on the back of his pickup truck we rode to the island's biggest waterfall, through the 'Lost-esque' jungle, for a swim in the clear waters. Atua, showing off, climbed the rock face behind the waterfall for an improptue shower before diving into the rockpool below! Jumping back on the pickup we were shuttled off to sample the local specialty 'Noni' - a fruit based drink, black in colour and thick in texture and we can safely say it tasted absolutely foul! Apparently, according to Atua, one of the side effects is similar to taking viagra, although we're not sure if he was being serious or not! Our last stop on Atua's tour was Muri Lagoon, a beach on the east of Rarotonga, which has several small 'Motu' sand islands you can take a boat out to, but as Atua showed us, it's just as easy to
Wading out to the Motu
You can take a boat tour out to the small lagoon islands known as Motus, but we just swam across! swim out to them.
Last night we went for meal with all the people from the guesthouse, had a few drinks and saw the cultural dancing in the main town. When we got back we all went for a midnight swim, as it is the last night we would all be together (well, that and we were all pretty drunk) and the stars were amazing - we swam in the warm sea under the star light, watching for shooting stars. It was a great moment and we're pretty sure it will be one of those memories that stands out from the whole trip. It'll definitely be sad to leave this place, we've met such a great group and that doesn't happen as often as you'd think... we love the Cook Islands!
Anyway, we better be going, we are flying to San Francisco tomorrow and although we don't want to leave, we are excited about the United States (if we can get through immergration!). Speak to you soon!
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wendy
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green!
Yes,green with envy,the beaches look amazing and although it is sunny here I bet the temperature is not the same! Having trouble getting on to hotmail at the mo so using this to let you know that Sunderland whopped Luton 5-0 this afternoon so go up as champions!!! Mac and Dad are beside themselves! One more day of rest (Bank Hol Monday) then to work all week - will be thinking of you two.Hope you got the message about me putting money into bank - should help the finances. Fish coming home later today. Time for a cuppa. lots of love ,Mum